Published on August 12, 2023
Reading Time: 5 min
University of Leeds Medical School Guide
Overview of the University of Leeds School of Medicine
The University of Leeds Medical School is in the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire. The School of Medicine forms part of the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health. This consists of institutes across West Yorkshire, including the Worsley Building, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ Campus, and Chapel Allerton Hospital.
The University of Leeds offers a five-year undergraduate medicine course, as well as a six-year Gateway Year to Medicine course. Details of the degree are below, including information about academic requirements, entrance exam requirements, interview process, and more.
Academic Requirements for Medicine at University of Leeds
Academic Requirements for Medicine at Leeds
| A Levels | AAA. Must have either Chemistry or Biology. If Chemistry isn’t taken, must offer Physics or Maths. |
| Scottish Highers | AAAAB at higher level. Biology and Chemistry are required, in combination with Advanced Highers |
| Scottish Advanced | AB. Grade A in chemistry or Biology is necessary. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 3 Higher subjects at Grade H1 (must include Chemistry, Biology, and one other subject) |
| IB | 36 points. Three subjects at Higher level at grade 6 or higher (must include Chemistry or Biology, and two of Biology, Physics, or Maths). |
| Bachelor’s Degree (graduates only) | 2:1 Honours degree.No specific subject requirement.A-Level requirement: ABB including grade A in Chemistry or Biology. If Chemistry is not taken, then Physics or Maths must be at Grade B or above.GCSE requirement: 6 GCSEs at Grade B/5. Must include Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry or Dual Science. |
| GCSEs | 6 GCSEs at Grade B/5. Must include Chemistry and Biology (or Dual Science), English Language, and Maths. |
What UCAT Score is Needed for Leeds Medical School?
Leeds School of Medicine will use the UCAT for the first time in the 2023-2024 application cycle (2024 entry). Previously, University of Leeds Medical School required applicants to sit the BMAT.
There was no minimum BMAT cut-off score used. The candidates that scored in the top 20% in the BMAT received a score of 5/5, and the candidates that scored in the lowest 20% received a score of 1/5. This BMAT score was then combined with scores for academic performance in the interview selection process. BMAT scores made up 13% of the overall score.
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Life as a Student at Leeds Medical School
The University of Leeds Medical School offers an exceptional environment for studying medicine. The city of Leeds provides a comfortable and balanced lifestyle for students, offering diverse opportunities and entertainment.
Being part of the prestigious Russell Group, the medical curriculum is scientifically focused and research-oriented. Moreover, the Peer2Peer support system at Leeds fosters a supportive community among medical students, ensuring guidance through the challenges of medical school. Additionally, the high-quality teaching and friendly atmosphere make Leeds Medical School a welcoming home for students.
What’s Good about Leeds Medical School?
Pros of studying Medicine at University of Leeds:
- High-quality teaching: Leeds has a high standard of teaching and dedicated faculty members who provide comprehensive education and support.
- Clinical experience: University of Leeds has associations with renowned teaching hospitals, such as Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ University Hospital. This means ample opportunities for hands-on clinical experience and exposure to a diverse range of medical cases.
- Career prospects: Graduates from the University of Leeds Medical School are highly regarded in the medical field, with many going on to successful careers in various specialties.
- Research opportunities: Students have access to a range of research opportunities, allowing them to engage in medical research projects and contribute to advancements in the field.
Cons of Studying Medicine at University of Leeds:
There are drawbacks to each medical school. As such, Leeds has a couple of drawbacks too.
- Lecture style of teaching. Students have commented on the lectures being difficult to follow so you might feel on your own at times, encouraging a very independent style of learning. If you feel you work better being spoon-fed knowledge or being regularly checked up on, Leeds may not be for you!
- Using UCAT for the first time in 2023, so no previous data to compare to.
- Heavy workload: Like with any university, medicine is a demanding course of study with an intensive workload, requiring long hours of study, clinical rotations, and practical training.
Is Leeds a Good Medical School?
Medical School Ranking
The Complete University Guide 2022 ranks the University of Leeds Medical School as the 22nd best school to study medicine in the UK. On the other hand, Leeds was the 12th best school to study medicine in the UK in the Guardian University League Tables 2022. Leeds is also ranked in the top 100 universities in the QS World Rankings 2022.
When considering university rankings, it’s crucial to remember that they are subjective and can vary based on different criteria. Rankings can be a good factor to consider, but it’s essential to take a holistic approach and carefully assess which universities align best with your personal and academic needs.
How Many Places Are There for Home and International Students at Leeds Medical School?
Leeds Medical School offered a total of 257 places in the 2022 admissions cycle, when they received 2965 applications. 241 of these places went to home students and 16 places went to international applicants.
The University of Leeds Medical School Fees
For UK full-time undergraduate students, tuition fees at the University of Leeds Medical School are £9,250 per year of study.
International students at the University of Leeds Medical School have hefty tuition fees of approximately £35,250 each year.
The University of Leeds offers various scholarships, and non-repayable grants for eligible students.
Leeds Medical School Course Structure
| Year 1 | Students familiarise themselves with core professional themes and biomedical scientific principles crucial for clinical practice, including anatomy, radiology, physiology, clinical assessment, and pharmacology.Students develop communication skills with patients and fellow professionals through teaching and weekly clinical placements. |
| Year 2 | Students build on foundational knowledge, enhance their understanding of clinical conditions, and gain insight into clinical laboratory science, ethics, and law in healthcare. The curriculum covers anatomy of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.The year includes academic teaching sessions, lectures, and weekly clinical placements.Students learn research skills, investigating epidemiological data and considering evidence related to population health. |
| Year 3 | Students integrate their clinical skills and knowledge through five five-week clinical placements – these cover various areas: Medicine, Surgery, Elderly Medicine, Primary Care, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Radiology.Clinical and consultation skills training is given on campus and at partner hospitals. |
| Year 4 | Students delve deeper into understanding the genetic, social, and environmental factors influencing diseases and treatment.The curriculum covers topics such as anaesthetic and perioperative care, acute and critical care, women and children’s health, chronic illnesses, mental and physical disabilities, and palliative care – these are explored during five rotations of clinical placements, each lasting six weeks. |
| Year 5 | Students undergo the transition from medical student to doctor. They consolidate their learning from the entire course.Transition is facilitated by six four-week placements, which include Primary Care and musculoskeletal placements in rheumatology and orthopedics.Students also experience other key clinical areas, with flexibility in clinical specialties to cater to individual learning needs. |
Leeds Medical School Interview Process
The University of Leeds Medical School uses an MMI interview style with 7-8 stations and the whole process lasting for 50-70 minutes.
Leeds Medical School Interview Questions
Interview Topics for Leeds:
- Motivation to study medicine
- Self-evaluation and reflection
- The NHS and hot topics
- Leeds Medical School
- Medical ethics
- Role play
- Problem solving
The offer decision for every candidate invited for an interview will depend solely on interview performance – no consideration of previous academic achievements or other factors will happen at this stage.
Intercalation at Leeds Medical School
Students may intercalate – take another extra degree in one year – after year 2, 3, or 4 of the course. Intercalation offers an opportunity to expand knowledge and improve career prospects. As such, around half of all students on the course opt to intercalate. You may choose to intercalate at any university, which is definitely beneficial. Because of this option, many students choose to intercalate at a different university to experience life elsewhere for the year.
Elective at Leeds Medical School
During the period between the 4th and 5th year of the course, students have the opportunity to engage in a 6-week elective where they can gain broader clinical experience or pursue a specific project either in the UK or abroad. Many students use this as an opportunity to go abroad for 6 weeks and experience healthcare in another country, while pursuing clinical skills and research in an area of their choice and getting a nice holiday out of it!
