Scottish Community Orientated Medicine (ScotCOM)

What makes ScotCOM different?

Some medical degrees teach you in large teaching hospitals and add community placements around the edges. ScotCOM works the other way round, so primary care is the focus of the programme.

The programme trains doctors who are ready to tackle high-demand roles and meet the specific health needs of Scotland’s regional communities. That doesn’t narrow your options, as you’ll still rotate through hospital specialties in the later years. You’ll graduate ready to apply for any Foundation Programme post.

It suits people who want to understand how healthcare works where most of it happens. You’ll learn in GP surgeries and community teams, not just on hospital wards.

How the ScotCOM programme works

The university uses an integrated teaching model. It will help you connect your scientific knowledge with real patient care from the start of your medical education.

Early clinical placements

You'll develop essential medical skills through a balanced mix of:

• traditional lectures
• practical anatomy dissection sessions
• small group tutorials
• realistic hospital ward simulations

You'll also spend time on longitudinal placements within general practice clinics to learn exactly how local doctors support diverse community groups.

Comprehensive medical training

Although the focus of ScotCOM is on community general practice, you'll rotate through a wide range of hospital specialties during your senior years at medical school. This means you'll graduate fully prepared for progression to postgraduate medical training, starting with the foundation programme.

How to apply for ScotCOM

Applications follow standard university admissions timelines. This means you’ll need to complete the following steps before the official deadlines:

• Prepare your personal statement
• Sit your UCAT exam
• Complete your UCAS application

You must satisfy all entry requirements on time – remember the deadline for application is 15 October. The medical school admissions team won't consider incomplete or late applications.

What are the entry requirements for ScotCOM?

• 5 Highers at AAAAB in one sitting, including Chemistry and another science subject, such as Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
• If not held at Higher, National 5 at grade B in Biology or Human Biology, Mathematics and English.
• There is no direct entry from S5. You would normally study at least 3 subjects in S6 and be expected to achieve BBB in Advanced Highers or additional Highers.
• If you’re a graduate, a 2:1 or first class honours degree in a science subject, gained within the last 3 years. You’ll also need Higher Chemistry at grade B, and National 5 Biology, English and Mathematics at grade B, or equivalent qualifications.

Requirements change between admissions years. Always check the University of St Andrews website before you apply.

Read about ScotCOM in detail on the University of St Andrews website.

If you meet widening access criteria

St Andrews makes adjusted offers to applicants who are care-experienced, young carers, or from eligible postcodes and schools. The academic requirement is usually 5 Highers at AAABB, with BB expected in S6.

Check if you meet the criteria for an adjusted offer for the ScotCOM programme.

Ready to start planning?

Entry requirements for all 5 Scottish medical schools, the UCAT, work experience, your personal statement, interviews and key dates — all in one place.

Check out our guide to applying to medical school in Scotland.