A guide to studying medicine at Edinburgh

Considering a medical degree? Edinburgh Medical School offers a distinct approach to training new doctors. Here's a quick overview to help you decide if this university suits you.

Getting in

Edinburgh is looking beyond your exam results. They want highly motivated applicants with varied life experiences.

• Academic entry—You'll need strong Highers, with a focus on Chemistry and another science. 
• UCAT—The UCAT is a key part of your application. While there's no fixed cut-off score, higher scores are a big plus. They're used alongside your academic record to decide if you'll be invited to interview.
• Interviews—If you're invited to an interview, it's a chance to showcase your communication skills. You can also highlight your teamwork and genuine passion for medicine.

Medicine for Healthcare Professionals programme (HCP-Med)

HCP-Med has widened access to medicine by enabling experienced healthcare professionals living and working in Scotland to study medicine.

Programme structure

Years 1 to 3 are part-time and you'll study mainly online while you continue in your current employment. You'll also have clinical attachments and 3 compulsory residentials in Edinburgh each year.

In years 4 and 5, you'll join the main undergraduate MBChB programme full-time in Edinburgh. You'll rotate through a number of different specialties during your clinical placements.

Ready to find out more?

The medical school recommends that you review the entry requirements for this programme to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying. All requirements must be satisfied for an application to be considered by the admissions team.

You can contact the admissions team at hcp-med@ed.ac.uk

Full details for the HCP-Med programme are available on the University of Edinburgh degree finder.

Teaching style and student support

Edinburgh Medical School's curriculum blends scientific discovery with clinical practice.

• Six-year programme—This means you'll blend clinical training with a dedicated research year. You won't just learn the basics. You'll dive deep into medical research.
• Widening participation—Edinburgh Medical School encourages applicants from all sorts of social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. They partner with schools where going to university isn't the usual next step. The university also supports students who'll be the very first in their families to pursue higher education.
• Hands-on from the start—You'll get early hands-on experience in patient care. This includes placements in leading teaching hospitals. You'll also access research in regenerative medicine and repair, stem cell science, and cancer.
• Heritage and innovation—A standout feature is the academic heritage combined with ongoing innovation. You'll learn where pioneers like James Young Simpson (anaesthesia) and Joseph Lister (antiseptic surgery) made history. The school is also associated with 13 Nobel Prize laureates.
• Student support—Students often mention the supportive atmosphere. There's a strong culture of peer-to-peer learning. The university provides great resources to help you succeed.

Edinburgh Medical School location

Address

Edinburgh Medical School
The University of Edinburgh
The Chancellor's Building
49 Little France Crescent
Edinburgh
EH16 4SB

Satnav: EH16 4SB

Visit Edinburgh Medical School website.