Comprehensive Guide to UK Medical Schools in 2025
For students considering studying medicine abroad, UK medical schools are a top choice due to their outstanding teaching quality, advanced clinical training opportunities, and globally recognized degrees. From the University of Oxford to Imperial College London, UK medical schools offer rigorous training that helps students excel in the global healthcare field.
UK medical programs cover extensive theoretical knowledge while emphasizing practical experience. This education system helps students master clinical skills and develop professional medical expertise and critical thinking. Moreover, UK medical degrees are widely recognized, providing graduates with opportunities for further advancement, whether pursuing further studies or entering the international medical market.
UK Medical School Application Process
Applications to nearly all UK universities are submitted via UCAS, a unified platform for students from around the world, similar to Hong Kong’s JUPAS system. Most undergraduate applications close on January 31, but for Oxbridge and many medical, dental, and veterinary courses, deadlines are earlier, typically by October 16. Students aiming for medical programs should complete their applications as early as possible.
UK Medical Schools Rankings
Rankings | Names of University | Foundation | Recognized by Hong Kong (exemption from the professional examination) |
1 | University of Cambridge | ✓ | |
2 | University of Oxford | ✓ | |
3 | University of Glasgow | ✓ | |
4 | Imperial College London | ✓ | |
5 | University College London | ✓ | |
6 | University of Bristol | ✓ | |
7 | Queen’s University Belfast | ||
8 | The University of Edinburgh | ✓ | |
9 | University of Dundee | ||
10 | University of Leicester | ✓ | |
11 | Cardiff University | ✓ | |
12 | King’s College London | ✓ | |
13 | Lancaster University | ||
14 | University of St Andrews | ||
15 | University of Sheffield | ✓ | |
16 | Queen Mary University of London | ✓ | |
17 | Keele University | ✓ | |
18 | University of Aberdeen | ✓ | |
19 | University of Birmingham | ✓ | |
20 | University of Manchester | ✓ | |
21 | Hull York | ||
22 | University of Exeter | ||
23 | Newcastle University | ✓ | |
24 | University of East Anglia | ||
25 | University of Leeds | ✓ |
UK Medical Schools Academic Requirements
Top 30 UK Medical Schools | Foundation | |
Overall | HKDSE: 555 - 5*55（including Biology and Chemistry; some universities also require Mathematics） A-Level: AAA - A*AA | HKDSE: 223333 - 4443333 or Form 5 school results 50% - 70% A-Level: CCE - BBB |
English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 overall or above or HKDSE English: 5 or above | IELTS for UKVI: 6.0 or above |
UK Medical School Admissions Test: UCAT
To gain entry into medical schools in the UK, students must not only meet academic requirements but also pass the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). The UCAT is a computer-based test designed to assess a range of skills relevant to medical training and practice. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
About the UCAT
- Purpose: The UCAT evaluates cognitive abilities and situational judgment, which are crucial for medical practice. It tests verbal and numerical reasoning skills and assesses the applicant’s psychological qualities in specific situations.
- Application Period: UCAT registration opens in early June each year, and the test is conducted from July to October.
- Test Format: The UCAT is divided into five sections, each with a different focus. The entire test lasts for 2 hours, with 1-minute breaks between sections.
Verbal Reasoning | - 21 minutes - 11 reading passages with 44 multiple-choice questions. - Assesses the ability to understand and analyze written information. |
Decision Making | - 31 minutes - 29 multiple-choice questions. - Evaluates the ability to make reasoned decisions and judgments based on data. |
Quantitative Reasoning | - 25 minutes - 36 multiple-choice questions. - Tests the ability to interpret and analyze numerical data from tables, graphs, and charts. |
Abstract Reasoning | - 13 minutes - 55 multiple-choice questions based on 17 sets of patterns. - Assesses logical reasoning and the ability to identify patterns and relationships. |
Situation Judgement | - 26 minutes - 13 scenarios with 69 multiple-choice questions. - Measures the ability to understand and respond to various professional and ethical situations. |
Practice Medicine in Hong Kong: Guidelines for Graduates from UK Medical Schools
In the past, overseas medical graduates had to pass a licensing examination to practice medicine in Hong Kong. However, due to the current shortage of doctors in the public healthcare system, the Hong Kong government implemented the 2021 Medical Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, which took effect on October 29, 2021. Under this ordinance, non-local medical graduates with recognized qualifications (from the four batches of overseas institutions currently listed; detailed lists can be found on the Hong Kong Medical Council's website) may apply for a special registration pathway to work in public healthcare institutions (i.e., Hospital Authority, Department of Health, University of Hong Kong, and Chinese University of Hong Kong). After serving a specified period, obtaining recognized specialist qualifications, and passing evaluations, they can receive full registration to practice medicine in Hong Kong.
For non-local medical graduates who have recognized medical qualifications but have not yet completed internships outside of Hong Kong, they may take the Medical Council of Hong Kong's licensing examination if they meet the relevant conditions. By doing so, they can apply for the special registration pathway to practice in public healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and, after meeting all applicable conditions for special registration doctors, obtain full registration.
Overview of Medical Schools in the UK
The UK offers a wide range of medical schools, and aside from the most prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, many other universities also have highly regarded medical programs that consistently appear on students' top choices.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a public research university founded in 1900. It is one of the original "red brick" universities and a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and the Universitas 21 international network. In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, it is ranked 80th.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Personal Statement: A strong personal statement is crucial and accounts for 15% of the admission decision.
Academic Requirements:
A-Level: The standard academic requirement is A*AA, including Biology or Human Biology and Chemistry. Predicted grades must be at least AAA. Three A-Level subjects must be taken in the final year of secondary school. General Studies, Critical Thinking, and EPQ are not accepted as the third A-Level subject. Additionally, Further Mathematics is not considered beyond A-Level Mathematics.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 7.0, with no individual band below 7.0
- TOEFL: Overall 95, with no section below 23
- PTE: Minimum score of 67 in each of the four skills
- Cambridge English Exam: C1 Advanced with a minimum overall score of 185, with no section below 185
Admission Tests:
- UCAT: All applicants must take the UCAT in the application year. The university ranks applicants based on the total UCAT score across the four sub-tests, with the median score for international students typically around 3,000.
Interview:
- Demonstrating motivation for a medical career is crucial during the interview. This includes practical experience in clinical settings and awareness of recent medical issues, which enriches the applicant's understanding of the medical profession.
International Student Admission:
- The University of Birmingham Medical School offers a maximum of 28 international places each year. The interview rate for international students is about 22%, meaning one in five students invited for an interview is an international student. The success rate for international students is approximately 5.5%.
Tuition Fees:
- For the 2024/25 academic year, international students' tuition fees for the first year are £30,330. For more details, visit University of Birmingham Medicine Tuition Fees.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol, a founding member of the Russell Group and a prestigious red brick university, has a rich history, including having former Prime Minister Winston Churchill as its Chancellor. The university consists of six academic faculties and offers over 200 undergraduate programs. It is ranked 54th in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Personal Statement:
- A strong personal statement is required but accounts for only 2% of the admission decision.
Academic Requirements:
- A-Level: The standard academic requirement is AAA, including Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, Mathematics, or Further Mathematics. However, achieving A*AA is considered more competitive.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 7.5, with no individual band below 7.0
- GCSE English Language: Grade B or 6
Admission Tests:
- UCAT: All applicants must take the UCAT in the application year. For entry in 2023, the threshold score for an interview invitation was 2,910 points for domestic applicants and 2,960 points for international applicants. It is advised that students aim for at least 2,960 points to be considered for an interview.Notably, the University of Bristol places significant emphasis on UCAT scores, and therefore the weight given to personal statements and work experience is relatively lower.
Interview:
- Interviews for applicants occur between November and April. The interview rate for international students is about 15%, with a success rate for admission approximately 2.02%.
Tuition Fees:
- For the 2024/25 academic year, international students' tuition fees range from £29,300 to £42,800 for the first year. For more details, visit University of Bristol Tuition Fees.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, known for its exclusive focus on science, medicine, engineering, and business. It operates five teaching hospitals across London and is ranked second globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2025, making it one of the top institutions worldwide.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Personal Statement:
- A strong personal statement is required and accounts for 15% of the admission decision.
Academic Requirements:
- A-Level: The standard academic requirement is AAA, including Biology, Chemistry, and a third subject. Achieving AAA, with A in either Biology or Chemistry, is recommended for a more competitive application.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 7.0, with no individual band below 6.5
- TOEFL: Overall 100, with at least 22 in each skill
- PTE: Overall 69, with at least 62 in each skill
Admission Tests:
- Applicants who meet the academic thresholds will be ranked based on their UCAT scores. The university adjusts the thresholds each year based on overall applicant performance (i.e., it "curves" the scores). A score of around 3,000 in the UCAT is considered ideal for competitive consideration.
Interview:
- The interview rate for all applicants is approximately 25.44%, meaning one in four applicants will receive an interview invitation. The success rate for international students gaining admission is about 2.24%.
Tuition Fees:
- For the 2024/25 academic year, the tuition fees for international students are £53,700 for the first year. For further details, visit Imperial College London Tuition Fees.
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a public research university established in 1881. It is ranked 108th globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. The university excels in fields such as law, architecture, pharmacy, and engineering, and it is renowned for its high employment rates among graduates.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Personal Statement:
- A strong personal statement is crucial and accounts for 15% of the admission decision.
Academic Requirements:
- A-Level: The standard academic requirement is AAA. Although the university does not assess A-Level or AS-Level grades or require predicted A-Level grades in the selection process, meeting this standard is necessary.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 7.5, with no individual band below 7.0
- Cambridge English Exam: Overall minimum of 191, with no individual part below 185
Admission Tests:
- All applicants must take the UCAT in the year of application. The university places less emphasis on the total UCAT score and more on specific section scores. For example, achieving a score of Level 4 or above in the Situational Judgement section is essential.
Interview:
- The University of Nottingham has a high interview rate, with approximately 50% of international applicants receiving interview invitations. This means that one in two applicants is likely to be invited for an interview. About 10% of international students who interview are offered admission.
Tuition Fees:
- For the 2024/25 academic year, the tuition fees for international students are £28,600 for the first year. For more details, visit University of Nottingham Tuition Fees.
Newcastle University
Newcastle University is one of the UK's prestigious "red brick" universities and a member of the Russell Group. It is ranked 129th in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. The university is organized into three faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering.
Medical School Admission Requirements for International Students
Personal Statement:
- A strong personal statement is important but accounts for only 1% of the admission decision.
Academic Requirements:
- A-Level: The standard academic requirement is AAA, excluding general studies, applied mathematics, world development, communication and culture, and critical thinking.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 7.0, with no individual band below 7.0
- TOEFL: Overall 100, with listening no lower than 22, reading no lower than 24, speaking no lower than 25, and writing no lower than 24
Admission Tests:
- All medical school applicants must take the UCAT in the year of application. The university adjusts the score threshold each year based on the overall performance of all applicants (curving). International students typically need a score of at least 2600 to be considered for an interview.
Interview:
- Approximately 26% of applicants receive an interview invitation, meaning about one in four applicants will be invited. Of those interviewed, about 8.3% of international students are offered a place. The university places significant weight on UCAT scores and interview performance, with each accounting for 50% of the decision. The personal statement has minimal impact.
Tuition Fees:
- For the 2024/25 academic year, the tuition fees for international students are £42,200 for the first year. For more details, visit Newcastle University Medical School.
Enhancing Your Medical School Application
The key to a successful application to UK medical schools lies in a strong personal statement, competitive UCAT scores, and a well-prepared interview. Ascent Prep offers comprehensive training programs to boost your application, from UCAT preparation and interview skills to refining your personal statement. Our experienced education consultants will guide you through each stage, ensuring you receive the most effective advice and support.
Contact Ascent Prep today to start planning your journey to medical school and enhance your chances of gaining admission to top UK medical institutions!
Further Readings:
Complete Guide to Applying for Oxbridge Universities in 2025
Complete Guide to Applying for HKU and CUHK Medical Schools via Non-JUPAS
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Applying to Oxbridge: How to prepare for an interview?
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