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Studying at Dundee Medical School

Overview

Dundee Medical School is one of the smallest medical schools in the UK, with only around 160 students in each cohort. The medical school is integrated with Ninewells Hospital allowing students to learn in one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals including world renowned research facilities. There are placement opportunities across Scotland giving students a chance to experience a wide variety of clinical environments and diverse populations.

Table of Contents

Dundee consider both UCAT and previous academic attainment when scoring applicants so it is ideal for candidates who are strong consistent all-rounders.

For more information, check out our UCAT guide, What is UCAT.

Key Points: Dundee

  • Small Medical School
  • Scotland
  • UCAT
  • Blended Teaching Style

Insider’s Guide to Dundee Medical School from Sarah, Dundee Medical Student

What makes Dundee unique to other medical schools?

Dundee is unique in its close-knit campus feel. There is a sense of community and support within the medical school which is comforting, especially which uni gets stressful. It is also one of the few medical schools that still have dissection. This is an interesting, hands-on way to learn anatomy that allows you to visualise and understand the human body. It is also an incredibly clinical medical school right from day one and I have personally found this extremely beneficial for my clinical skills development.

Course Structure at Dundee Medical School

Year 1 at Dundee Medical School

Y1 consists of weekly lectures, clinical skills and communication skills sessions. There are also many opportunities to get on the wards to observe the wards rounds and speak to patients. You also complete student-selected components which are projects that you can choose depending on your particular interests which allows for a bit of freedom and choice in your learning. There is also a GP placement and the opportunity to meet you assigned patient.

Year 2 at Dundee Medical School

Y2 follows a similar structure to year one but a broader range of topics are covered. Dundee university has a spiral curriculum. In years 1-3 you undergo ‘systems in practice’ where you learn about all the systems and medical theory. In years 4 and 5 you do ‘preparation in practice’ where you revisit the systems covered in 1-3rd year but in a more practical setting (on placement etc.).

Year 3 at Dundee Medical School

Y3 follows a similar structure to years 1 and 2. Last year of systems in practice.

Year 4 at Dundee Medical School

Y4 consists of many different placements in various hospitals and medical settings. This allows you to gain experience in many different areas of medicine such as surgery, mental health, obstetrics and gynecology and GP.

Final exams take place in Y4 and various pieces of work must be submitted for your portfolio.

Year 5 at Dundee Medical School

Y5 comes with the exciting opportunity to go on an elective. This is very beneficial for your future medical career as it allows you to experience healthcare in another country which is invaluable experience.

A final set of OSCE exams take place this year as well as SJT.

Teaching Style at Dundee Medical School

What is the general teaching style at Dundee? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.

The general teaching style follows a spiral curriculum. This involves constantly revisiting and renewing previous medical knowledge and solidifying it. As mentioned above, years 1-3 look at ‘systems in practice,’ focusing on learning all about the different systems while in years 4-5, this knowledge is revisited in the clinical setting in ‘preparation in practice.’

Does Dundee offer dissection?

Yes, Dundee offer dissection. You get a cadaver between 3-4 students on which you perform dissection once a week. This involves watching a demonstration and following an instruction guide. This session usually comes after the initial anatomy lectures, so you have an understanding of the anatomy you are dissecting. These dissection sessions also include some surgical skills such as suturing for example.

Does Dundee offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?

Yes, Dundee offers a BMSc year after the third year of medicine. This is optional at Dundee and around 50% of students choose to undertake a BMSc. This provides an opportunity for research and exploration of various branches of medical science. It is a year of having the opportunity to do something different, with many possible choices available.

What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?

There is very early clinical exposure. From the beginning of year 1 you get weekly sessions on clinical skills and communication skills, clerkings with patients on the wards and GP placements. This clinical exposure also increases as the years go on.

Social Life at Dundee Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?

There are many clubs and societies at Dundee with many opportunities to get involved. In terms of medical societies, most specialties have a society and are involved with events that take place UK wide. They also run many revision nights and events. There are many sports and arts societies as well that all provide great chances to socialize. The university very much encourage you to get involved!

FAQs

→What is Dundee Medical School?

Dundee Medical School is a part of the University of Dundee, located in Dundee, Scotland. It is one of the leading medical schools in the UK, known for its innovative approach to medical education and research.

→How long does it take to study medicine at Dundee Medical School?

The medical degree programme at Dundee Medical School takes 5 years to complete. This includes 4 years of classroom and clinical training, followed by a final year of clinical placement.

→What qualifications do I need to apply to Dundee Medical School?

To apply to Dundee Medical School, you need to have a minimum of AAA at Scottish Higher or A-level, including Biology and Chemistry. You also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE or Standard Grade English Language, Mathematics, and at least one additional subject.

→How competitive is the application process for Dundee Medical School?

The application process for Dundee Medical School is highly competitive, with only a limited number of places available each year. The school receives a large number of applications from highly qualified candidates, so it is important to have a strong academic record and relevant work experience.

→What kind of clinical experience do students get at Dundee Medical School?

Students at Dundee Medical School have the opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical experience, including placements in hospitals, community clinics, and general practices. The school has strong links with local healthcare providers, giving students access to a diverse range of clinical settings.

→What kind of research opportunities are available at Dundee Medical School?

Dundee Medical School is known for its world-class research facilities and opportunities. Students have the chance to work with leading researchers in a variety of areas, including cancer research, neuroscience, and drug discovery.

→What career opportunities are available to graduates of Dundee Medical School?

Graduates of Dundee Medical School have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including working as a doctor in a hospital or general practice, pursuing further postgraduate study or research, or working in healthcare management or policy.

→What is unique about Dundee Medical School?

There are several unique aspects of Dundee Medical School that set it apart from other medical schools in the UK:

Innovative teaching methods: Dundee Medical School is known for its innovative and interactive teaching methods, which aim to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. The school uses a variety of teaching styles, including lectures, small group tutorials, and clinical placements, to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Strong focus on research: Dundee Medical School is home to world-class research facilities and opportunities. Students have the chance to work with leading researchers in a variety of areas, including cancer research, neuroscience, and drug discovery.

Diverse clinical experience: Students at Dundee Medical School have the opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical experience, including placements in hospitals, community clinics, and general practices. The school has strong links with local healthcare providers, giving students access to a diverse range of clinical settings.

Personalised approach to education: Dundee Medical School takes a personalized approach to education, with small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Students receive individual attention and support from academic and pastoral staff throughout their time at the school.

Emphasis on community engagement: Dundee Medical School has a strong commitment to community engagement, with a focus on addressing healthcare inequalities and improving healthcare outcomes for local communities. Students are encouraged to engage with local healthcare providers and community groups to develop their understanding of healthcare needs and issues.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 01382 383617
Course Information
Teaching style Blended teaching style
The course uses a spiral-based curriculum with a variety of modern teaching methods including traditional lectures, PBL and anatomy dissection. Clinical experience is integrated throughout the course, with the opportunity to meet your very first patients very early on in the course.
Course length 5 years
Courses offered 2 courses offered:
A100 Standard Entry - 5 years
A104 Gateway to Medicine - 6 years
Graduate entry No, however Dundee is part of ScotGEM programme.
Foundation or access Yes
University Life
Local area Dundee
Dundee is a small city on the East coast of Scotland. A large proportion of the cities population is made up of students so it is designed well for student living. The campus sits near the heart of the city so is within easy reach of everything you need including a huge variety of places to eat!
Social life Most students opt to live in student accommodation on the main campus, meaning you're only ever minutes away from the university facilities including libraries, gym and the student union. The city has a thriving student population meaning there is plenty of student events and societies to get involved in - including medicine specific societies tailored to your medical interests.
Interview
Interview style MMI
Multiple mini interviews
Interview dates Dec-Jan
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT required
No cut-off is used. The score is part of the pre-interview decision making process - for school-leavers, UCAT score will have 40% weighting and academic score 60% weighting.
GAMSAT N/A
Academic Requirements
GCSE GCSEs used for selection
If not studied at A-level, we also require biology or chemistry at grade 7/A at GCSE. If not studied at A-level, we also require mathematics and English at grade 6/B at GCSE.
A-level AAA
Standard: AAA at A level Widening access: ABB at A level. To include either chemistry or biology and another science at A level (mathematics is an acceptable science).
Scottish Advanced/Highers AAAAB
Scottish Nationals - If not studied at Higher, we also require biology or chemistry at grade A at National 5. If not studied at Higher, we also require mathematics and English at grade B at National 5.
IB 37 points
37 points (minimum) including 6, 6, 6 at Higher level to include chemistry or biology and another science at Higher Level (mathematics is an acceptable science). Plus, three subjects at Standard Level with an average of grade 6, to include Biology or Chemistry (if not taken at Higher Level) at least to Standard level 6.
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) 2:1 Honours degree
A minimum of an upper second class (2:1) Honours degree in a relevant life science subject. This should be the first degree obtained. - Candidates with further or higher degrees must also meet this minimum requirement in their first degree. - Previous academic attainment will also be taken into account. - All offers to current PhD students will be conditional on the formal submission and written confirmation of the acceptance of their PhD dissertation. - Up-to-date study skills are required. - Applicants must have undertaken academic study in the last 3 years prior to entry on the Medicine programme. - Acceptable academic study would include an undergraduate degree, a master's, PhD or any qualification to SCQF Level 6 (with a minimum of 24 credits). - An Open University 30 credit module would also be acceptable. - With the exception of final year students, who are seeking entry to our course via the graduate route, we are unable to consider applications from current undergraduate students. Where candidates indicate that they are undertaking a ‘gap year’ we may request additional information.
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview no data available
Number of applicants per place no data available
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Post as “Anonymous”
366 Comments

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

29 March 2021

I am from Singapore and I have a IB score of 36 with a breakdown of 665 (Bio, Chem, Econs) in HL and 665 (Maths, 2nd Lang and Eng/Lit) in SL. I am taking my UCAT exam this year for next year intake. Will I be considered if my UCAT score is high? Please advice

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

12 April 2021

Dundee have a minimum IB requirement of 666 at HL so unfortunately it’s unlikely you would be considered for this program

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

8 July 2021

can i apply and be offered a place if i retake english language

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

17 August 2021

what is considered a good UCAT score to be considered for a place if all other academic requirements exceed the requirements?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

20 August 2021

Dundee haven’t published a lot of information about the typical UCAT of a successful applicant. A few years ago the average score for an offer holder was 680. However, we don’t have an up-to-date figure and they also take academics into account when shortlisting too, so I would take that statistic with a pinch of salt.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

28 September 2021

I have an irish leaving certificate higher level H1 grade in Chemistry, Biology and Economics, and H2 grade in English, Maths, and French. I scored low in my UCAT at 2330. Would this be sufficient for interview?