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.

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

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 visualize 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 1-3^rd 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