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Studying at Edinburgh Medical School

Overview

The University of Edinburgh was established their medical school in 1726 and has since produced sever Nobel Prize winners in Medicine, the most recent being in 2017 for research into circadian rhythms. The course takes a traditional teaching approach with the first two years focused on the basic medical sciences, followed by a compulsory intercalation and final three clinical years. Edinburgh does integrate clinical skills during pre-clinical years with GP placement and community projects.

Edinburgh take into account your secondary school academic performance, UCAT score and SJT banding when considering who to shortlist for interview. Therefore it’s an ideal pick for students with an all-round strong application.

Key Points

  • Scotland
  • UCAT
  • Compulsory Intercalation
  • Traditional Course Structure

Insider’s Guide to Edinburgh Medical School from Mohamed, Edinburgh Medical Student

What makes Edinburgh unique to other medical schools?

In my opinion, there are quite a few things that make Edinburgh unique to other medical schools. For starters, we only have one written exam at the end of each semester, rather than having a separate exam for pharmacology, histology, biochemistry etc. This is because the university wants to ensure that the students do not stress too much, and a great emphasis is constantly made that “the hard part was getting in, but once you are in, we will do our best to make you graduate easily”. Also, the university creates this thing called Acfams, which is short for academic families. In them, you, as a first year, get paired with two parents from the years above you, and two siblings from your year. These families have to compete in challenges against each other, help each other with academics, and just allow everyone to be connected. This eventually leads to everyone knowing each other throughout the 6 years, because you would have grandparents and grandchildren, and so it is a very effective way to meet people who are a few years older/younger than you.

Course Structure at Edinburgh Medical School

Year 1 at Edinburgh Medical School

In year 1, you will study the basics of biomedicine such as anatomy, pharmacology and prescribing. You will also have weekly classes given by different doctors regarding specific diseases and illnesses, ranging from tension pneumothorax to ankylosing spondylitis, allowing you to learn clinical knowledge as well. You will also have an ethics class and a research class, which are essential in forming a good doctor.

Year 2 at Edinburgh Medical School

In year 2, you will continue studying biomedicine, but will also develop more clinical skills, history taking, and research. You will have a weekly GP placement, where you get to learn how to implement your clinical knowledge and skills into actually treating patients. You will also be working on your student selected component (SSC) which can also be published.

Year 3 at Edinburgh Medical School

You will have to do compulsory intercalation, which is really exciting as you get to choose what areas you have a passion for, and learn about them in depth. Many students often choose studying surgical sciences, as that includes them going to actual surgeries and learning from a surgeon. Anaesthetics is also a popular option, as you will also get to go to the hospital and be present inside surgeries. The university offers many different types of intercalations, and if there is one that they do not have, they will allow you to attend other universities for the year in order to allow you to work in your passion.

Year 4 at Edinburgh Medical School

In year 4 your schedule finally starts mainly revolving around clinical placements! You cover some more biomedical sciences, but the main focus will be on working on the wards and GP practices, and learning clinical skills, along with learning how to work in a team with other doctors.

Year 5 at Edinburgh Medical School

In year 5, the clinical placements continue and you will rotate around different specialties throughout the year, working in different wards every rotation. During this time, all year 5 students also learn how to create their very own research project, which their professional mentor will guide them through. This allows you to have some publishable work (could even be clinical)!

Year 6 at Edinburgh Medical School

In the final year of the course, you will start preparing to finally be a doctor! You will continue with your rotations in different specialties, and will be allowed to perform some procedures on your own, finally experiencing what doctors do! Also, year 6 in Edinburgh allows you to travel and do a placement in another country, ranging from the United States all the way to Japan! This allows you to learn even more about medicine, and how it is different in other parts of the world!

Teaching Style at Edinburgh Medical School

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

Edinburgh teaches in an integrated approach, allowing both PBL and Lectures to be used. This allows you to first learn the material in the lectures, and then often discuss problems revolving around the biomedical sciences you have previously learnt.

Does Edinburgh offer dissection?

Edinburgh offers prossection in their degree, allowing all medical students to directly see the important anatomical structures. You wear gloves and rotate as groups looking at all the cadavers. If however you wish to do full dissection, then you can intercalate in anatomy at Edinburgh, allowing you a full year of dissection at the cadaveric lab.

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

Yes, Edinburgh offers a BSc, or intercalated year. The University has many different options available for their intercalated year, ranging from surgical sciences all the way to zoology.

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

In the first semester, you have around 3 tutorials with a GP learning about ethics and preparing to meet a patient, after which you get to interview the patient who has a chronic illness, and explore the patient’s diagnosis. After the first year, clinical exposure rises, and you start having weekly GP placements, as well as many more clinical skills labs.

Social Life at Edinburgh Medical School

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

There are all types of clubs and societies available covering almost every possible hobby and passion someone might have, ranging from archery all the way to quidditch. If you can imagine a hobby, chances are we have a society for it. Also, since Edinburgh is a capital city, there are many events happening throughout the year, and it is never quite; from fireworks to light festivals to historic celebrations, there is always something happening in the city.

FAQs

→What is Edinburgh Medical School?

Edinburgh Medical School is a leading medical school located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the UK and has a long history of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical practice.

→What are the entry requirements for Edinburgh Medical School?

The entry requirements for Edinburgh Medical School may vary depending on the program and the level of study. Generally, students are expected to have completed their high school education and to have achieved certain grades in relevant subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics. In addition, students may need to demonstrate proficiency in English language skills and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

→What programs are available at Edinburgh Medical School?

Edinburgh Medical School offers a range of programs in various medical fields, including medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. The programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen profession, and to prepare them for further postgraduate studies or clinical practice.

→What is the teaching style at Edinburgh Medical School?

Edinburgh Medical School employs a variety of teaching styles, including lectures, small group tutorials, and practical clinical sessions. The school also utilizes state-of-the-art simulation technology and virtual reality tools to enhance the learning experience and provide hands-on training in a safe and controlled environment.

→What are the research opportunities at Edinburgh Medical School?

Edinburgh Medical School is renowned for its research excellence and offers many opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge research projects. Students can work with world-class researchers in various medical fields and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

→Is it hard to get into Edinburgh Medical School?

Yes, it can be challenging to gain admission to Edinburgh Medical School. The school is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the UK, and the admission process is highly competitive. Students must meet high academic standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. In addition to meeting academic requirements, students may also be required to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and participate in an interview process. However, with dedication, hard work, and a strong application, it is possible to gain admission to Edinburgh Medical School.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 0131 242 6407
Course Information
Teaching style Traditional
Years 1-2 are pre-clinical years, followed by an intercalated degree in year 3. This is followed by years 4-6 which are based solely in clinical placements.
Course length
BSC
Courses offered
Graduate entry
Foundation or access
University Life
Local area Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. The city is beautiful, steeped in history and a fantastic place to be a student. The city is packed full of things to do, for example the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Social life The university hosts a wide variety of events for students throughout the year. The Student Union is home to many societies, including medicine specific academic societies and sports clubs.
Interview
Interview style Assessment day including MMI
Interview dates
Interview topics
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT Required
Scores are ranked and then candidates are divided into groups of deciles (equal groups of 10%), and allocate points to each accordingly. These points are then added to your total score of academic performance and personal statement to provide a final ranking of applicants.
SJT scores are used as part of the non-academic requirements.
Regardless of academic score, all candidates must score over 2470. The UCAT score contributes a total of 17.5% of the shortlisting score with the SJT banding worth a further 7.5%. Applicants who score a Band 4 in SJT will not be considered for interview.
BMAT
GAMSAT
Academic Requirements
GCSE
A-level
Retake policy
Scottish highers
Scottish advanced
IB
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only)
Statistics
Number of applicants per interview (Home)
Number of applicants per interview (International)
Number of applicants per place (Home)
Number of applicants per place (International)

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Keith2zetMedic Mind Tutor

21 September 2021

Great post