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King's College London

Overview

King’s College London is home to the GKT School of Medical Education, formed in 1998 with the merging of the originally independent Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ schools of medicine. Teaching at these medical schools dates all the way back to 1173, with a great deal of history associated with studying of King’s with notable alumni including Joseph Lister and John Keats. The curriculum at King’s was been recently redesigned and takes an integrated approach, blending the basic medical sciences with clinical practice from early on.

Both UCAT and GCSEs are considered when scoring applicants for interview shortlisting. Therefore applicants with strong GCSE or secondary school performance as well as a competitive UCAT score are ideal candidates for King’s College.

Key Points

  • London
  • UCAT
  • Integrated Course
  • Optional Intercalation

Insider’s Guide to King’s Medical School London from Raghav K, King’s Medical Student

What makes King’s unique to other medical schools?

Well, if you’re someone who enjoys human anatomy quite a bit, King’s can offer you some wonderful learning tools that are really unique! King’s is one of the few universities to offer full body dissections. It is also home to the Gordon Museum, which is the largest medical museum in the UK. Medical students can take a look at over 3000 specimens housed here. King’s also has many varied topics to do your iBSc in – you can even do an iBSc in regenerative medicine! Finally, being in London means that you’ll be in a varied and diverse environment- you’ll really enjoy making friends from all over the world!

Course Structure at King’s Medical School

Year 1 at King’s Medical School

Year 1 is primarily theory based, covering a variety of modules related to cell biology, human anatomy, genetics, pharmacology and clinical skills. While visits to the clinic or hospital do not take place in first year, there are several clinical skills sessions which allow students learn skills such as taking a manual blood pressure. Simulated interactions with actors are also common to begin learning communication skills. Year 1 has a series of formative exams followed by an end of year summative exam.

Year 2 at King’s Medical School

Year 2 is a mix of theory and clinic. All lectures for the entire week are delivered on Mondays with the rest of time spent in clinical environments. There are two clinic days in a week – one in a GP practice and one in the hospital where you will rotate through various wards. Students are also put into a GP group composed of 7-8 students.

Year 3 at King’s Medical School

Year 3 is the first clinical year. Students will have to choose a student selected component module within which they can do a project. SSC topics are varied and can even be non-medicine related. You can choose to do an intercalated BSc after this year.

Year 4 at King’s Medical School

Year 4 is another clinical year. Some modules concentrate on a study of population and global health. Students will also have to do a quality improvement and evidence-based practice project in years 4 or 5.

Year 5 at King’s Medical School

As you guessed, another clinical year! Once again, you are rotated through general practice, medicine and surgery. You can also do a Student Selected elective in any part of the world that interests you. This gives students exposure to different healthcare systems found around the globe. There are courses which assist in transitioning from being a medical student to being a foundation doctor.

Teaching Style at King’s Medical School

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

King’s has a fairly traditional teaching style with a mix of full cohort lectures, tutorials, seminars, lab sessions and clinical skills sessions. First year concentrates on the foundations of medicine. Second year becomes much more clinical and furthers your understanding of medical sciences, albeit with a greater pharmacology element. Years three, four and five are almost entirely clinical. Small tutor groups are created in first year and are composed of roughly 16-18 students.

Does King’s offer dissection?

Yes! Dissections are a regular part of your timetable in first year and are done with your tutor group.

Does King’s offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?

King’s offers an intercalated BSc as a separate course to medicine. You can do this after your third year. The best thing about King’s is that it gives you access to many world leading institutions- you can choose to do your iBSc in a variety of topics! You’ll also be able to interact with doctors and researchers who are leaders in their field and possibly even get published in the end!

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

The course is divided into the first year being completely preclinical, second year a mix between theory and clinic and years three, four and five being primarily clinical. Now I understand that this might make first year sound a bit boring, but not to worry! Simulated patient interactions and clinical skills sessions take place quite often. This allows you to obtain those necessary skills required for interacting with patients.

Social Life at King’s Medical School

What are the clubs and societies like?

You’ll never run out of societies to join at King’s! Typically, every Wednesday in the week is left relatively free for attending club sessions. Societies here organize really exciting events you can attend. You could learn how to apply a plaster or learn how to suture! You could join an orchestra or learn how to fence! The number of activities that take place and endless.

What is the social life like?

King’s also has a very vibrant social life. Freshers’ week is filled with amazing activities for everyone. Guy’s campus has its own Guy’s Bar as well! By virtue of being in central London, King’s students will have a great social life. Everything is really easy to reach and you’re never too busy to not get the time to socialize.

FAQs

→What is King’s College London?

King’s College London (KCL) is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. It was founded in 1829 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

→What are the popular courses offered at King’s College London?

King’s College London offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including Medicine, Law, Business, Humanities, and Sciences. Some of the most popular courses include Law, Medicine, International Relations, Psychology, and Business Management.

→How prestigious is King’s College London?

King’s College London is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the world. It is ranked 4th in the UK and 31st in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2022.

→What is the admission process like at King’s College London?

The admission process at King’s College London varies depending on the course and level of study. Generally, applicants are required to meet specific academic requirements and submit an application form, transcripts, personal statement, and reference letters. Some courses may also require interviews or entrance exams.

→What are the entry requirements for undergraduate courses at King’s College London?

The entry requirements for undergraduate courses at King’s College London vary depending on the course and level of study. Generally, applicants are required to have completed their secondary education and meet specific academic requirements, including minimum grade requirements in relevant subjects.

→What are the entry requirements for postgraduate courses at King’s College London?

The entry requirements for postgraduate courses at King’s College London vary depending on the course and level of study. Generally, applicants are required to have completed their undergraduate studies and meet specific academic requirements, including a minimum grade point average and relevant work experience.

→What research opportunities are available at King’s College London?

King’s College London is a leading research institution with a wide range of research opportunities available for students and faculty. Some of the research areas include health and social care, law, humanities, and sciences.

→Is King’s College London hard to get in?

Admission to King’s College London can be competitive, as it is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the world. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on the course and level of study. Generally, applicants are required to meet specific academic requirements and submit a strong application with a personal statement and reference letters. Some courses may also require interviews or entrance exams. It is important to research the specific requirements and expectations for your chosen course and level of study at King’s College London to determine the level of competitiveness and ensure that you have the best chance of being accepted.

About the university

Key Information
Email [email protected]
Phone number 020 7836 5454
Course Information
Teaching style Integrated
The course is split into three phases: Phase I (year 1), Phase II (years 2+3) and Phase III (years 4+5). Phase I is largely lecture and seminar based with the amount of time spent at placement increasing with each phase.
Course length
BSC
Courses offered
Graduate entry
Foundation or access
University Life
Local area London
Teaching is based at King's College's Guy’s Campus, located around London Bridge. Being located in the very centre of London has its benefits and is an amazing opportunity to enjoy everything the capital has to offer. You will undertake placements at around south London as well as south east England, including Kent and Sussex. Placements outside of London offer a different and rich perspective on clinical learning, complementing the experiences gained in central London hospitals.
Social life As well as all the benefits of studying and living in central London, students can also access all of the facilities and societies of King's College London as well as GKT-specific sports teams and societies.
Interview
Interview style MMI
6 stations, each around 5 minutes long
Interview dates
Interview topics
Admissions Tests
UCAT UCAT Required
An overall UCAT score will be considered when choosing applicants to interview. SJT scores will also be taken into account. A-Level grades, personal statement and GCSEs are also considered when shortlisting candidates 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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Post as “Anonymous”

366 Comments

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

3 May 2021

Do they accept gcse retakes ?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

4 May 2021

So long as you meet the minimum requirements it shouldn’t matter how many attempts it took you to get the GCSE grade. If you’re unsure about your specific situation it’s always worth emailing the admissions office for some advice.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

12 September 2021

if i have an A in english but a C in maths with the correct requirements at A-Level, would i be able to get in?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

12 September 2021

You will need a B in Maths, but retakes are also accepted.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

15 September 2021

Do they usually interview people with grades higher than A*AA?

anonymousMedic Mind Tutor

16 September 2021

can i have chance getting into kings uni with ucat score 2690 with sjt band 3

GandhiMedic Mind Tutor

8 October 2021

Nah m8 try again next year.

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

24 September 2021

What are the entry requirements for Leaving Certifacte exams?

Anna CharlotteMedic Mind Tutor

24 September 2021

The best thing to do is email the admissions team to double check but A*AA is roughly equivalent to H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 (all at Higher Level).

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

25 September 2021

Would I stand a chance getting into Kings (Dentistry) with UCAT score 2870 but SJT band 4?

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

28 September 2021

Are SJT band 4 generally rejected?

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

6 January 2022

Yes

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

3 October 2021

So for 2022 entry is it still 5 years

AnonymouseMedic Mind Tutor

6 May 2022

No interview cal rejection from university until 6/05/2022 how long to wait

AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

20 May 2022

ik u naive year 12s think prestige is everything but I applied this year and their communication is dreadful. many people didn’t even hear back if they had interviews and instead of sending proper rejections, let ucas autoreject an entire batch of applicants