Studying at UCL Medical School

Overview

University College London is home to UCL Medical School, one of the largest in the country with a yearly intake of 334 medical students. The degree follows a six-year programme inclusive of an integrated BSc (except for graduate entrants) with the widest range of intercalation BSc opportunities in the UK, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore your interests. Clinical experience is integrated throughout the course, beginning the the early years and culminating in full-time clinical attachments in later years. Years 1 and 2 explore the basic clinical sciences using a systems-based approach.

UCL have a holistic selection process, considering not only BMAT score but also previous academic attainment and values (such as teamwork and leadership) displayed in other areas of your application. Therefore UCL is an ideal choice for candidates with good BMAT scores with all-round strong academics and extra-curricular achievements.

Key Points

• BMAT
• London
• Integrated Course
• Compulsory Intercalation

Insider’s Guide to UCL Medical School from Ayman, UCL Medical Student

What makes UCL unique to other medical schools?

It offers full body dissection which is regarded as one of the most enjoyable and valuable aspects of the preclinical course. There is also a compulsory integrated year which would allow me to pursue an individual subject of my choice in much greater detail, allowing me to pursue my own interests. The style of teaching is also more theory based in pre clinical years which for me meant that it was easier to apply this later on. It is such a large university situated in the centre of London, the range of opportunities available to you are unparalleled.

Course Structure at UCL Medical School

Year 1 at UCL Medical School

First year at UCL Medical School begins with a plethora of pre-clinical modules that will form the foundation upon which clinical knowledge will be built throughout the remainder of the course. These modules range from anatomy to medical ethics. There is also a ‘Clinical Skills and Practical Procedures’ module to allow for early exposure to key clinical skills, thereby giving you the time to build those skills through the next 6 years. The key elements of the first year curriculum are:

• Fundamentals of clinical science- Anatomy and Imaging
• Clinical Skills and Practical Procedures
• Doctor as Data Scientist
• Pathological Sciences
• Use of Medicines
• Clinical Communication
• Ethics and Law

Year 2 at UCL Medical School

Year 2 takes place in a series of sequential blocks focussed on pathophysiology, amongst other clinical topics. These core topics underpin the disease pathology that you will encounter in the later years of the degree. Some of the modules that you will partake in are:

• Movement and Musculoskeletal Biology 
• Neuroscience and Behavior 
• Endocrine Systems and Reproduction
• Genetics
• Development and Cancer

Year 3 at UCL Medical School

Year 3 is a fan favorite at UCL as students get to participate in an intercalated degree. This means that, for one year, you have complete control over the direction of your academic pursuits. From Medical Philosophy to Anthropology and so much more, you have the opportunity to gain an additional degree in any subject that takes your interest.

Year 4 at UCL Medical School

Following the iBSc, UCL Medical students embark on 3 years of clinical training. This takes the format of broad categories within clinical care, such as community, ward and emergency healthcare. Year 4 gives you the opportunity to put into practice everything you’ve learnt over the last few years whilst making a tangible difference to the patients you’ll meet on the wards. Everybody has something to teach, from nurses to patients themselves!

Year 5 & 6 at UCL Medical School

Years 5 and 6 cumulatively form a “transitionary” period where students are encouraged to practice, in real-time, making evidence based clinical decisions in a hospital setting. In the final 2 years of training, you will become well-equipped to handle life as a junior doctor in the NHS.

Teaching Style at UCL Medical School

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

It is more traditional with a distinct split between pre-clinical and clinical years, so earlier on in the course you learn more theory and feel more comfortable later on when it comes to applying this. However, there are opportunities for early patient contact and for meeting health professionals, to allow you to keep preparation for the practice of medicine firmly in sight.

Does UCL offer dissection?

Yes, full body dissection

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

Yes, it is compulsory. The BSc year is a great opportunity to branch out and explore something niche that you are interested in.

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

There is a distinct split between pre clinical and clinical years, so earlier on in the course you learn more theory and feel more comfortable later on when it comes to applying this. However, there are opportunities for early patient contact and for meeting health professionals, to allow you to keep preparation for the practice of medicine firmly in sight.

Social Life at UCL Medical School

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

Because UCL is such a large university situated in the heart of London, there is such a diverse range of clubs and societies. There is really something for everyone and clubs and societies are a great way to meet other people. The social life is great, and is reinforced through clubs and societies that will run socials throughout the year.

FAQs

Overall, UCL Medical School offers students an excellent medical education in a supportive and innovative environment, with ample opportunities for clinical experience, research, and career development. It is an excellent choice for students who are committed to a career in medicine and want to learn from some of the best healthcare professionals and researchers in the UK.