Studying at Glasgow Medical School
Overview
The University of Glasgow offers students the opportunity to study medicine at a leading Scottish university with clinical placements taking place across the West of Scotland. Teaching is delivered in a range of innovative modern styles including small-group teaching, problem based learning and traditional lectures. Students at Glasgow have the benefit of training in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is home to purpose-built teaching facilities and laboratories.
Table of Contents
ToggleProvided applicants meet the minimum academic requirements and have a satisfactory personal statement, interviews are allocated in order of UCAT score. This makes Glasgow an ideal choice for students scoring well in the UCAT.
Key Points
- Scotland
- Problem Based Learning
- UCAT
- Small Group Teaching
Insider’s Guide to Glasgow Medical School from Callum, Glasgow Medical Student
What makes Glasgow unique to other medical schools?
The teaching style makes Glasgow unique is the four-phase approach provides a good level of early clinical exposure and a spiral system-based curriculum which allows you revisit prior learning in subsequent years which reinforcing the information.
Glasgow also has a great mix of UK and international students as well as a large section of graduates/mature students which allows you to meet lots of people from diverse background which enhances the university experience.
Course Structure at Glasgow Medical School
Year 1 at Glasgow Medical School
The Glasgow course is split into four phases, in first year you will complete phase 1 and start phase 2.
Phase 1 takes place in Semester 1 and lasts 13 weeks. During the first six weeks, you cover a basic science topic each week e.g. week 1 is cell structure, week 2 is immunology etc. During Week 7 there is a formative assessment week where you get to attempt an SBA paper. During the last 5 weeks on the Semester, you cover a system per week covering the anatomy, physiology and a couple of diseases based around the weeks PBL scenario. Throughout phase 1 you are taught through a variety of methods including weekly PBL scenarios, labs, anatomy dissection and lectures.
Phase 2 takes place during the 2nd & 3rd semester in first year and the whole of second year. Phase 2 involves eight system-based blocks that cover the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and other basic biomedical sciences and some pathological conditions (based around weekly PBL scenarios). In Phase 2, the teaching method is similar to phase 1 with weekly PBL scenarios, labs, anatomy dissection and lectures.
Alongside Phase 1 & Phase 2 in year 1, you have science in medicine which teaching about research and evidence-based medicine. A clinical skills programme and VS also runs alongside the course.
VS (vocational studies) is a half-day every week where you cover medical ethics, professionalism, communications skills, and examination skills. It is led by a GP tutor with small groups (around 8-10) and includes visits to GP practices, hospices, and hospitals.
Year 2 at Glasgow Medical School
In year 2, you continue Phase 2 as in year 1 and continue with the science in medicine, clinical skills, and VS aspects of the course. You also get one SSC at the start of Semester 2.
Year 3 at Glasgow Medical School
In year 3, you start with phase 3 which is a 15-week block consisting of a new clinical topic each week e.g. cardiology, GP etc focusing on more in-depth pathophysiology and clinical medicine. During phase 3, you have one day a week in hospital/GP, CBL (case-based learning) and clinical skills.
After phase 3, you will start phase 4 which will continue until finals. Phase 4. Phase 4 involves two years of clinical attachments in various specialties in hospital around Glasgow (and further afield). Year three also includes another SSC and the first of two electives (the junior elective).
Students also get the option to complete an intercalated degree between third and fourth year.
Year 4 at Glasgow Medical School
The whole of year 4 is devoted to phase 4 and you continue to rotate around different medical specialties. Year three also includes another SSC and the second elective (the senior elective).
Year 5 at Glasgow Medical School
Phase 4 continues throughout year 5 until finals (around late March/early April). After finals, there is a seven-week PfP (preparation for practice) which you are attached to a hospital ward to shadow a junior doctor, it also includes lectures on important practical subjects e.g. medico-legal issues.
Teaching Style at Glasgow Medical School
What is the general teaching style at Glasgow? E.g. is it PBL/Traditional? etc.
In year 1 & 2, teaching is centred around PBL, labs, anatomy (dissection) and lectures alongside clinical skills and VS (vocational studies).
In year 3 (phase 3), teaching involves CBL, lectures, clinical skills and one day a week in hospital/GP.
Phase 4 onwards is predominately taught in clinical environment.
Does Glasgow offer dissection?
Yes (this has not been happened in the last 18 months due to COVID), however, it is expected dissection will resume in January 2022 (when social distancing restrictions in the university are lifted)
Does Glasgow offer a BSc? If so, how is the BSc year?
Yes, there is a variety of BSc (MedSci) degrees, these can be clinical medicine degrees (e.g. perioperative and critical care medicine), life science degrees (e.g. genetics) or College of Arts degrees.
These degrees take place during third and fourth year.
What is the pre-clinical / clinical split like? Do you get early clinical exposure?
Normally, there are several days in GPs and hospitals during year 1 and 2 (this hasn’t happened due to COVID recently, but hopefully will restart soon). Then there is one day of hospital/GP in phase 3 and full-time clinical placements from the second half of third year till graduation.
Social Life at Glasgow Medical School
What are the clubs and societies like? What is the social life like?
Glasgow is unique in that it has four student bodies: the SRC, GUU, QMU and GUSA.
The SRC (student representative society) represents student’s interest at University level and has many societies affiliated with it ranging from MedChir to the University of Glasgow Taylor Swift Society (yes really!).
GUU (Glasgow University Union) and QMU (Queen Margaret Union) are the two social unions on campus both have lots of social events on, GUU has its own club called HIVE and HIVE Thursdays are a popular night out for GU students.
GUSA is the Glasgow University Sports Association and is responsible for running sports for GU students, there are lots of sports clubs affiliated with it ranging from rugby to skiing to sailing. These sports club include both competitive and recreational sports as well as regular socials on Wednesday Nights.
There are also lots of medic societies from academic societies to medic sport clubs. MedChir (Medico-Chirurgical Society) is one of the oldest societies at Glasgow University and it runs educational and social events including a medics ball and the highlight of everyone’s year: Medic Families. Each year also has its own year club which run social events and balls for their year and are named Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta & epsilon (on a rolling basis).
There are 100s of societies to get involved with and Glasgow has brilliant night lives with lots of bars & clubs near campus, definitely the best night out in Scotland!
FAQs
Glasgow Medical School is a prestigious medical school located in Glasgow, Scotland. It is one of the four medical schools in Scotland and is part of the University of Glasgow.
Glasgow Medical School offers a range of courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, and biomedical science.
The entry requirements for Glasgow Medical School vary depending on the course you are applying for. For undergraduate medicine, the minimum requirements are AAA at A-level, or equivalent qualifications. For postgraduate courses, applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree and meet specific entry requirements for each course.
To apply for undergraduate medicine at Glasgow Medical School, you must apply through UCAS. For postgraduate courses, you can apply directly to the University of Glasgow through their online application system.
Student life at Glasgow Medical School is varied and exciting, with a range of clubs and societies to get involved in. The school also has a strong sense of community, with students working closely together in small groups and on clinical placements. Glasgow itself is a vibrant and multicultural city, with plenty of opportunities for socialising and exploring.
Graduates of Glasgow Medical School have excellent job prospects, with many going on to work in the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland or further afield. Glasgow Medical School has an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled and competent doctors and healthcare professionals.
Glasgow Medical School is known for its high standards and rigorous selection process, making it a competitive school to get into for medicine. The entry requirements are set high, and the application process is selective. However, with hard work and dedication, it is possible to meet the requirements and gain acceptance into the school. It’s important to note that admission is not solely based on academic achievement but also on other factors such as work experience, personal statement, and performance at interview. It’s recommended that prospective students thoroughly research the admission requirements and prepare accordingly.
About the university
Key Information | |
Website | Website |
[email protected] | |
Phone number | 0141 3306216 |
Course Information | |
Teaching style | PBL Glasgow utilises a problem based learning approach following a spiral curriculum. This means subject material is revisited at different stages of the curriculum with an increasing depth and clinical focus. A variety of teaching styles are used including small group learning, problem based learning, traditional lectures and anatomy practical classes. |
Course length | 5 years |
Courses offered | 1 course offered: A100 Standard Entry - 5 years |
Graduate entry | No |
Foundation or access | No |
University Life | |
Local area | Glasgow Glasgow is a beautiful, vibrant city with plenty of bars, restaurants and well-known nightlife. The beauty Scottish countryside including Loch Lomond is only a short journey away - perfect for escaping for the day! Based around West Scotland students will benefit from placements across the region in both city and rural locations. |
Social life | The university is home to 100s of societies covering a wide range of academic subjects, sports and interests. The MedChir (medical society) is renowned for hosting frequent social and educational events. |
Interview | |
Interview style | Panel Two panels, lasting for a total of 30 minutes |
Interview dates | Nov-Dec |
Admissions Tests | |
UCAT | UCAT Required UCAT scores are used to allocated interview invites to students who have met all other screening aspects. |
GAMSAT | N/A |
Academic Requirements | |
GCSE | GCSEs UK A level candidate: GCSE English (Language or Literature) at 6/B. GCSE Biology at 6/B if not taken at A Level (A required if attempted at A Level). |
A-level | AAA A-level Standard Entry Requirements A level (UK only): AAA including Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics. GCSE English at Grade B or 6. GCSE Biology at Grade B or 6 (if not studied at A-level). |
Scottish Advanced/Highers | AAAAA at end of S5 SQA Higher/Adv Higher candidate: Nat 5 English at B. |
IB | 38 points IB Standard Entry Requirements Overall 38. Scores 6, 6, 6 at HL. Mandatory HL subjects: Chemistry and Biology. HL Maths recommended. Mandatory SL: English at grade 6. SL Physics or Maths (HL recommended). UCAT. |
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | 2:1 Honours degree UK 2.1 Honours outcome in a four-year suitable BSc degree. Suitable degrees will include Biology and Chemistry. Suitable subjects (not exclusive): Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Physiology. International degrees must be four-year Honours degrees and we typically accept the equivalent to a UK 2.1 outcome. Certain countries must meet stipulated GPA requirements. |
Statistics | |
Number of applicants per interview | Home/EU: 2.2 |
Number of applicants per place | Home/EU: 6.6 |