5 Reasons To Study Medicine In The UK

With several of the most advanced and prestigious medical institutions in the world, the UK is no doubt an attractive prospect for local and international students alike. Moreover, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is one of the largest publicly-funded health services in the world, and you will have the opportunity to work at top hospitals across the country. In the article, we outline the top 5 reasons to study medicine in the UK.

The UK boasts a number of excellent options for aspiring medical students, and is an especially attractive destination as it allows students to study medicine right from the undergraduate level. According to Times Higher Education, 3 of the top 5 medical schools in the world are in the UK. These include University of Oxford (ranked #1), University of Cambridge (ranked #3), and Imperial College London (ranked #4).

Related: UK Medical Programmes

There are 35 medical schools in the UK that are recognised by the General Medical Council, of which 16 are also recognized by the Singapore Medical Council. When selecting your course, you will be able to pick from a variety of pedagogies such as problem-based learning, traditional approaches and integrated courses. Outside of the course, you would also be able to choose from a range of locations – if you prefer to be in a bustling city, you could consider options in London or Manchester, but if you prefer a quieter setting, there are options such as Sheffield or Lancaster.

Related: Independent Medical Schools in the UK

Many UK medical schools offer opportunities for students to engage with research, whether through summer projects, student-selected modules, research electives or intercalated degree programmes in science. You will have the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers in the basic science research that underpins medicine and explore your areas of passion in these fields. Moreover, these opportunities also boost your postgraduate prospects as almost all specialty programs use evidence of research skills in their selection criteria.

Although the cost of a medical degree in the UK is steep, this needs to be weighed against one’s employability prospects. Studying medicine at either Yong Loo Lin at NUS or LKC in NTU comes with a lengthy 5 – 6 year service obligation scheme under MOHH. During this period, your options to explore other professions such as research or even work outside of public hospitals are curbed. On the other hand, medical programs in the UK are bond-free, allowing you greater flexibility to explore various career options. Medical degrees in the UK are also internationally recognized, offering you a greater variety of postgraduate pathways.

Studying abroad is an incredibly enriching experience, and you will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in a new culture. You will also have the opportunity to meet people from various walks of life, as medical schools in the UK have diverse international communities with students coming from all over the world. Being in a new place also has immeasurable benefits to personal development, testing your ability to be independent, adaptable, and resilient.