European and international students: why study medicine in the UK?

Professor Helen Cameron and Dr Ray Carson of Aston Medical School discuss the benefits. Watch now:

How does the medical system work in the UK?

The UK is home to a unique system called the National Health Service (NHS). It was founded in 1948 and covers the whole country. This system is free for all patients at the point of need and is funded through taxation. It is important that UK medical schools train future doctors to work in this service. The NHS is involved in the UK medical education system as students spend two to three years learning within its facilities and from its staff. Patients will also willingly contribute to medical students’ education.

How does the medical education system work in the UK? 

To become a doctor in the UK, a student will start by completing a first degree (also known as a bachelors or undergraduate degree) in medicine. Students generally start this course at age 18 or 19 and the course will typically last five years.

Once students have successfully completed their degree, they will receive two years of on-the-job training in different areas of medicine called the Foundation Years. These junior doctors work within the NHS and, after completing their Foundation Years, can choose which area of medicine they want to specialise in.

Why study medicine in the UK?

The UK has a long tradition of educating medical students from all over the world. UK-trained doctors practise medicine globally and are recognised for their practical clinical skills, intellectual rigor, and personal qualities such as professionalism and compassion. The UK is very engaged with the international community, and we recognise international students offer cultural input which enriches everyone’s experience.

The British medical education system attracts first-class minds both from within the country and internationally. The system offers them carefully planned teaching and experiences with experts and researchers in the field that develops their potential. Many go on to be world leaders in clinical practice, research and teaching as well as authoring textbooks and papers. In addition, many famous medical schools across the globe have been set up by British medical graduates. 

Within the UK there is a lot of confidence in the training of our doctors, in part due to the strict regulation and accreditation by the General Medical Council. Medical schools also benefit from General Medical Council guidance regarding all aspects of Medical Education.

For students in particular, one of the benefits of the UK medical system is that they can start at age 18 – they do not need to complete a degree in another discipline first.

How many places does Aston Medical School have for international students?

Full details on our cohort intake numbers for each new year of entry can be found on our MBChB course page.

Will you accept my qualifications?

You can discover the wide range of recognised equivalent overseas qualifications that Aston Medical School accepts here. You can also see full details of our English language requirements here.

How can I find out more about the NHS and the GMC?

You can discover lots more about the National Health Service here and about the role of the General Medical Council here.