Edinburgh

About The Course

Edinburgh University offers a 6-year MBChB degree programme which equips its students with skills and knowledge they need to become a competent doctor. The course is modern and innovative and trains students for complex and uncertain situations in healthcare. 

The Medicine programme at Edinburgh also provides accreditation that is recognised by overseas bodies (the US, Canada, and Australia).

The first two years will consist of studying topics such as anatomy, pathology and microbiology, as well as the social and ethical angles of clinical practice. Practical clinical skills are also learnt, such as interviewing patients, resuscitation, as well as clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Skills are advanced through GP-based teaching, community projects and workshops.

In year three, students will take on research-based study that leads to a Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours degree. This intercalated degree includes biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, neuroscience, zoology and many more.

In the fourth year, all aspects of healthcare and clinical medicine are studied. Development of practice experience through placements also takes place. In the fifth year, various speciality areas are explored whilst students work as part of teams on hospital wards. Individual research projects also occur, in partnership with a clinical tutor.

In your fifth year, you will observe various specialities and complete a research project alongside a clinical tutor. You will apply all your learning in your final year and have the opportunity to assist junior doctors as well as undertake supervised duties of F1 doctor.

Structure Of The Course

Year 1

Students will get the opportunity to learn about the foundations of biomedicine and sociology. Main aims of Year 1 will include 

• Anatomy, pharmacology, and prescribing
• SEAM (social and ethical aspects of medicine) – meaning of illness, medical ethics, public health, health improvement. 
• REBM (research and evidence-based medicine) – role of evidence-based medicine, evaluating interventions, critical appraisal, communication of research. 

Students will also start to develop their communication skills, empathy, compassion and understanding the importance of the well-being of patients.

Year 2

Students will begin to develop their clinical and practical skills through examining patients and practising with their peers. You will get an opportunity to work in small groups and take part in clinical projects and learn more about health and disease.  

Year 3

Intercalation Year – Students will be given the opportunity to take a year out to obtain a BSc in their chosen science speciality.

Year 4

Students will enter their clinical year and begin to understand the relationship between the scientific knowledge they have learnt and applying this in a clinical setting. Practical and clinical skills will be developed through experience in both primary and secondary healthcare settings. You will get the chance to understand how a multidisciplinary team works and reflect in your portfolio with regard to your learning.

Year 5

Students will spend most of their time working in hospital wards, rotating through various sub-specialities.

Year 6

You will integrate all previous years of learning and focus on the final clinical skills needed for working in a hospital setting. This will allow you to learn the key skills needed to enter the first year of foundation training. Students will also have chance to complete a medical elective abroad in a country of their choice.