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Medicine is one of the most highly competitive courses at UK universities for English and international students. If your grades are of the highest standard, if you can prove that you are determined to study and work in this field, then applying for medicine is for you.
Higher education requires high school diploma scores, a successful career track record, and at least one day of work per week for six months in a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or other similar organization - a testament to the intention that medical schools expect to receive.
The admission process is complex: medical schools in England are distinguished by high competition and a selective approach to enrollment. Admission standards to leading medical schools are high:
- A-level in chemistry, biology (AAB)
- IB - 38 points
- IELTS - 7 points.
Admission interviews can be difficult and students should expect to be asked questions about motivation, previous work, personal interests, and asked to provide evidence of all previous accomplishments, including relevant work experience. Most medical schools conduct the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
Medical graduates work in 60 specialties, so there is no shortage of job opportunities.
Our ranking of "The Best Medical Universities in Britain" will help you choose the right course.
Best medicine universities in Britain 2026 | Complete University Guide
| Rank | Institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge |
| 2 | University of Oxford |
| 3 | Imperial College London |
| 4 | Queen's University Belfast |
| 5 | Queen Mary University of London |
| 6 | University of Glasgow |
| 7 | University of Dundee |
| 8 | University of Bristol |
| 9 | UCL (University College London) |
| 10 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 11 | University of St Andrews |
| 12 | University of Leicester |
| 13 | Cardiff University |
| 14 | Swansea University |
| 15 | University of Exeter |
| 16 | University of Aberdeen |
| 17 | Newcastle University |
| 18 | King's College London, University of London |
| 19 | Lancaster University |
| 20 | University of Manchester |
| 21 | University of Leeds |
| 22 | Hull York Medical School |
| 23 | Keele University |
| 24 | University of Sheffield |
| 25 | University of East Anglia UEA |
| 26 | University of Liverpool |
| 27 | University of Brighton |
| 28 | University of Birmingham |
| 29 | University of Southampton |
| 30 | City St George's, University of London |
| 31 | University of Plymouth |
| 32 | University of Sussex |
| 33 | University of Nottingham |
| 34 | University of Warwick |
| 35 | University of Sunderland |
| 36 | Anglia Ruskin University |
| 37 | Aston University, Birmingham |
| 38 | University of Buckingham |
| 39 | University of Lancashire |
