MBChB degree programme

Admissions

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I become a doctor in the UK and what is the job like?
   The BMA  has some general advice on becoming a doctor.
   
   
2. What facilities are available to medical students?
   The Wolfson Medical School Building was built around the PBL style of learning and offers excellent facilities specifically for students in the Faculty of Medicine, with PBL rooms, Vocational Studies suite, a Clinical Skills area and a Study Landscape containing over 120 PCs and a few thousand books.
   
   There is also the undergraduate web portal VALE, that provides information and teaching content relevant to each student and their particular year.
   
   Medical students at the University of Glasgow can also experience placements in a number of hospitals throughout the Glasgow area and beyond.
   
   The University is based in the west end of Glasgow, which is one of Europe's liveliest cities with a varied and colourful social scene, which ensures there is always something to do. Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of our city centre, the greenery of our many parks and gardens, or visiting art galleries, museums and theatres, you will feel at home in this bustling and friendly city. The student population is approximately 20,000 (University of Glasgow Student Information).  
   
   
3. Do you offer a foundation course or similar pre-entry course?
   No, the only course currently available in medicine is the 5-year MBChB degree programme (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).
   
   
4. Do you run a fast track course for graduates?
   Normally candidates who have completed a degree before entry are required to enter the first year of the course, as it is now an integrated problem-based learning course with no pre-clinical and clinical divide.
   
   
5. Do you accept resits?
   Resits for any qualification are not considered (i.e. School Leavers cannot sit another set of high school examinations to upgrade, Graduates cannot undertake another undergraduate/postgraduate degree, Access Course candidates cannot embark on a further Access Course). Our minimum academic entry requirements must be obtained at the first attempt.
   
   
6. What if my school doesn't allow me to take 5 Highers in one year?
   Consideration will be given to applicants sitting Highers over two years, however stringent conditions are likely be placed on results achieved in S6.
   
   
7. Do I need to have work experience?
   Work experience in a medical setting is not necessary to study medicine but it is expected that candidates will have at least spoken to a doctor such as their own GP about a career in medicine or have found out about a medical career through reading careers books or newspapers. An awareness of current issues facing the medical profession is also expected, which can be obtained from newspapers, journals and the internet. An interest in caring for others is also expected, which can be demonstrated through voluntary/paid work in a community setting.
   Some hospitals will accept students looking for work experience. For example, staff at Monklands Hospital in Lanarkshire have developed a formal work experience scheme for 6th year pupils called the Next Generation programme.
   
   
8. My application was unsuccessful; can I re-apply?
   Due to the tight restrictions in MBChB intake numbers, competition is fierce and many good applicants are unsuccessful. If candidates meet minimum entry requirements they can re-apply, but will not be guaranteed an interview/place, even if this has been offered in previous admissions cycles.
   
   
9. Are there any extra costs as a medical student?
   Medical students incur similar financial pressures as all other students. There is the additional cost of travel expenses for clinical placements to take into consideration. SAAS and LEA funded students may be reimbursed for this cost.
   
   Check the University of Glasgow Registry's website for fee information and the section on student finance for information on financial assistance. If you are a resident Scottish or EU student, check out the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. Non-Scottish resident students should consult the Department for Education and Employment - Higher Education student support web pages.
   
   Throughout the year, prizes and bursaries are advertised on the MBChB student web pages. Funding for many graduate entrants is available through the University's Second First Degree Fund on an annual basis. Intercalated funding is also available.
   
   
10. How does the Medical School cater for disabled students?
    A disability need not be a barrier to becoming a doctor if the student can fulfil the rigorous demands of professional fitness to practise as a newly qualified doctor. Disclosure of a disability will enable the Medical School to offer advice and support where necessary. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Medical School and/or the Disability Service in the first instance to discuss the issues in greater depth. See also our page on Disability & health.
    
    
11. Can I visit the Medical School?
    All potential applicants can visit the Medical School during the University of Glasgow's Open Day in September, Applicant’s Visit Day in March and through afternoon visits, scheduled by the Recruitment Admissions and Participation Service.
    
    

See also: General Undergraduate FAQs in the Prospectus.