Medicine (MBChB)
Introduction
At Aberdeen, you will study medicine in a thriving medical school that is co-located on one of the largest clinical sites in Europe with superb teaching and extensive research facilities.
We are ranked 2nd in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Medicine in the Guardian University Guide 2026!
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MBChB
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- A100
Our modern, dynamic and clearly delivered MBChB uses a systems-based, integrated approach. Our curriculum is constantly reviewed and updated in response to changing GMC guidance, scientific and medical advances, changes in healthcare delivery and changes in educational theory and practice. Student feedback is highly encouraged.
Based on one of the largest health campuses in Europe, on site facilities include a large teaching hospital, paediatric and maternity hospitals which means that you will have access to and be taught by experienced clinicians who are at the forefront of modern clinical practice.
With an impressive history of medical discovery and innovation, Aberdeen is the first choice for aspiring medical students looking to embark on a career that will make a real difference not just to the care of individuals but to society as a whole.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
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Term 1 provides you with the knowledge and understanding of medical sciences and the disease processes that underpin medicine. The systems-based course commences in term 2. Here we use clinical cases to act as a focus for teaching. This means we teach you about the appropriate anatomy, physiology & biochemistry of each of the body systems, as they are explored, as well as the disease processes that disorganise normal structure and function within each system. In Year 1, students commence the Foundations of Primary Care Course (FPC) which uses a network of local general practices. Students also undertake the first 4-week Student Selected Component (SSC) which involves project-based group work.
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Foundations of Medicine (ME2019)
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40 Credit Points
This course introduces students to the basic principles of medicine. It will outline the physiological principles that underpin normal structure and function of the human body, the pathological principles that underpin disease and the factors that influence the health of individuals, families and communities. It will also describe systems of healthcare delivery in the UK and around the world. This course is only available to students in year 1 of the MBChB programme or year 1 of the B Clin Med Sci programme
- Anatomy 1 (ME2020)
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20 Credit Points
This course delivers the anatomy content for Year 1 MBChB.
- Clinical Skills 1 (ME2021)
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20 Credit Points
The Clinical Skills 1 course introduces the process of diagnosis and treatment through medical history taking, clinical examination, performance of basic clinical procedures and clinical assessment that is appropriate to the patient's needs. In year one the course covers the principles and application of clinical skills, clinical examination and communication skills in general terms and as applied to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It also introduces students to the clinical environment and to patient centred care and patient safety. The professional and ethical principles of the doctor are introduced and the need for medical students to take personal and professional responsibility for their actions and their learning.
- Student Selected Component 1 (ME2511)
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10 Credit Points
- Medicine 1 (ME2512)
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30 Credit Points
This course is the start of the systems based teaching in the medicine curriculum and incorporates the form and function of the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems in both health and disease and the biomedical principles which underlie them. Diagnosis and management of common respiratory and cardiovascular disease are studied. This course is only available to students in year 1 of the MBChB programme/ year 1 of the B Clin Med Sci programme.
- Year 2
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The systems-based teaching and the Foundations of Primary Care continue to develop in Year 2 where you continue to increase your knowledge and skills. A second 4-week SSC will be undertaken, focussing on molecular mechanisms of disease.
You will also experience a huge variety of weekly clinical attachments working alongside and shadowing various members of the multi-disciplinary hospital team.
Year 2: Compulsory Courses
Student Selected Component 2 (ME3013)
- Anatomy 2 (ME3029)
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30 Credit Points
- Clinical Skills 2 (ME3030)
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30 Credit Points
The course builds on the process of diagnosis and management through, clinical communication (history taking and explanation and planning), clinical examination, performance of clinical practical procedures and assessment appropriate to patient
Year 2 covers principles and application of clinical skills, in generic and specific terms as applied to the general, respiratory, cardiovascular, alimentary, head and neck, neurological, endocrine, urinary, and musculoskeletal systems. It also builds on students’ exposure to the simulated and clinical environments whilst focusing on patient centred care and patient safety.
- Medicine 2 (ME3031)
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60 Credit Points
- Year 3
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The study of the systems and the Foundations of Primary Care course are completed in Year 3. The SSC in third year provides a unique opportunity to study Medical Humanities for a six week module. A wide range of subjects will be available for students to choose from.
In Year 3, bi-weekly clinical attachments continue and by the end of the year, you will be able to perform a complete head-to-toe examination of your patients.
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
Medicine 3 (ME3034)
Anatomy 3 (ME3032)
Medical Humanities Course
- Clinical Skills 3 (ME3033)
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25 Credit Points
The course builds on the process of diagnosis and management through, clinical communication (history taking and explanation and planning), clinical examination, performance of clinical practical procedures and assessment appropriate to patient Year 3 covers principles and application of clinical skills in specific terms and as applied to the reproductive system and communication skills relevant to psychiatric, paediatric, and breaking bad news. Whilst building exposure to simulated and clinical environments with continued focus on patient centred care and patient safety.
- Preparing for Professional Practice 1 (ME4024)
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This one week taught course sets the scene for the clinical learning that students will undertake, on a rotational basis during the seven, six week long clinical blocks ahead. It provides both whole group teaching and smaller group discussion of how to make the most of the learning opportunities in clinical areas, with a focus on learning from and through work, both signposted activities and through experiential learning. It also discusses expectations of professional behaviour in senior clinical practice.
- Senior Clinical Practice 4a (ME4022)
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15 Credit Points
The Year 4 curriculum builds on the considerable breadth and depth of specialty knowledge of Years 1-3 systems-based teaching and provides the clinically based core learning required in Outcomes for Graduates (2018) for graduating doctors. Building on prior learning, Year 4 students will be able to apply their knowledge of basic physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and pathology to patients with a wide range of problems. The Year 4 curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve the standards set by the GMC across a broad range of clinical settings and conditions. These experiences will enable students to increasingly contribute to the care of patients under supervision.
- Student Selected Component 3 (ME4902)
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15 Credit Points
- Year 4
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In Year 4, students develop their clinical reasoning, diagnostic and management skills for both individual patients and patient populations of all ages, with medical conditions affecting any of the body systems. Students undertake seven six-week clinical blocks with indicative thematic titles during which experience will be gained in many different clinical areas and disciplines
At least one of these clinical blocks will be undertaken in Inverness. However, students may choose to undertake the Remote and Rural option for all the blocks in Year 4, and these students will be based in Inverness for the year.
Five horizontal themes also arc across the curriculum: diagnostics, end of life care, health data science, quality improvement, cost and value of healthcare.
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- Elective Outline (ME4020)
- Senior Clinical Practice 4b (ME4023)
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90 Credit Points
The Year 4 curriculum builds on the considerable breadth and depth of specialty knowledge of Years 1-3 systems-based teaching and provides the clinically based core learning required in Outcomes for Graduates (2018) for graduating doctors. Building on prior learning, Year 4 students will be able to apply their knowledge of basic physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and pathology to patients with a wide range of problems. The Year 4 curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve the standards set by the GMC across a broad range of clinical settings and conditions. These experiences will enable students to increasingly contribute to the care of patients under supervision.
- Preparing for Professional Practice 2 (ME4302)
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This one week taught course (the second of the Professional Practice Blocks) provides both whole group teaching and smaller group discussion regarding professional behaviour in senior clinical practice and revisiting the horizontal themes that were launched in the first the Professional Practice Block at the start of Year 4.
- Senior Clinical Practice (Written Exam) (ME4903)
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45 Credit Points
- Senior Clinical Practice (Osce) (ME4904)
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45 Credit Points
- Year 5
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Year 5 is very much the apprentice year where students prepare for the competent, safe, effective and professional practice of medicine as a doctor.
All final year students complete Student Assistantships in their medical, surgical and GP/Psychiatry attachments. The focus of the placement is to learn what is required post-graduation when you will be working as a foundation doctor.
Year 5: Compulsory Courses
Preparing for Professional Practice (ME5802)
- Year 5 Assessment (ME5012)
- Medicine / Paediatrics / Care Ofthe Elderly (ME5014)
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40 Credit Points
- Surgical Specialties / Obstetrics & Gynaecology / Anaesthetics / Itu (ME5015)
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40 Credit Points
- General Practice / Psychiatry (ME5016)
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40 Credit Points
- Medical Elective (ME5017)
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40 Credit Points
- Immediate Life Support (Ils) Course (ME5018)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Students undertake a step-by-step approach to the development of knowledge, skills and professional attitudes through a systems-based approach to learning.
Medical students have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge by undertaking a one year intercalated honours degree in Medical Science or Medical Humanities at the end of year 3 or 4.
All students will enjoy a clinical attachment experiencing remote & rural medicine in year 4, with the opportunity to undertake the whole year outwith Aberdeen.
Student Selected Components are undertaken in each year which allow students to follow up areas of personal interest for more study.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Professional Placements
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
A variety of assessment methods are used to carry out formative and summative assessments including:
Written Exams - These test factual knowledge, but can also test clinical reasoning/diagnostic skills.
Course Work - In some courses, essays or reports are written. Some involve working in groups to produce posters and presentations.
Clinical Exams - Clinical, diagnostic skills, disease management and a range of professional skills including ethics are encompassed within clinical exams.
Why Study Medicine?
- Early patient contact - You will work with our Patient Partners right from the very start of the programme and clinical attachments begin in year 1.
- The Clinical Skills Centre provides modern facilities with the latest simulation technology designed to assist in delivery of clinical teaching and skills in a safe and supported environment.
- A state of the art anatomy facility designed and built to fit perfectly with the systems-based medical curriculum.
- The Medical Humanities SSC in year 3 gives you an opportunity to acquire an alternative ‘take’ upon medicine and/or health, sickness or disability, which is not provided by the mainstream medical curriculum.
- Medical students have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge by undertake a one year intercalated honours degree in Medical Science or Medical Humanities.
- Placements in the remote and rural areas of Northern Scotland provide our students with fantastic unique opportunities to experience healthcare in a variety of rural settings.
- The 8 week elective project in year 5 allows you the opportunity to be completely independent in deciding where in the world you would like to go to study any aspect of medicine of particular interest.
- The MBChB programme's 'Culture of Care' has been highly rated externally. The General Medical Council were impressed by the "enthusiasm & commitment of the staff", "students' enthusiasm & loyalty to the school" and the excellent student support.
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2026 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AAAAB at Highers taken at one sitting. Chemistry is required, plus two from Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
Widening Access: AAAB for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria. Chemistry is required, plus two from Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics and Physics.
Foundation Apprenticeship: We will accept the FA Social Service and Healthcare as equivalent to an A at Higher in a science subject and the FA Scientific Technology as equivalent to an A at Higher in a non-science subject.
National 5 in both English and Mathematics is required at B or above. National 5 in Biology and Physics are recommended but not compulsory (B or above).
A LEVELS
Standard: Three A Levels at AAA. Chemistry is required, plus one from Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and one other subject.
GCSE in both English Language and Mathematics at B/6 or above are required.
GCSE Biology and Physics at B/6 or above are recommended.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Three Higher subjects at Grade H1 including Chemistry, Biology and one other subject. Three Higher subjects at Grade H2 including English and either Maths or Physics, plus one other subject.
JCPA: Higher Merit/H2/Grade B or better required in English, Mathematics and Science.
Junior Level: Physics required; Maths and Biology strongly recommended.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
6 points including at least 3 HL at 6 and 3 SL with an average of 6.
HL Chemistry is required; plus HL in Mathematics, Biology or Physics, and one other subject.
If only 2 sciences offered at HL, must have a further science subject at SL.
- 2027 Entry
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SQA Highers
Standard: AAAAB at Highers taken at one sitting. Chemistry is required, plus two from Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
Widening Access: AAAB for applicants who meet one or more widening access criteria. Chemistry is required, plus two from Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics and Physics.
Foundation Apprenticeship: We will accept the FA Social Service and Healthcare as equivalent to an A at Higher in a science subject and the FA Scientific Technology as equivalent to an A at Higher in a non-science subject.
National 5 in both English and Mathematics is required at B or above. National 5 in Biology and Physics are recommended but not compulsory (B or above).
A LEVELS
Standard: Three A Levels at AAA. Chemistry is required, plus one from Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and one other subject.
GCSE in both English Language and Mathematics at B/6 or above are required.
GCSE Biology and Physics at B/6 or above are recommended.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Three Higher subjects at Grade H1 including Chemistry, Biology and one other subject. Three Higher subjects at Grade H2 including English and either Maths or Physics, plus one other subject.
JCPA: Higher Merit/H2/Grade B or better required in English, Mathematics and Science.
Junior Level: Physics required; Maths and Biology strongly recommended.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
6 points including at least 3 HL at 6 and 3 SL with an average of 6.
HL Chemistry is required; plus HL in Mathematics, Biology or Physics, and one other subject.
If only 2 sciences offered at HL, must have a further science subject at SL.
Additional Information
Medicine is a vocational course, one in which the student is trained to become a medical professional. The range of specialty options after qualification is very wide, but nevertheless, making such a career choice, particularly at a young age is a daunting task for many applicants.
Training to be a doctor involves extensive and dedicated study, both as an undergraduate and life-long, after qualification. To avoid the disappointment of non-completion of a degree, or indeed complete disillusionment with a subsequent career in medicine, we need to ensure that applicants enter this profession with their eyes open and understand the implications and commitments of such a career.
It is important to understand that there are Academic Requirements (i.e. the minimum achievements required in examinations) as well as Non-Academic Requirements for Medicine. In addition, all applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Medicine degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 7.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 7.0; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 100 with: Listening - 21; Reading - 22; Speaking - 28; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 70 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 70; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 185 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 185; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fitness to Practice Guidelines
Students undertaking Education, Medicine or Dentistry programmes must comply with the University's fitness to practise guidelines.
Fees and Funding
International Students. Please visit please visit the Institute for Education in Medical and Dental Sciences website for information on additional ACT Levy charge that will be applied on top of the above advertised fees.
- EU / International students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £50,100
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This includes the mandatory national levy to cover the cost of tuition in the NHS. Further details can be found https://www.abdn.ac.uk/smmsn/undergraduate/medicine/tuition-fees.php
- Home Students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
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The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Planning your Medical Career
The NHS National Health Careers website www.healthcareers.nhs.uk contains lots of valuable information to assist you in planning your medical career.
Academic Medicine
A proportion of graduates with an aptitude for research and teaching follow a career in academic medicine. They will almost invariably proceed on to a degree by thesis e.g. MD, ChM or PhD. Individuals who wish to pursue a Consultant appointment in a teaching hospital may also find this form of higher degree invaluable. Potential academics of the future are mentored in Aberdeen and encouraged to apply for the Academic Foundation Programme (www.abdn.ac.uk/acat).
For more detailed career information also see: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Career Opportunities
- Doctor
- GP
- Physician
- Surgeon
Industry Links
The University of Aberdeen has close links with the NHS in Grampian, Highland, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, where you can undertake clinical attachments.
Accreditation
The General Medical Council set standards and outcomes for medical education in the UK. The GMC tests whether schools meet the requirements set out in their standards and guidance through quality assurance activity. The Medical Schools Council represents the interests and ambitions of UK medical schools as they relate to the generation of national health, wealth and knowledge through biomedical research and the profession of medicine.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition
University of Aberdeen
Polwarth Building
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZD