MBBS IN UK: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
THE VERY FIRST DAYS –
Building a foundation from a younger age is essential, especially considering the amount of competition there is in the field of Medical sciences. Don’t worry if you’re opting out late, you just have to work really hard. At a young age, there are some things that are both mandatory and quintessential to a strong foundation.
1. Know your passions: MBBS should not be opted for just because someone gets high marks in their science subjects in high school. In fact, no career path should be chosen this way. Until and unless and you really love Biology, clearing the examinations and studying in Europe would be like running behind a unicorn.
2. Intense Research: The fact that you stumbled upon this article in itself explains that you perhaps are up to research. However, what you also need to research is what it takes to be a doctor and what it’s like to be one. It is important to make a connect between your personality and your career since it’s going to be your pursuit for the rest of your life.
3. Choose Subjects Wisely: Since we’re talking about the early years, it is fairly evident that the students need to opt for science subjects in their 11th and 12th grades. Choosing Biology in a senior year is mandatory, while having studying science elaborately throughout your education helps.
4. Cracking NEET: The National Entrance cum Examination Test is a combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology required to be taken and students who have finished school or are finishing it the same year and wish to study the medical sciences.
THE PREREQUISITES –
Almost everyone is generally aware of the basic pre-requisites of graduating from schools and having an English proficiency certificate, but the most recent change that has been brough about is clearing NEET, which was only limited to students wanting to study in India earlier.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) released a verdict mid-2018, making NEET mandatory for students who wished to study medicine in foreign years and was made effective 2019 onwards. The purpose behind mandating an India-based exam for international application was because many Indian candidates found it incredible arduous to even complete the primary medical course or qualify the screening tests required to practice medicine in those countries after having been admitted into their universities.
The system was built to regulate the flow of candidates, ensure only the worthy and deserving were admitted and to also inculcate the required hard work to clear a medical exam.
The NEET results have been valid for 3 years from its date of declaration, giving a time frame window for students to be able to apply to foreign universities within that period or taking the exam again.
MBBS IN UK –
Studying MBBS in UK comes with a lot of challenges and competition. A high score in both, a higher secondary exam and IELTS to secure a seat for the same. However, this turns into a wonderful experience for medical aspirants because of its strong ties with local hospitals and health care centres.
MBBS in UK is classified into two main aspects: Foundation training and Undergraduate study, both lasting 2 years each. After its completion, the graduate can then continue studying medicine with specialization.
There are four types of medical courses that Indian students can apply to:
1. Medicine
2. Dentistry
3. Veterinary Medicine
4. Veterinary Science
APPLICATION PROCESS –
The application for either of the processes happens through the UCAS website. The deadline for the same is 15thOctober every year, where the academic calendar starts from the subsequent month of September.
Applicants, in most cases, also require admission test scores of UKCAT/BMAT/GMSAT which are automatically sent through the UCAS application. This process is followed by three steps: a test, an online application and an interview (for which the invitations are sent out after completion of the first two).
The interview procedure provides the option of either having it conducted via Skype or in-person at the University itself.
The admission team looks into the following details while reviewing an application via the UCAS website:
1. Qualifications
2. Personal Statement (An applicant’s passion for medicine along with motivation, enthusiasm, skills and experience).
3. Content and quality of reference
4. Knowledge and commitment to medicine
5. Positive attitude towards learning
6. A desire for personal development
7. Ability to articulate fluently and accurately in writing
UCAS: STEP BY STEP GUIDE –
1. Registration: The applicant will have sign up and get a username, add personal details, create a password and set up security questions. This must be done cautiously where the name should match exactly as they’re stated on official documents.
2. Signing In: Other personal details need to be filled at this stage, such as, funding and sponsorship details, residential status, special needs or impairments, etc. The UKCISA website provides detailed information to guide applicants through the clarification of their residential statuses.
In addition to the above, an email address should be added and verified to be informed of important updates, to which access can be given to parents, guardians or advisors as well.
3. Choosing a Course: 4 different choices are provided to the students of medicine. Choices can be added having different deadlines as well but it must be noted that an applicant only has five choices in total. Another option lies in applying for deferred entry to some colleges which can be checked up on through their respective admission offices.
4. Education History: All qualifications secondary school onwards need to be filled as universities and college use that information in decision-making. Thus, it is absolutely essential to fill in as much detail as possible, including grades and results. A proof of these results is also required via certificates or transcripts, but the process may vary from university to university.
5. Reviewing: Ensure cross-checking for any required edits before sending it in. Once cross-checked, it can be marked complete and saved. The entire process can be done in steps, logging in and out as per the applicant’s convenience.
Once marked complete, the website presents to the declaration for the applicant to read and declare, which permits UCAS to process the information and forward it to the chosen universities.
6. Paying and Sending: Before completing the process, a reference is needed from a teacher, advisor or professional having known you academically. A reference is essentially a written recommendation talking about the applicant’s work ethics, interaction with other students and suitability for higher education.
Add the person’s email address and phone number to the reference and ‘Ask referee to complete reference’, which UCAS confirms by sending them a link. (Applicants who left education a long time ago can ask an employer, trainer or supervisor; on the flip side, asking friends and family may result in cancellation)
The application fee is £20 for one course, £25 for multiple courses or late applications while 2021 entries may have to pay £26 for multiple choices.
ADMISSION TESTS –
1. UKCAT: An average of 25 medical schools in UK use the score card of this exam for their admission procedures.
2. BMAT: Required by about 7 schools across UK, this test is conducted in the month of November where the results are directly sent to relevant universities. The applicant can register for BMAT via the UCAS, but it’s requirement must be checked up on by the admission offices of desired universities.
3. GAMSAT: A common medical entrance exam used in a variety of medicinal courses and can be applied for through UCAS as well. However, GAMSAT in itself is not enough for admission and must be paired with either of the above.
GOVERNING BODIES –
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
- World Federation of Medical Education (WFME)
- Ministry of Education, Europe
TOP INSTITUTES (MCI APPROVED) –
- Postgraduate Medical Education & Training Board, UK
- Queen Mary University of London , UK
- Saint Georges University of London
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds,
- University of Liverpool
- University of NewCastle Upon Tyne
- University of Wales College of Medicaine, Cardiff, Wales
ADDITIONAL: FOR A LACK OF ENGLISH OR FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
All is not lost who feel they are not adequately skilled to study MBBS in UK. The International Foundation in Medical, Biomedical and Health Sciences at St. George’s University of London offers an opportunity to such students.
If a student manages to complete their one-year course with an aggregate of 75% or above and perform well in the final interview, they are eligible to pursue an international medical degree in UK.
Conversely, if a student fails to obtain 75% in the one year program but obtains a minimum of 65%, they are eligible to pursue a 3-year long Biomedical Science degree, in order to later pursue an undergraduate medical degree.
