Top UK Universities For Medicine - Ranking & League Table 2025
Searching for the best universities for medicine in the UK? Check out our full guide on the top UK universities offering medical degrees. We’ve also curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognised qualifications for Medicine.
Table of Contents
What Do You Study In Medicine?
Medicine degrees are an intricate blend of learning foundational scientific knowledge and acquiring practical clinical skills. Initially, medical students delve into the basic sciences, which are the cornerstone of medical knowledge.
They learn subjects such as anatomy— the structure of the human body, physiology, which covers the functions of organs and systems, biochemistry, providing insight into the chemical processes within the body, and pharmacology, which teaches how drugs interact with the body. These subjects lay the groundwork for understanding health and disease.
Alongside these, students are introduced to clinical sciences like internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, which focus on diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
Medical ethics and professionalism are also integral parts of the curriculum, emphasising the moral and legal responsibilities inherent in medical practice.
UK Medical School Ranking And League Table 2025
The University League Table for Medicine shows some of the top ranking medical schools in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by UK and global ranking as well entry requirements.
Top UK Universities For Medicine And Rankings
Note: Fees quoted in the UK Medicine league table are for international students who are looking to study medicine in these UK universities and are inclusive of the annual UK medicine levy fee.
In 2025, Cambridge ranked number one for Medicine in the UK. The University of Cambridge’s degree in Medicine emphasises a strong scientific foundation. This course is known for its rigorous and intensive curriculum, covering a broad range of medical sciences before transitioning into clinical practice.
One of the key features of Cambridge’s medical program is its integration of research into the curriculum. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, allowing them to contribute to the field of medicine from early in their studies. This emphasis on research prepares students not just for clinical practice, but also for careers in medical research, academia, and other related fields.
Holding consistent at number 2 is the University Of Oxford. Oxford is one of the top ranking universities globally, and strict and difficult entry requirements ensures only the top students make it in. It is worth noting that the University of Oxford subsidises the annual medicine levy fee of £10,000.
Recommended Medical Schools In The UK
Looking for alternative choices? We’ve also curated a list of high ranking, recommended universities for you to consider if you plan to study Medicine in the UK.
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of London, one cannot forego Imperial College, which ranks number 4 in the UK for medical degrees. Imperial College of London prides themselves on their dedication to medical research and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The University of Nottingham offers multiple entry pathways which are available for local and international students, allowing for easier entry to study at the university. The annual fee is a lot more affordable, starting from £28,700 a year.
The University of Bristol has climbed the medicine ranks in the past years, making it an affordable choice for students who wish to pursue a quality, recognised medical degree in the UK.
For further information on fees of specific universities, you may contact us.
Want To Study Medicine In The UK?
We just published the complete guide to studying Medicine in the UK. It’s a comprehensive guide which covers everything you need to know to get into Medicine!
How To Apply To Study Medicine In The UK?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability/Graduate prospects
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Preparation
Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.
Step 3: Submit UCAS Application
The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.
To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here.
More about UCAS
The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your prefered UK universities.
UK Medical School Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK medical school:
- English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). Most medical schools will require you to sit for an aptitude test used as part of the admissions process.
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
- Health checks. All potential medical students are required to undergo screening for blood borne viruses. Details will be provided should you accept an offer.
- Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). This format of interview has been adopted by an increasing amount of medical schools in the UK as of late. The MMI interviews consist of several short practical assessments. You’ll be presented with a scenario before each mini interview and given some time to prepare for an answer. Next, you’ll be asked a question by the interviewer or engage in a role-play scenario with an actor while being watched by the interviewer.
- Personal statement. This is a supporting document an part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine In The UK
Yes, the fees for international students differ from local students who wish to study medicine in the UK. Refer to our league table for fees for students overseas.
Statistics show that there are typically around 21,000 applicants who compete for 8,000 places in medical schools in the UK. The success rate is around 40%.
Besides achieving a good sixth form academic result, the common entrance exams are UCAT, BMAT, and MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews). Typically, you will need to pass an International English Language Test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
For most courses in Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, the deadline to apply is 15 October. For example, if you with to apply for the September 2020 intake, your application to UCAS must be submitted by 15 October 2019.
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