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How to join an NHS staff bank in Scotland
How to become a future doctor
To become a future doctor, you’ll need to complete a degree in medicine. You can meet the entry requirements through hard work, planning, and choosing the right route to medical school for you.
Studying medicine in Scotland
There are 5 medical schools where you can study medicine in Scotland:
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of St Andrews
As you research your options for studying medicine, you’ll notice that medical degrees can have different abbreviations. MBChB and MBBS both mean Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. They are equivalent qualifications at SCQF level 10.
Routes to medical school
Scotland needs to have an inclusive and diverse medical workforce from various backgrounds. Many students apply directly from school, but to support widening access to medicine, there are various paths to becoming a future doctor.
Standard entry medicine
If you’re at school, you can apply to study Medicine at university after you complete your Highers or A levels. It’s the most common route if you’re confident in meeting the medical school entry requirements.
Learn more about entry requirements for the 2026 intake. [link to entry requirements]
Scottish Community Orientated Medicine (ScotCOM)
ScotCOM is a 5-year MBChB degree delivered by the University of St Andrews. Although the degree programme focuses on community medicine, you’ll gain experience in both primary care services and hospital-based care. It will prepare you for a career in any area of medicine, including high-demand specialties.
Find out more about the ScotCOM degree programme.
Graduate entry medicine
Before committing to a medical degree, you could study a different undergraduate first degree, like Pharmacy or Paramedic Science. A graduate medical degree course allows you to do this.
Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine (ScotGEM)
ScotGEM is a 4-year graduate entry, undergraduate medical programme delivered by the University of St Andrews and the University of Dundee. You'll have the opportunity to experience general practice and remote rural working, with a focus on community-based training.
Find out more about ScotGEM.
Medical degree for healthcare professionals (HCP-Med)
Edinburgh Medical School’s HCP-Med programme is designed for healthcare professionals living and working in Scotland, including:
- nurses
- paramedics
- pharmacists
- midwives
- clinical scientists
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
In the first 3 years, you’ll study part-time and have general practice and hospital clinical placements. You’ll join the main MBChB programme in year 4. Although there is a focus on general practice, the HCP-Med will prepare you for a career in any medical specialty.
Find out more about the HCP-Med programme at Edinburgh Medical School.
Other graduate entry programmes are available. Check with each medical school for more information.
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding
Funding may be available for studying medicine as a second degree. Discover more about funding support for students in Scotland.
SWAP Access to Medical Studies
If you’re an adult learner considering a career as a doctor, you may be aware of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). Local colleges across Scotland deliver the SWAP Access to Medical Studies programme.
Find out more about SWAP, including eligibility and course delivery.
Medicine with a gateway year
Several gateway programmes provide a supportive route to medical school if you're not ready to start a degree programme:
- University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Medical Sciences, and Nutrition - Gateway 2 Medicine (G2M)
- University of Dundee School of Medicine - Gateway to Medicine
- University of Glasgow, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing, Gateway to Medical Studies
- University of St Andrews Medical School - Gateway to Medicine
By completing a gateway programme, you can progress confidently to an undergraduate medical degree at the same medical school.
You’ll find more information on the different routes to a medical degree on the Medical Schools Council website.
Reach widening participation programme
All Scottish medical schools are dedicated to widening access to medicine. They participate in pre-entry support activities through the Reach programme.
What is Reach?
Reach is a widening participation programme that supports eligible pupils in S4 to S6 from non-traditional backgrounds who wish to study medicine.
The programme will give you an insight into a career in medicine. Reach staff are based at each of the universities. They provide information, impartial advice, and encouragement to support you with your application and preparation for the medical school selection process.
Find out more about the Reach programme.
Graduating from medical school
From day one at medical school, you’ll start building your clinical knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours for a future career as a doctor.
When you graduate from medical school, you’ll need a provisional registration with a licence to practise from the General Medical Council (GMC). This will allow you to apply for a foundation programme.
Foundation programme
A 2-year work-based foundation programme is the first step in your postgraduate medical training after medical school. It offers experience in a range of medical specialties and geographic locations across Scotland. When you have a place on a foundation programme, you must apply for provisional registration with the GMC.
Specialty training
When you finish the Foundation programme, you’ll be eligible to apply for hospital or general practice specialty training.
You’ll be issued a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) when you've completed specialty training. You can then join the appropriate GMC Register and apply for jobs in the NHS.
