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How to become a future doctor
To become a future doctor, you'll start your education and training pathway with a degree in medicine. You can meet the entry requirements through hard work, planning, and choosing the right route to medical school.
Studying medicine in Scotland
As you research your options for studying Medicine, you'll notice that undergraduate 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.
There are 5 medical schools in Scotland where you can study Medicine:
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of St Andrews
MBChB is awarded via all medical schools in Scotland. However, if you choose to study Medicine at the University of St Andrews, you can graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Medicine after 3 years. You'll then complete your MBChB or MBBS at a partner university by following one of these routes:
- Scotland – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow
- England – Manchester, London
- No preference route
The university also offers graduate entry programmes.
Have you thought about studying medicine?
The Scottish Medical Students Committee at the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has produced an excellent resource for studying medicine. This guide includes case studies from Scottish medical students who:
- share their experiences
- offer advice about application preparation and the admissions process
The students also address some myths and stereotypes linked to studying medicine.
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. It supports eligible pupils in S4 to S6 from non-traditional and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study medicine. The programme will give you an insight into a career in medicine.
Each medical school has Reach staff based on campus. They provide information, impartial advice, and encouragement to support you with your application and preparation for the medical school selection process.
Routes to medical school
Scotland needs to have an inclusive and diverse medical workforce from various backgrounds. Many students apply directly from school, but 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.
This degree programme can take 6 years if it includes a mandatory intercalation year.
Learn more about entry requirements for the 2026 intake.
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.
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 full-time 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.
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 one-year SWAP Access to Medical Studies course. You can then apply for a standard entry medicine programme at medical schools affiliated with your college.
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 immediately 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.
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
If you’re studying medicine at a Scottish university, you can apply for funding from SAAS. Funding is also available for students studying medicine as a second degree.
Discover more about funding support for medical students in Scotland.
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, 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.
Trainees on foundation programmes are known as resident doctors.
Specialty training
After finishing the Foundation programme, you can apply for hospital or general practice specialty training. Specialty training can take between 3 and 7 years, depending on the type of doctor you want to be.
After completing speciality training, you'll be issued a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). You can then join the appropriate GMC Register and apply for jobs in the NHS.
Medical education and training pathway infographic
This infographic shows the education and training pathway for medicine. It is a visual representation of the information on this page about medical education, postgraduate training, and job applications.
