Medicine at University of Edinburgh Medical School & Interview Questions 2025

Overview of The University of Edinburgh Medical School

Consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world, Edinburgh has been making its mark on the world for more than 400 years. The University of Edinburgh Medicine degree equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a Foundation Year 1 doctor. This degree programme is designed to prepare you for the contemporary challenges of medical practice.

Course Structure and Years of Study

Years 1 and 2

In your first two years, you will study the biomedical and clinical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology, along with social and ethical aspects of clinical practice.

Year 3

Edinburgh allows intercalation for those looking to complete an extra degree within their studies. This typically involves an intercalated degree, often accompanied with a research project, which will set you up well for future life within the research field.

Years 4, 5 & 6

During these final years, you will study clinical medicine and healthcare. Students are able to move around a number of specialities, working on hospital wards and as part of a team in clinical placements. In your final year, you will apply your learning from previous years and clinical placements, with an emphasis on developing practical skills and knowledge of general and acute medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, anaesthetics and intensive care.

Academic Entry Requirements

For MBChB Medicine, the University scores an applicant’s eight best GCSEs, which must include Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and English. The applicant must have achieved a minimum grade of 7 or A in these GCSEs. Further academic requirements include:

• A Level: Minimum requirements are A*AA. Chemistry must be at A* and Biology/Maths/Physics at A.
• Widening Access: AAB with Chemistry and one of Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 40 points with 766 at HL. HL must include Chemistry and one other science subject.
• SQA Highers: AAAAB by end of S5.
• Graduate Entry: A 2:1 degree is required in a Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics based subject.

UCAT Scores and Selection Process

Regarding the UCAT, for testing in 2025, the Abstract Reasoning section has been removed. Therefore, the total score will be out of 2700 instead of the previous 3600. Our minimum UCAT total cut-off score for those applying for 2026 entry is 1650. In the previous 2023/2024 cycle, the cut-off was 2470 (/3600).

The selection process for 2023 entry was weighted as follows:

• Academic score (achieved or predicted): 25%
• UCAT score (by decile): 17.5%
• Situational judgement test (SJT) banding: 7.5%
• Assessment day scores: 50%

Average UCAT Scores Invited to Interview (2023 Entry)

• Scottish: 2800
• RUK (Rest of UK): 2990
• International: 3060

Preparation for Interviews

To prepare for interviews, applicants should explore resources covering Interview Questions, NHS Hot Topics, and Medical Ethics. This preparation includes understanding MMI Circuits, Online Interviews, and specific Interview Prep Packages designed to boost your application.