Medicine is where the science of healing meets the art of compassion, and your knowledge becomes a powerful tool to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Embarking on a medical journey is like unlocking a world where science meets empathy. You'll dive into the mysteries of the human body, learn about diseases, and explore the latest medical technology. But it's not just textbooks and labs. Studying medicine sets you on a path with many career options. Imagine becoming a specialist in surgery, paediatrics, or even shaping health policies. And you're not just limited to hospitals – there are opportunities for research, teaching, and making a big impact on healthcare. So, if you're up for a journey where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in people's lives, medicine might just be your calling.
The impact you could make
Play a crucial role in alleviating suffering and restoring health in communities.
Through research, have the potential to drive advancement in healthcare that can have a lasting impact on the field of medicine.
Directly save lives through accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and surgical interventions.
Hi! My name is Niamh and I am a former Applied Medical Science student currently studying medicine at Swansea University. Making the move from secondary to university can be a daunting experience and so I am happy to be a part of the Unibuddy scheme to alleviate any worries and answer any questions that prospective students may have about life here in Swansea University.
Alaa
University of Aberdeen
Medical Sciences PhD
I am Alaa, a Medical Doctor, I made the decision to embark on an academic journey through pursuing a PhD in Anatomy. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of the human body. I am thrilled to make a contribution to the world of education and medical research.
Carolyn
Brunel University of London
Medicine
I am from Taiwan, and I am now a 3rd-year MBBS student at Brunel Medical School. My special interests in medicine include Immunology and Neurology.
I chose to study Medicine because I love science and art, and Medicine is the perfect combination of both. I particularly love the Brunel MBBS Team-Based Learning model (TBL) as it guides my learning journey as a medical student very well. The early placement opportunity since Year 1 has been the most rewarding learning experience for me.
Aleksandra
Bangor University
Graduate Entry Medicine
Currently, I'm focused on surviving my third year of medicine. Outside of that, I'm really interested in nature and like going on long walks when I can! I've also explored the local area and visited lots of interesting places.
Cadi
Bangor University
Medical Sciences
I'm originally from around Bala, and I live on a farm with my family. I am intending on going to study something further in the medical field, such as Radiology or Physiotherapy.
Dwi'n wreiddiol o ochrau Bala, ac yn byw ar ffarm efo fy nheulu. Dwi efo'r bwriad i fynd ymlaen i astudio rhywbeth yn y maes Meddygol, fel Radiology neu Physiotherpy.
Aditya
University of Glasgow
Medicine [MBChB]
Hello everyone, This is Aditya. I am a 2nd Year international medical student at the University of Glasgow. My aspiration is to become a cardiologist with a special interest in interventional cardiology and cardiac physics. I am open to any questions you guys might want to ask about the university, the medical school, or even the city and how it’s been adapting to a new culture as an international student :)
Billie
University of Glasgow
Medicine [MBChB]
Hi there! I’m Billie and currently in my 3rd year of the MBChB course. There’s such a variety of classes you participate in, ranging from anatomy labs to small group discussions, so the course will always keep you on your toes!
Before Medicine, I also did a pre-med course with the university called the ‘Glasgow Access Programme’, which is now called the ‘Gateway to Medical Studies Programme‘ for widening participation students.
I’ve really enjoyed my journey so far in med school and I’m looking forward to the clinical-based years of the course to get some time on the wards and develop more of an idea of what specialty I’d like to pursue!
Georgia
Bangor University
Medical Sciences
Hi, I'm Georgia and i started studying at Bangor Uni in September 2023 after completing my A-levels that summer in Maths, Biology and French! I am originally from Nottingham and i have loved the change from city life to being inbetween the beach and mountains. I am currently studying pharmacology and absolutely love my degree. I have such a passion and get so much enjoyment from studying. I plan to go into postgrad education and then hopefully into a research and development career in labs. Please feel free to ask any question :)
Rose
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
I am a 4th year Graduate Entry Medicine Student and I also did my Bsc in Medical Pharmacology at Swansea. I love dance, aerial sports and cheerleading, it has been a great experience so far. There are a lot of different areas of Swansea that can be explored. I was born in America but have done GCSE and A-levels in the United Kingdom. I have various jobs connected to the university such as Student Ambassador. The Medical Pharmacology course was a great and engaging experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aliya
City St George's, University of London
Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) BSc (Hons)
Hi I’m Aliya! and i’m a third year student at city university . Killing cancer with radiation – that’s the heart of what I’m studying as a radiotherapy student! I’m passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives. I have joined city through clearing and it was the best choice. I love sharing my journey to others and helping out with university experiences - whether it’s choosing a course , balancing studies or finding the best coffee on campus ;)
Justyna
University of Aberdeen
Medicine MBChB
Hi! My name is Justyna and I’m a graduate medical student from London. I completed my first degree in Biomedical Science, which led to my growing interest in cancer therapies and infectious diseases. I would also like to explore the potential career in anaesthetics. Outside of medical school, I like to lift weights at the gym or practice karate. I am learning Korean and Japanese and I love cooking/ baking various foods from these countries. I enjoy exploring new things and travelling the world so I am planning to do some of my working experience abroad.
Sarah
University of Aberdeen
Medicine MBChB
Hello, I'm a third year medical student at the University of Aberdeen! I am studying medicine as my second degree, with my previous degree being in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Dundee!
Aia
City St George's, University of London
Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) BSc (Hons)
Hi, I’m Aia, a 3rd-year radiotherapy student at City, University of London. I applied through clearing and have enjoyed my uni experience. My background includes A levels in Psychology, History and Biology. If you have any questions about radiography or City, St George’s, don’t hesitate to reach out, I am more than happy to help!
Sara
University of Glasgow
Medicine [MBChB]
Hi, I'm Sara and I've really enjoyed my time at the university so far, its been lovely to meet so many different people and enjoy student life! I know it can seem a little daunting at first but there are lots of events and societies organised to meet new people and have fun! Personally I like to bake, read and I'd love to travel and explore new cultures. After I've completed my degree, I have an interest in pediatrics , however, I'm still very uncertain at this stage- (let's hope I survive my exams first..)
Denver
University of Glasgow
Medicine [MBChB]
Hello! I'm Denver, I study Immunology/Medicine at the University of Glasgow. I'm 20 and I've got a life long passion on the study of Immunology and Infectious diseases. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, particularly for courses within the Life Sciences, Medicine and also generally anything related to the University of Glasgow. I'm quick to respond and happy to take on any type of questions :)
Anna
Brunel University of London
Medicine
Hi, I'm Anna and am part of the first cohort at Brunel Medical School. I can give insight into the application process, how the programme is like, and anything in between - but also happy to chat about anything university related!
Hope
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi, I'm Hope, a 3rd year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) student. My previous degree was in Applied Medical Sciences, also at Swansea. I am very passionate about medicine, but in my spare time like to watch rugby, spend time with my friends and family, walk on the beach and love to cook! I also know a bit about the sports set-up at Swansea, as an ex-international athlete. Look forward to hearing from you.
Diksha
University of Plymouth
BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Hi, I'm Diksha! I'll be happy to answer any of your questions about Medicine, student life, my studies, or anything else about life here at Plymouth.
Maira
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hello, I'm Maira! I'm a 2nd-year medical student at Swansea University, having moved here from Greece three years ago. With a degree in Medical Genetics, I'm deeply interested in the intersection of genetics and medicine and I'am currently involved in medical education research. Outside my studies, I am a Senior Student Ambassador for the university, and I'm passionate about travel, scuba diving, books, and theatre. At home, I'm kept company by a dog and five cats. My goal is to pursue a career in academic medicine. Excited to connect here and answer any questions you may have! Let's chat!
Ayesha
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
I enjoy developing myself as a student, learning new skills and interacting with people. A favorite pastime of mine is reading, especially thrillers but I'm open to other genres as well.
I'm originally from India, specifically from Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, and relish trying new foods and connecting with people from different cultures through their traditions :)
"Knowledge of clinical practice, [which] teaches more clinical skills in dealing with patients and identifying diseases."
Second year medicine student, University of Edinburgh
Example assignment
"We do assessments called OSCEs which are quite fun sometimes. We basically role play a medical student-patient stimulation and it's good experience practising taking histories."
Second year medicine student, University of Leicester
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some medicine courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Biology
Chemistry
Hard skills you'll develop
Ability to gather and interpret clinical data
Technical competence in medical procedures
Ability to critically evaluate medical literature
Soft skills you'll develop
Adaptability and resilience
Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
Empathy and compassion
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying medicine. The following information is based on a specialist medical practitioner role.
Studying medicine isn’t just for aspiring doctors. You could put your medical expertise to creative use by becoming a Medical Media Producer. In this role, you blend your understanding of healthcare with media production skills, creating engaging and informative content. Whether developing educational videos, hosting health podcasts, or contributing to health documentaries, you're the bridge between medical expertise and public understanding, making complex health topics accessible to diverse audiences.
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in health and science.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around medicine with the following:
YouTube – Ninja Nerd
Follow this channel for interesting videos on some of the topics you might study in medicine.
Podcast
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a medical student? The Sharp Scratch podcast gives a fascinating insight by talking to real students, junior doctors, and guest experts.
Netflix series – The Surgeon’s Cut
This series showcases innovation and compassion in the medical sphere.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your medicine journey.
Skills, experiences and interests to mention
Have you ever thought about talking to your GP about their role?
Maybe you’ve volunteered in a care home so you’ve seen first-hand the typical needs of residents.
Talk about your academic achievements, particularly in the sciences.
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and critical thinking, whether that’s through a school project, extracurricular activity or a real-life experience.
Do you have any personal reflections on a particular healthcare experience that influenced your decision to choose medicine?
Occupational therapists empower people to overcome the difficulties they face with living independently. They improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities, illnesses, traumas, ageing, and long-term conditions.
Prosthetists and orthotists use the latest technology to transform the lives of patients who need prosthetics or aids. They empower people to move, run, walk or simply stand independently.
Diagnostic radiographers use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose patients and make sure they receive the right treatment to help them on their road to recovery.