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.
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.
Imogen
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi! My name is Imogen and I am a current Medical student at Swansea Uni. I studied my BSc in Medical Genetics here too. I love being by the sea (and in it) so spend a lot of my time around the Gower. I am also the captain of our Medics netball team as well as fundraising for coppafeel as part of the Uniboob society. I have been in Swansea for a while so know all the best tips for how to make the most of your time at uni!
Manasvi
Brunel University of London
Medicine
Hi, I am Manasvi, I am studying Medicine at Brunel University.
I have completed my high school education in India and my main subjects were Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Right now I’m in my first year and some of my interests include Anatomy which pertains to the way of teaching here at Brunel.
I intend to explore future opportunities in research and surgery. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have :)
Emily
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
Final Year Medical Student graduating in 2025. Looking forward to working as a doctor (scary but exciting). Fluent in English and French, so whatever language works best for you. I have been living in Norwich for about 4 years now and definitely love it ! I was a mentor on the Medicine Outreach Programme so happy to help with any medicine applications questions !
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 :)
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.
Albert
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
I'm Albert, a second year medical student at UEA from Vietnam. Outside of academia, I enjoy cycling, playing musical instruments, and walking in nature.
Niamh
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
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.
Maira
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hello, I'm Maira! I'm a 1st-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!
Alex
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences at Swansea from 2018-2021. I have a keen interest in emergency and pre-hospital medicine, as well as anaesthetics and intensive care medicine. I am currently part of the lifesaving club, where we train 3 times a week, and compete against other universities across the UK. I also work part time as a call handler for 111 Wales.
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!
Pash
Swansea University
Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
Hi, I'm Pash! I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences for my undergrad at Swansea, and now I'm a 3rd-year medical student. Having lived in Swansea for the last five years now, this is my second home. So ask me anything you'd like about life as a Swansea student! 😊
Roxana
Lancaster University
Medicine
Hi! I’m an international student from Italy and currently in my 4th year of Medical School. I love travelling and languages. I’d like to pursue a career in neurosurgery in future.
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.
Gifty
University of Plymouth
BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation (Year 0)
I enjoy studying medicine. It challenges me for the better. I want to make a positive impact in the lives of people no matter where I am as well as support people going through mental health issues.
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.
Nneoma
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
I am an aspiring doctor of emergency medicine. My past experiences are an amalgam of volunteer work and mentoring roles which drive my ambition to become a doctor and be a part of organizations such as Médicins sans Frontières to have an active role in healthcare where it is needed most.
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"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.