A warm welcome from the Edinburgh Medical School. We are delighted that you are considering Medicine at Edinburgh. Our six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree will prepare you to become a Foundation Year 1 doctor. Our aim is for you to graduate as a competent, ethical and reflective doctor, with the care of patients as your first concern. As a first-year student, much of your teaching will take place on central campus in the heart of Edinburgh, and will develop your foundations of the basic medical sciences. Our curriculum is ambitious, with an ethos of respect and support for our students. You will engage in a range of different teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars and problem-based learning sessions. You will be introduced to clinical elements from day one, through face-to-face sessions in our clinical skills facilities.Outside of studying, and in addition to over 300 university clubs and societies, you will have access to a variety of medical-profession related groups. These are a great way to explore your special interests more deeply and to connect with students from different year groups. Programme details Need a refresher of the details of the MBChB? Our Degree Finder provides information about your programme, including what you will study, how you will learn and career opportunities. Our Degree Programme Tables (DPT) provide information about the structure of the MBChB, including course content. The detailed programme content for 2025-26 will be available in April. In the meantime, you can view the 2024-25 DPT's. Please note these may be subject to change. Find out more about the MBChB on the university Degree Finder Find out about the individual courses you will study on DPT Why study medicine?AccreditationThe MBChB programme is accredited by the UK General Medical Council and recognised by overseas accrediting bodies in the US, Canada, Australia and further afield.RankingsThe University of Edinburgh is ranked:5th for medicine in the UK in the Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2025.6th for medicine in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 subject rankings.22nd for medicine in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.A six year degreeOur medical degree spans six years, inlcuding an academic year of full-time research-based study in Year 3. This additional year provides an experience that is becoming increasingly important for the top rank doctors of the future. Major research institutesAt Edinburgh Medical School, research is an important component of student life. The College has five major research institutes, each with more than 500 staff and postgraduates. Each institute is home to inter-related centres led by internationally-renowned scientists. In recent years we have led major innovations in stem cell research, cancer, immunity and many other fields. Dig deep into your specialist areasAs well as over 300 university student societies you will have access to societies with a specific focus on the medical profession. These can be a great way to develop your special interests and to meet students from different years with similar interests. Sample timetableYou will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and project work, clinical placements and computer-assisted learning. You can view a sample timetable below. Please note that the names and times of teaching and learning activities may be subject to change for 2025/26. View a sample timetable Monday9am Lecture: Anatomy Pre-practical10am Lecture: Body in motion: Introduction to locomotor11am Lecture: Body in motion - Role of the skeleton2pm Tutorial: Problem-based learning Tuesday9am Lecture: Body in motion - components of connective tissue11am Society and Ethical Aspects of Medicine (SEAM) - GP Tutorial (Understanding experience of illness)12pm SEAM GP Tutorial - Understanding experience of illness2pm Anatomy practical Wednesday9am Lecture: Body in motion - Cell biology connective tissue10am Lecture: Anatomy of the hand Thursday9am Q and A Session: Body in motion - locomotor11am SEAM: Ethics tutorial2pm Problem-based learning Friday9am Tutorial: Knowledge to clinical practice Student stories Short reads Find out what our students say about the programme: Why choose Edinburgh? Hector shares the key things he considered when choosing Edinburgh.Choosing Edinburgh as an International student: Phei, from Malaysia, explains why Edinburgh was the right move for her.Five tips for thriving in your first year at medical school: Not sure what to expect? Discover these top tips for settling in and navigating Year 1.Society profile: Edinburgh Friends of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF): Discover more about this society, also known as Doctors without Borders, and what they are doing in the field. Read more on the student blog Quick videos (60s) What is the transition like from high school to university?What is the most difficult thing about medical school?What is the workload like at medical school?What is Problem Based Learning? Watch more videos from our students This article was published on 2025-02-04
