Studying healthcare in Scotland

When it comes to the study of medicine, few countries can compete with Scotland in either its historical or modern achievements. Studying at a Scottish institution means you're continuing a long tradition of medical training in Scotland. Here is a brief introduction about studying medicine in Scotland.

Medical courses

All of Scotland’s universities have courses related to medicine, nursing and health. Courses range from biomedical science to molecular and clinical medicine, dentistry to nursing.
The fourteen universities offering courses in, and related to, medicine, are:

• University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife
• University of Glasgow, Glasgow
• University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
• University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
• University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
• Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
• University of Dundee, Dundee
• University of Stirling, Stirling
• Napier University, Edinburgh
• Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
• University of the West of Scotland, Renfrewshire
• Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow
• University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee
• Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Becoming a doctor

To work as a doctor in the UK, you must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC has a register of qualified doctors.

The GMC also sets the standard for all medical courses in the UK. To become a doctor, the university where you're studying medicine must have qualifications accepted by the GMC. After you graduate, you are registered provisionally while you’re doing your first year of training. You are fully registered with the GMC after you’ve finished the two years of training.

More information is available on the GMC website.

Studying Abroad / Erasmus

There is an opportunity to study in another country for a year during your medical degree at some universities. For example, Glasgow and Aberdeen allow their students to spend time abroad to study a topic in more depth.

Many Scottish universities are also part of Erasmus, the European Commission's educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions. It encourages student and staff mobility for work and study, and promotes co-operation among universities throughout Europe. Erasmus students are said to return more mature, independent and confident.

The scheme currently involves nine out of every ten European higher education establishments and supports co-operation between the universities of 31 countries.

Contact your university directly to find out if they have an Erasmus/year abroad programme.

Studying in Scotland

There were 51,140 students from overseas studying in Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in 2005-2006, and the number is a reflection of how well regarded Scotland is when it comes to education. Some other interesting facts about international students in Scotland include:

• Of the 51,140 overseas students at Scottish institutions, 71% of were from non-European countries.
• China uses Scottish education the most, with numbers having increased by 300 since 2004-05 to 5,170 students, accounting for 10% of all overseas students.
• An increasing number of students from India are studying at Scottish institutions.
• 64% of non-European entrants at Scottish HEIs were studying at postgraduate level (tables 13 and 14).

Related Links

• Where to study
• Erasmus
• Scottish Government statistics
• A list of medical schools, which are recognised by the General Medical Council
• More information about working in health and social services in Scotland – factsheet
• Read about people who have come to Scotland to work in healthcare
• Information about working in other industries in Scotland
• More information about studying and student life in Scotland