Medical Degrees

There’s no question that the medical profession is absolutely essential to human society. There are few other subjects you can choose that allow you to be as confident of your ability to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Most of those who choose to study medicine will have a strong interest in the sciences, combined with a passion for helping others – and it’s these two factors that provide the motivation needed to keep going through the long period of training required to become a fully qualified doctor.

Find the world's best universities for medicine with the QS Rankings by Subject >

Those who aim to gain a place at a top medical school will need to demonstrate immaculate grades in science subjects (especially chemistry and biology), as well as showing evidence of real commitment to the field.

This could mean gaining work experience, perhaps at a local healthcare centre, private consultancy, or in another type of care facility such as an old people’s care home.

If you have managed to gain the grades and the work experience necessary to secure a place on a top medical course, then the chances are you’re no stranger to hard work.

Even so, you’ll need to be prepared for a highly challenging course, with an intensive and time-consuming workload, and large demands intellectually – and at times, emotionally as well.

Medical training is structured differently in different countries, and medical qualifications gained in one country are not necessarily recognized in others – so it’s important to consider your options carefully before deciding on a location.