An Undergraduate Medical Degree is a course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science (BMBS) degree. This degree is typically awarded after five to six years of study, depending on the specific program and university. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a medical doctor. It includes a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and clinical rotations that cover a range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and medical ethics. Students in an undergraduate medical program will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience by working with patients in hospitals and clinics, under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. Upon completion of the program, graduates can apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and begin working as a junior doctor while completing their postgraduate training.

There are currently 42 undergraduate medical degree courses in the UK that offer undergraduate medical degrees. These programs vary in terms of their entry requirements, curriculum, and teaching styles, and may also offer different options for intercalating a year of research or a related subject. The availability of undergraduate medical degrees in the UK provides students with a wide range of choices for pursuing their career in medicine, allowing them to find a program that fits their individual needs and goals.

Undergraduate Medical Degrees with Intercalation in the UK are programmes that offer students the opportunity to take a year out from their standard medical curriculum to pursue a related subject or research project. The intercalation year typically occurs between the third and fourth years of the undergraduate medical programme and allows students to gain additional knowledge and skills in a particular area of interest. Intercalation subjects can range from biomedical sciences and global health to medical humanities and business management. By completing an intercalation year, students can broaden their understanding of medicine and develop transferable skills that will enhance their future medical practice. Additionally, having an intercalated degree may provide students with a competitive edge when applying for postgraduate training or pursuing a career in academic medicine or medical research. Several UK universities offer undergraduate medical degrees with intercalation, allowing students to choose a programme that aligns with their individual interests and aspirations.

Gateway to Medicine Programmes in the UK are alternative routes to studying medicine for students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for undergraduate medical degrees. These programmes are designed to widen access to medical education and provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds who may not have had the opportunity to study science or maths at a high level. Gateway programmes usually last two years and are offered by select UK universities. They provide intensive teaching in science and maths, as well as study skills and other academic preparation to help students succeed in their medical studies. Upon completion of the programme, students may be eligible to apply for a place on an undergraduate medical degree or a graduate-entry medical programme. Gateway programmes are highly competitive, and places are limited, so it is important for students to carefully research the different options available and ensure that they meet the entry requirements before applying.

The Year 0 Medicine Foundation Programme in the UK is a one-year programme that provides an alternative entry route for students who do not meet the entry requirements for undergraduate medical degrees. It is also known as a Foundation in Medical Science programme. The programme is offered by several UK universities and is designed to provide students with the scientific and academic skills they need to progress to undergraduate medical studies. The Year 0 programme typically covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and research methods. Students also receive additional academic support and guidance to help them develop study skills and adapt to university life. Upon completion of the programme, students can progress to an undergraduate medical degree. The Year 0 Medicine Foundation Programme provides an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about medicine but may not have the required academic qualifications or background to enter a standard medical degree programme.  Sometimes the Year 0 is available as an ‘integrated’ programme so it is already connected to a 5 year degree.  Passing the final examinations and meeting the expected requirements of the course at the end of the year guarantees progression onto year 1 of medicine.  Some year 0 or Foundation courses are stand alone courses.  They are not attached to a medical degree and student need to apply through UCAS again on successful completion of these courses.  This can be extremely competitive.

Three-year Medicine Programmes in the UK are designed for students who already hold a dental degree and wish to pursue a career in medicine. These programmes are only available to dentists who have completed their dental degree and are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). The fast track programme typically lasts three years and combines an accelerated medical curriculum with clinical placements that allow students to build on their existing skills and knowledge. Fast Track Medicine Programmes are offered by select UK universities and are highly competitive, with a limited number of places available. Graduates of the programme are awarded a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science (BMBS) degree, and can apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice as a doctor. Fast Track Medicine Programmes offer a unique opportunity for dentists to pursue a career in medicine and expand their scope of practice, and may be particularly attractive for those with an interest in maxillofacial surgery or other areas of medicine that intersect with dentistry.

Graduate Entry Medical Degrees in the UK are designed for students who have already completed a degree in a related field and wish to pursue a career in medicine. These programmes typically last four years and are offered by select UK universities. They are highly competitive, and applicants are required to have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in a science or healthcare-related subject. The programme is designed to provide students with an accelerated medical curriculum that builds on their existing knowledge and skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical skills, and patient care. Graduate Entry Medical Degrees also include clinical placements that allow students to gain practical experience and develop their clinical skills. Upon completion of the programme, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science (BMBS) degree, and can apply for provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice as a doctor. Graduate Entry Medical Degrees offer a unique opportunity for students who have already completed a degree in a related field to pursue a career in medicine and achieve their dream of becoming a doctor.

Medical Degrees with a PhD Component in the UK are advanced programmes that combine medical training with doctoral-level research. These programmes typically last between six to eight years and are offered by select UK universities. The programme is designed for students who wish to combine their passion for medicine with a strong interest in research. It provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced research skills and conduct original research in a particular area of medicine. Medical Degrees with a PhD Component include a combination of medical training, clinical placements, and research modules. Students also work on a research project under the supervision of an academic advisor, which culminates in a thesis or dissertation. Upon completion of the programme, students are awarded both a medical degree, such as an MBBS or BMBS, and a PhD in a related field. Graduates of Medical Degrees with a PhD Component can pursue a career as a clinician-scientist or a researcher in academia, industry, or government. This programme offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine while developing advanced research skills and contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.