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Message From the Chair

A message from Ali G. Gharavi, MD, Interim Chair for the Department of Medicine at CUIMC.

Residencies, Fellowships & Training

A list of residencies, fellowships, and training programs of Columbia University Department of Medicine. 

• Patient Care
• Medicine CME

Department of Medicine

3-year phd-to-md program.

We seek to recruit exceptional PhD scientists in the biological sciences for a 3-year curriculum in the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons leading to the MD degree, in preparation for a career in biomedical investigation.

Success in basic science often follows the cliché that one learns more and more about less and less. Thus PhD training is notable for its narrow focus. However, for committed scientists who want to make an impact on humanity, a medical education is an ideal companion to one in basic science as it combines breadth and depth like no individual discipline in biology. Humans remain the best-studied organisms we have, the ultimate “model organism,” with phenotypes exquisitely characterized by millennia of study through the unique interaction of two classes of sentient beings, physicians and patients. Moreover, learning to recognize and treat disease teaches that most cardinal attribute of a successful scientist: the capacity to ask important questions. Standard MD-PhD programs (MST programs) share this aspiration to nurture biomedical investigators but less than 50% of MST graduates remain in research with a much smaller percentage contributing as serious investigators. We are looking for candidates who were drawn initially to science, have a potential for research already tested and proven by stellar performance in a PhD program, and are excited by their discoveries in basic research, but who now feel compelled to use their science most directly for the betterment of mankind.

Candidate Qualifications

In addition to existing prerequisites and qualifications for admission to the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (See  Application Requirements ), applicants should have

• A PhD in one of the biological or related sciences from an accredited US or Canadian school
• An intention to pursue biomedical research as a physician scientist
• A record supporting exceptional scientific promise
• US citizenship or permanent resident status

The 3-year program principally aims to train future physician scientists planning careers in cognitive medical specialties such as internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry and pathology.  

Curriculum and Timeline

The usual 4-year curriculum of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (See  Academics ) is modified to the following 3-year curriculum for the PhD-to-MD Program:          

• Preclinical courses: 18 Months
• Major clinical year (MCY): 12 Months
• Subinternship and electives: 6 Months

See Detailed Graphic

The scholarly project requirement is waived. Students will apply for residency in the middle of the MCY. Of note, the medical training for the PhD-to-MD Program is identical to the medical training for our standard MD/PhD (MST) program.  

Standard tuition for each of the 3 years. Comprehensive information on financial aid opportunities is available (see  Tuition and Expenses ).

Application Process, Selection Criteria, Interview Day

Applicants will be evaluated by the same criteria applied to all candidates for admission, and will be reviewed and selected by the existing Admissions Committee. An additional committee representing the PhD-to-MD program will evaluate, interview and recommend candidates to the Admissions Committee. This supplemental committee will focus on the scientific achievement, research promise and commitment of the applicant to a career as a physician-scientist. Applicants to the PhD-to-MD degree program invited to interview will be asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a one-page research proposal.  

Please see the  3-year FAQs , or contact the admissions office at  [email protected] .

MD-PhD, Combined Degree

School of medicine, md - phd, combined degree program.

From its inception, the physician-scientist has been a hallmark of Johns Hopkins medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Indeed, the Hopkins tri-emblem represents the three core values of the institution: teaching, patient care, and research.

The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine offers a variety of opportunities for the training of medical scientists. A combined curriculum leading to both MD and PhD degrees enables students who aspire to careers in academic medicine to obtain intensive training in specialized areas of the biomedical sciences in addition to top-flight medical training. The traditional diversity and flexibility of the educational opportunities at Johns Hopkins permit the design of individualized programs to meet the needs of students with a variety of interests, educational backgrounds, and career goals.

To accomplish our training goals, we expect students to fully commit to medical training while in medical school and research training while in graduate school.  However, we also take important steps to ensure that students are exposed to the intersection of both worlds early in their training, as well as given the professional and career development advice they need to succeed.

In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to complete the first two years of medical school before they begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work (see the Timeline below). However, students who want more first-hand experience in clinical medicine before beginning graduate work can elect to complete three years of medical school, followed by their graduate training, and then the last year of medical school. This can give them a better appreciation of the potential clinical relevance of their research. In making a choice, trainees consult extensively with the Program Director, the Dean of Students, members of the MD-PhD Committee, prospective research mentors, and their faculty advisors. Students in the MD-PhD Program are automatically accepted to all graduate programs, so decisions regarding graduate training programs can be made with a strong understanding of each program.  The MD-PhD Committee is responsible for program oversight, admissions, and  student mentorship .  Students complete MD-PhD training on average in eight years.

Johns Hopkins interdisciplinary organizational structure means each faculty member may be affiliated with several clinical departments, research sections, and graduate programs. 

Formal graduate programs in the School of Medicine encompass the following areas: Biochemistry; Cellular, and Molecular Biology; Biological Chemistry; Biomedical Engineering; Molecular Biophysics; Functional Anatomy and Human Evolutionary Studies; Cell Biology; Cellular and Molecular Medicine; History of Medicine; Human Genetics; Immunology; Neuroscience; Pathobiology; Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Students are also eligible to obtain their PhD in one of the 11 graduate programs at the Bloomberg School of Public Health or the School of Arts and Sciences on the Homewood Campus.  Students may select a thesis mentor from faculty in the Schools of Medicine and Public Health.

The MD-PhD Program also sponsors special seminars and lectures, It also maintains a dedicated library, the Paul Talalay MD-PhD Library, to enrich the educational opportunities of all MD-PhD students. Efforts are made to acquaint MD-PhD candidates with the major advances, concepts, and cutting-edge techniques in contemporary medicine and biomedical sciences.  We also create an environment that promotes a more intimate personal contact with successful medical scientists in this institution.

Admission Procedures.  Individuals who wish to apply for admission to the combined MD-PhD Program of the School of Medicine must submit an application through AMCAS  in which they will indicate the MD-PhD Program.  Once the AMCAS application has been verified and submitted to Hopkins, the applicant will receive an invitation to complete the Hopkins Secondary Application.  Here the applicant will submit the additional materials required for the combined degree.  Johns Hopkins does not allow applicants to apply to both the traditional MD program and the combined program during the same cycle.   

All combined-degree applications are reviewed by a separate  MD-PhD Review Committee  which is comprised of faculty from the basic sciences and clinical arena, as well as faculty from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.  A separate Graduate School application is  not necessary . The MD-PhD Committee determines whether or not an interview is indicated.  In general, the committee is looking for students with a passion for research and a commitment to medicine.  This assessment is based on the applicant’s research experience, letters of recommendation, academic performance and extracurricular activities. The Committee considers standardized test scores only in the context of the applicant’s other credentials. If an interview is granted, the applicant is notified by the MD-PhD Office and after the applicant accepts, the process for scheduling an interview begins.  Interview visits generally occur over two days. Applicants are interviewed by members of the MD-PhD Committee and other faculty members who share their research interests. Applicants have many opportunities to meet with current students and tour the campus during their visit. 

All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are funded by the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Award.  This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and medical and dental insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.  Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year.

Students who matriculate to the traditional MD Program but have a clearly demonstrated interest and experience in scientific research, are eligible to apply to the combined MD-PhD Program.  These students may apply for admission during the fall of their first or second year of medical school.  These qualified applicants are evaluated and placed in the pool for the current application cycle and will be considered for MSTP funding.  

Financial Support.  The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is supported by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health. A number of exceptional students with unusual accomplishments and commitment to a career in the medical sciences will be selected for traineeships under this program. Such fellowships provide stipend and tuition support for combined medical and graduate study. All students who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program will be considered for these awards. 

Graduates of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MD-PhD Program have gone on to become leaders in many areas of academic medicine.

Advice on the scope and opportunities offered by these programs may be obtained from the Director or Administrative Director of the MD-PhD Program.

How to Become a Doctor: A Step-by Step Guide

Becoming a physician is a lengthy process that requires years of hard work and tremendous patience.

How to Become a Doctor: A Guide

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A young person who dreams of becoming a doctor should investigate the profession as much as possible before embarking on this arduous career path.

There are few professions with higher stakes than the field of medicine. The consequences of a doctor's decisions can be enormous, leading to either marvelous or disastrous results.

Premeds and Compassion in Medicine

Ali Lotfi, M.D. Nov. 17, 2020

Becoming a physician in the U.S. is a time-consuming endeavor , and anyone who intends to pursue a medical career in this country should expect medical training to last at least seven years beyond college.

Doctors are typically well compensated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary among U.S. doctors in May 2019 exceeded $200,000.

Here is a list of the rungs on the ladder into the U.S. medical profession.

• Explore your options.
• Take premed classes and earn good grades.
• Participate in meaningful extracurricular activities.
• Prep for the MCAT and ace it.
• Prepare applications to multiple medical schools.
• Impress med school interviewers and get at least one acceptance letter.
• Enroll in the right type of medical school for you.
• Pass the first two portions of the allopathic or osteopathic national medical licensing exam.
• Apply for and match with a residency program.
• Graduate from medical school.
• Start your residency and get a general medical license.
• Achieve board certification within your medical specialty or subspecialty.

Step 1: Explore Your Options

A young person who dreams of becoming a doctor should investigate the profession as much as possible before embarking on this arduous career path, experts say. Aspiring physicians should conduct informational interviews with doctors and gain some clinical experience so they can gauge whether they would excel at and enjoy the practice of medicine.

Potential doctors should also take demanding science classes to assess their personal affinity for technical fields of study, since those academic disciplines aren't right for everybody, experts say.

College hopefuls who are contemplating a career in medicine should look for undergraduate institutions with high-quality premedical student advisers and significant student research options. High school juniors and seniors who are determined to become doctors should investigate baccalaureate-M.D. programs , which can allow them to earn both a college degree and medical degree within seven years, experts suggest.

Step 2: Take Premed Classes and Earn Good Grades

Because medical schools have a significant number of academic prerequisites , premeds need to consult with their academic advisers to ensure that they take all of the necessary undergraduate courses, according to experts. Individuals who discover their desire to become doctors after they receive their college degree may opt to enroll in a post-baccalaureate premed program so that they can complete all of the required premed classes.

Petros Minasi Jr., senior director of premed programs at Kaplan, says a college's premed or prehealth adviser should be able to tell a premed precisely which undergraduate courses he or she needs to take. Premeds should not overload themselves with multiple extremely difficult classes in a single semester, Minasi warns, but they should take challenging classes as a general rule.

Solid academic performance in premed coursework is the norm among competitive med school applicants, and a stellar undergraduate GPA is a big plus.

Step 3: Participate in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities

A premed who does well in his or her courses but does nothing else is unlikely to get noticed by and admitted into top medical schools. So it's important that prospective med students do something besides study, experts say.

However, the quality of a person's activities outside the classroom matters much more than either the quantity of activities or the number of hours devoted to those activities.

Substantive scholarly research or a job as either a medical scribe or a medical assistant tends to be viewed positively in the admissions process, med school admissions officers say. They also suggest that accomplishments in nonscientific or nonmedical endeavors such as music or athletics are an asset, since they make a candidate appear to be well-rounded and suggest that he or she is an interesting person.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg, vice dean for education and academic affairs at the University of Minnesota Medical School , says that premeds should not focus on maximizing the amount of extracurricular experience they possess, since what really counts is the valuable lessons from extracurricular activities.

Rosenberg, a professor of medicine and a nephrologist, says that his med school looks for evidence of an inclination toward serving others, "socio-cultural humility" and reliability.

Dr. Megan Boysen Osborn, associate dean for students at the University of California—Irvine School of Medicine , emphasizes that it is OK to take a break between college and medical school, since that extra time can allow premeds to gain additional research and clinical experience beyond what they could get as an undergraduate.

Step 4: Prep for the MCAT and Ace It

The Medical College Admission Test is one tool that med schools use to screen applicants, so it is important for premeds to perform well on this exam. The multihour test requires extensive content knowledge; it is not a test that anyone should attempt to cram for, experts warn.

Perfect MCAT scores are rare, since the test is very hard. Premeds should research the median MCAT scores at the med schools they are most interested in, and they should take the MCAT only when they are consistently capable of reaching their target score on practice exams, experts recommend.

Step 5: Prepare Applications to Multiple Medical Schools

Because medical schools generally have lofty standards, prospective med students should take extreme care when crafting their personal statement and when drafting their secondary, school-specific application essays , according to med school admissions officials.

Osborn, an emergency medicine physician, warns med school hopefuls not to rush through the completion of their secondary application forms, since the information that med schools request is often pivotal during the selection process.

Premeds should think strategically about which extracurricular activities they include in their application and how they describe those activities, since admissions officers will scrutinize the activities list , experts suggest. Also, given the low acceptance rates at most medical schools, premeds should plan on applying to numerous schools to increase their odds of admission, experts warn, noting that it is better to err on the side of excess rather than restraint.

Step 6: Impress Med School Interviewers and Get at Least 1 Acceptance Letter

Candidates who look good on paper will be invited to medical school interviews so that admissions committees can gauge if the person is truly as outstanding as they appear on paper, so it is important to thoroughly prepare for those interviews, experts suggest.

Anyone who receives an interview invitation should bear in mind that this is a positive sign about their candidacy, experts say.

Step 7: Enroll in the Right Type of Medical School for You

Aspiring physicians can elect to attend either a research-oriented academic institution or at a school that focuses on primary care .

They also have a choice between two types of medical degrees : the Medical Doctor, or M.D., degree and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D.O., degree. Both programs involve a mix of medical science courses and clinical rotations. However, one key difference is that D.O. schools teach numerous hands-on healing techniques that are distinctive to the practice of osteopathic medicine.

Step 8: Pass the First 2 Portions of the Allopathic or Osteopathic National Medical Licensing Exam

Allopathic and osteopathic medical students at U.S. medical schools typically take two of the three parts of their national licensing examinations during medical school, experts say. M.D. students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination, or USMLE, while D.O. students are required to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States, or COMLEX-USA. D.O. students may elect to take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX-USA.

Dr. Chris Cimino, a vice president with Kaplan Medical – the unit of Kaplan that prepares aspiring doctors for the USMLE licensing exams – says the vast majority of U.S. medical students pass the licensing exams they take during med school.

Step 9: Apply for and Match With a Residency Program

Fourth-year medical students generally attempt to match with a residency program within the medical specialty they find most interesting. Most medical students participate in the National Resident Matching Program, though some get involved with specialty-specific matching programs such as those for aspiring urologists and ophthalmologists. Some medical specialties, such as orthopedic surgery , are highly competive so usually only the highest-achieving medical students are able to match.

Step 10: Graduate From Medical School

Once someone has earned a medical degree and graduated from medical school, he or she is officially a doctor. However, even after a person obtains a medical degree, he or she typically needs to complete a medical residency within a particular medical specialty, such as pediatrics or radiology , in order to practice medicine independently in his or her community.

There are some regions of the U.S. where med school grads who have not obtained residencies can work as health care providers, such as Missouri, Utah and Arkansas. The intention behind this accommodation for individuals with a medical degree but without a residency is to address doctor shortages.

Step 11: Start Your Residency and Get a General Medical License

Medical residencies vary in length, usually ranging from three to seven years depending on the specialty. Residencies allow medical school grads to learn the art and science of a particular area of medicine, whether it is obstetrics-gynecology or dermatology .

Toward the beginning of their residency, medical residents take the last part of either the USMLE or the COMLEX-USA, which makes them eligible for a general medical license that allows someone to practice medicine without being supervised by another doctor.

However, they still need to apply for a medical license in their jurisdiction, since medical licensing boards not only evaluate licensing exam scores but also conduct background checks. Licensure candidates should plan on submitting their curriculum vitae or resume to their licensing board, since one reason for the licensure procedure is to ensure that candidates are technically qualified.

Residents who want to develop extraordinary expertise within a particular niche of medicine, such as cardiology or hand surgery , may opt to pursue a medical fellowship within that field.

Step 12: Achieve Board Certification Within Your Medical Specialty or Subspecialty

After someone has completed the necessary residency and fellowship training, they must pass the applicable board exam. Then they can apply for board certification within their discipline through the American Board of Medical Specialties.

What to Consider Before Trying to Become a Doctor

Since it takes many years to become a board-certified doctor, it's foolish to pursue a career in medicine solely out of desire for prestige or money, experts say. Medicine is a demanding profession, so once someone becomes a doctor, the struggle isn't over.

Employment as a physician often requires irregular hours and sometimes involves significant stress, according to experts, and it often necessitates a degree of selflessness since there are numerous inconveniences involved in health care professions. However, there is something exhilarating about helping patients through dark times in their lives, doctors say, adding that they take pride in their work and receive gratification from improving the well-being of others.

"It's a long journey and it's a hard journey," Osborn says to aspiring doctors, "and so I hope that you enjoy each step."

Searching for a medical school? Get our complete rankings of Best Medical Schools.

Should You Become a Doctor?

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Degree Programs

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine offers a variety of academic programs to prepare leaders and innovators in science and medicine. Below you will find information about our MD program, MD/PhD programs, interdisciplinary MD- dual degrees, and our MS in Biomedical Sciences (MS BMS).

The MD program  teaches and empowers future physician leaders to care for and address the challenges of diverse and complex patients and communities. Our curriculum and co-curricular opportunities imbue learners with sharp clinical reasoning skills, cultivate innovation through scholarship & discovery, and nurture advocacy for health equity and social justice. Small class sizes allow for learners to individualize their medical school education, work closely with faculty experts, and pursue their passions in a tight-knit, inclusive, and supportive community.

MD/PhD Programs

The University of Chicago offers three MD/PhD programs:

• The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)   is an NIH-funded physician-scientist training program that pairs the MD with PhDs in the biological or physical sciences.
• The MD-PhD Program in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities (MeSH) is an opportunity for students to pursue an MD alongside a PhD outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences, in fields as varied as economics, public policy, anthropology, or philosophy.
• The Growth, Development, and Disabilities Training Program (GDDTP) is an NIH-funded program that allows current Pritzker students to pursue a PhD in biomedical research after they have begun medical school.

Dual Degree Programs

Our location on the main University of Chicago campus provides ample opportunity for interdisciplinary study, including the following dual degree programs:

These degrees are administered separately and require two separate admissions and financial aid applications. Medical students typically enroll in the second program after completing three years of medical school. Current Pritzker School of Medicine students interested in applying for a dual degree should make an appointment with James Woodruff, MD, Dean of Students.

Armed with studies in economics, statistics, and the behavioral sciences, students with the MD/MBA dual degree are trained to become leaders in health care organizations. For just one example of the interdisciplinary opportunities available in business and medicine at the University of Chicago, read more about the  Booth Healthcare Analytics Laboratory .

MD/MBA students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work at Chicago Booth. MD/MBA students then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final clinical year of the medical degree. During that final year of the MD degree, MD/MBA students take electives in both the Pritzker School of Medicine and Chicago Booth. Typical MD/MBA students complete both degrees in five years.

• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• MD/MBA Overview and Application Process

The Pritzker School of Medicine has some limited funds to support business school tuition for MD/MBA students. For additional information, please email the  Financial Aid Office  regarding the Steven Weiner Fellowship.

Students who pursue the MD/MBA may participate in the  Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP) . This program allows students to earn a Certificate in Health Administration and Policy while earning a master's degree at Chicago Booth, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration.

MD/MA in Public Policy

MD/MA in Public Policy students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work at the Harris School of Public Policy. MD/MA students then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final clinical year of the medical degree. During their final year in medical school, students may take additional electives at the policy school. Typical MD/MA degree students complete both degrees in five years.

• The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
• MA in Public Policy Overview

Applications are submitted through the Harris School. Information about admissions requirements and funding is available on the  Harris website .

Students who pursue the MD/MA may participate in the  Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP) . This program allows students to earn a Certificate in Health Administration and Policy while earning a master's degree at Chicago Booth, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration.

Pritzker School of Medicine students will complete the combined MD/MPH degree in five years.

MD/MPH students will complete the first two years of medical school before applying to the MPH program. If accepted, the student takes a year-long leave of absence from Pritzker after the third year to pursue full-time MPH coursework. Following the year of full-time MPH work, students will return to the medical school for their fourth year of medical school. During that final year of the MD degree, MD/MPH students will also complete their MPH capstone project.

• Master of Public Health Program
• Master of Public Health Curriculum

The new University of Chicago Joint MD-MPH application is now open and  available online . Once an application is started, applicants will first select “Masters” under degree program, then “Master of Public Health (MPH)” under proposed degree program. At that time, a question will appear asking if the applicant is currently enrolled in the Pritzker School of Medicine. Applicants to the MD-MPH program should select yes, and the application will adjust accordingly.

The deadline for the MD-MPH application is  January 15, 2021 . The application requirements for the joint degree include:

• One letter of recommendation from a current Pritzker faculty member
• Unofficial transcript from Pritzker. Transcripts from other post-secondary education are not required for the dual degree program
• Personal statement
• Signed letter of Good Standing from the Pritzker Dean of Students

We recommend that all prospective applicants meet with Dr. Woodruff prior to applying to the program.

Please see the  Master of Public Health website  for more information about the MPH degree.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to  Rebecca Plunkett  in the Office of Master’s Education.

Pritzker School of Medicine students will receive a 50% tuition scholarship for MPH tuition. Visit the  MPH tuition and fees page  for more information on program costs.

MD/MS in Biomedical Informatics

The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MScBMI) program prepares students to lead healthcare’s evolution into an era where organizations will apply their data to meet these goals. MScBMI students will study the whole spectrum of this burgeoning field, with specific emphasis on clinical informatics, genomics, and population health They also have the option to pursue advanced programming in Python and explore machine learning techniques. They graduate with the skills and practice to succeed in industry, lab, and research settings.

MD/MScBMI students at the University of Chicago typically complete the first three years of medical school before taking a year-long leave of absence to pursue full-time graduate work through the Graham School, then return to the Pritzker School of Medicine to complete their final year of the MD degree.

• The University of Chicago Graham School
• MS in Biomedical Informatics Curriculum

Pritzker students will submit an application through the Graham School during their third year of MD study. Application deadlines and required materials are available on the  Graham School website , along with a link to the application system.

Tuition and fees information is available on the  Graham School website .

MS in Biomedical Sciences

The University of Chicago’s MS in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is a one-year program designed to provide foundational training in biomedicine. Developed in partnership with the Office of Master’s Education (OME), this novel program enhances training for those seeking biomedical scientific careers and enables existing professionals from any career track to grow their biomedical expertise. Taught by faculty experts across the Department of Medicine and the Institute for Translational Medicine , the program’s core curriculum focuses on applications and innovations in clinical care and medical treatment, statistics, bioethics, and the American healthcare system. Students can choose to specialize and complete a culminating capstone project in Science Communication , Biomedical Data Science , or Health Systems Science .

Application deadlines and required materials are available on the  program site along with a link to the application system. The BMS program is STEM-OPT eligible.

Tuition and fees information is available on the  BMS program website .

University of Chicago undergraduates  who are interested in continuing their studies with the MS in Biomedical Sciences program after they graduate are eligible to apply for the Rudolph Scholarship which awards a one-year, partial tuition scholarship of $15,000. For more information, please visit  here . 

Everything you need to know about pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Science

Blog summary.

Ph.D. in medical sciences is a vast field of study that equips MBBS graduates with the skills and knowledge base required to diagnose and treat medical conditions in the human body. A medical professional takes a patient through an entire journey of treating a disease, right from its consultation, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery (if required). The subspecialties available in the program are many and can be preferred according to each student’s career interest. The subdisciplines include Public Health, Biomedicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Nutrition, Health Management, Veterinary Science, and many more. A Ph.D. in medicine degree will teach you to identify diseases and treat them promptly. 

Ph.D. in Medicine

Why consider a ph.d. in medical sciences, career opportunities after completion of phd, ph.d. program overview, ph.d. in medicine eligibility requirements, ph.d. in medicine enrollment, best ways to get admission to the ph.d. program.

Many might wonder what is a Doctorate in Medical Sciences. A Ph.D. in Medicine is crucially designed and structured in a way most suitable for aspiring doctors inclined toward research and academia. The subspecialties from which one can choose to do a doctorate are vast, and it purely depends on the interests and preferences of the students. The curriculum of each may vary on the specialization chosen and may include clinical research, independent study, group work, and lab work. The varied focus areas may include microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, reproductive issues, brain disorders, genetics, orthopedics, development disorders, etc. 

A Ph.D. in medical science means that the student gets exposure to other skills besides academic knowledge, like analytical skills, lateral thinking, technological abilities, accuracy, and attention to detail that will significantly help them in their career life. This Doctorate in Medicine, when obtained from Texila American University in academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua, helps students gain a comprehensive view of the subject wherein all the major components of medical science are covered. 

The program is offered for three years and may extend to five years, depending on the specialization chosen. It is aimed at individuals who have a zeal for expertise and conduct research in the field of medicine. It helps them gain 360-degree knowledge and a broader perspective of the science involved. Along with the academic skills, the students get the opportunity to polish their research and analytical and innovative skills that will significantly help them in their research work.

One might have heard the saying, “Jack of all Trades, but Master of None.” A Ph.D. in medicine means the other way around. You get to master expertise in the field of medical science. It is meticulously designed to cover all the primary and essential criteria involved in medicine and seamlessly puts you on the path of research, dissertation, and thesis. It includes all the clinical and non-clinical streams, including neurology, genetics, and epidemics. Ultimately the students of the program get to choose their field of specialization in the third year of study upon completion of successful clinical work study in the initial years. 

The program aims to deliver the students with core competencies required to show excellence in research and development. The industrial demand for doctors who have completed a doctorate in medical sciences is very compelling in hospitals, pharmacies, research & development, biomedical, and pharmacology. The ultimatum is to equip the students with the requisite communicative, analytical, and competent skills for the amicable completion of the research work.

The profession of being a doctor is a tough and engaging one; however, the profile is advantageous and satisfactory. Doctors with academic knowledge are expected to have empathy, passion, good communication, and cooperation with patients and their peers. Graduates get lucrative opportunities in research & development, scientific study, the biomedical industry, and government-aided and initiated schemes for medical health.

Doctors who complete the doctorate program can become one of the below-mentioned career profiles based on their area of interest and focus of study.

• Diagnostic molecular scientist
• Epidemiologist
• Biostatistician
• Biomedical chemist
• Health information specialist
• Allied health manager
• Pediatrician
• Health psychologist
• Orthopedist
• Radiologist
• Occupational therapist

A Ph.D. in medical sciences program envisions its students transforming into competent physicians and skilled scientists. Becoming a successful doctor after completing the program depends on various factors:

• Clinical requirements
• Progress of your research work
• Time is taken to mold yourself into an independent investigator and
• Other Ph.D. requirements

The initial years of the course cover mastering basic sciences, followed by an intense and rigorous Ph.D. and clinical training period. A typical Ph.D. training involves the completion of coursework, performing dissertation research, completing comprehensive exams, and thesis defense. In this course, you will be expected to conduct a lot of research and thesis writing. It will also offer networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, discussion sessions, and student retreats. 

The curriculum has balanced coverage of theory and practical projects, resulting in the best understanding of the courseware. The subjects mainly involve the study of:

• Research Methodology
• Advances in Physiology and Microbiology
• Advances in Medicines
• Advances in Pharmacology and Anatomy
• Stem Cells and Regeneration
• Hospital Waste and Disposal management
• Biochemistry 
• Application of medical sciences 
• Research Thesis

A student who wants to pursue a Ph.D. doctorate has to complete the following requirements:

• Candidates must have completed an MD/ MS with a decent score from a university recognized and approved by the Medical Council of India.
• Candidates who have secured a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in any subject related to medical science are also eligible for admission.
• Candidates who have graduated with a PG degree like an M. Optometry or M. Sc from any recognized university with the streams of pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, or any related stream are considered eligible for admission.
• Candidates may also be required to be registered with the Medical Council of their locality.
• Candidates must possess work experience in their specialty after completing their PG degree.

A medical Ph.D. program is gaining more recognition for the convenience it offers with the perfect blend of knowledge. You must successfully clear the All-India Entrance examination that tests applicants’ research and medical science skills. Upon passing the test, you will have to impress the panel of judges who will interview you based on your research interest and medical specialty. Once you are through with the program’s eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the admission process to start a fast-paced and rewarding career. 

• Gain substantive research experience by doing quality research. The thesis and research projects you worked on will impress your interview committee to know why you chose to do a Ph.D.
• Avail of considerable clinical experience in the research and medicine field you choose to pursue. Clinical exposure and lab technicality knowledge is a must-haves to prove your efficiency in handling the Ph.D. courseware and curriculum.
• Shadowing experience is requisite that can be effectively done by passively observing a doctor who does clinical practice. This will help you gain knowledge that can later be put to great use while doing your research work.

When you choose to do a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences , you are about to get a chance to be part of one of the most demanded and compelling career choices globally. Join the team that holds the platform for medical exploration, scientific discovery, and medical intervention. It will land you in a career that blends research and medicine. It also implies that you will gain extensive research experience, contribute widely to publications, be mentored by industry experts, and gain valuable shadowing experience. Register with Texila American University in academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua for your Ph.D. in medical sciences and experience your career reaching maximum heights.

Ph.D. in medical sciences is a vast field of study that equips MBBS graduates with the skills and knowledge base required to diagnose and treat medical conditions in the human body. Read more: https://t.co/45SCANPCKr #PhD #MedicalScience #Medicine #TexilaAmericanUniversity #UCN pic.twitter.com/L0UCKbZ0mS — Texila American University – Post Graduate (@TexilaPG) October 6, 2022

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Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.

Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work, students receive further training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Candidates wishing to take a shorter course of research and write a thesis for the master's after one year may apply for the MPhil in Medical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of medicine, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024, easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• MD (Doctor of Medicine) MD
• Medical Science (Medicine) MPhil
• Clinical Medicine Wellcome Trust PhD
• Infection and Immunity PhD
• Medical Science (Medical Genetics) MPhil

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Medicine MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hampstead (Royal Free Hospital)

A full or part-time research degree at the UCL Division of Medicine offers broad research training opportunities under the supervision of academics who are world experts in their fields. Collaborative interactions between scientists, clinicians and healthcare industries at national and international levels provide our students with excellent networking opportunities and career prospects.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A first or an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard or a recognised taught Master’s degree.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The multidisciplinary Division of Medicine combines excellent facilities with world-leading scientific and clinical expertise directed towards better understanding and treatment of human disease. 

Research students benefit from a training environment that fosters collaboration across the interface between basic science, clinical practice within our associated hospitals, and the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

During your research degree, you will be able to select training courses to develop a wide variety of transferable research, teaching, and leadership skills. There will also be opportunities to put these skills into practice in laboratory and teaching environments. We aim to enhance not only your research project, but also your communication skills and career prospects. 

You will receive regular guidance and support from your project supervisors and from an independent thesis committee across your full registration period.

Who this course is for

We aim to recruit the best graduates in science and medicine from across the world with a genuine passion and talent for biomedical research.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

• You join the multidisciplinary Division of Medicine, which trains and inspires the next generation of leading biomedical scientists and clinicians.
• An excellent educational experience and unrivalled opportunities for interdisciplinary research, networking, career development and employment across the biomedical and healthcare sectors.
• Networking and career opportunities from our academics' international collaborative links with academic and commercial organisations.
• A unique springboard for ambitious clinicians and scientists.

The foundation of your career

Through close collaborations between scientists and clinicians in a wide range of clinical disciplines, a research degree in the Division of Medicine provides a unique springboard for ambitious clinicians and scientists. Our alumni have progressed to senior leadership positions in many areas of academia, the health services and industry.

Employability

A PhD from the UCL Division of Medicine is internationally recognised as a high achievement. Our graduates are expected to be independent thinkers that bring rigorous expertise to solving complex problems.

Recent graduates have taken up clinical, academic, postdoctoral, and scientific advisory positions in the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally.

The Division runs several seminar programmes that attract high-profile national and international external speakers, as well as a student-led 'Presenting Outstanding Papers' group/seminar series.

There is also an annual day retreat away from the university, where we discuss ideas and hear presentations from staff and students across the entire Division.

Students are encouraged to present their results at a major national or international conference at least once during their project period.

Our academics have numerous national and international collaborative links with academic and commercial organisations. These provide students with broad opportunities for networking and career development.

Teaching and learning

Most of your research will be carried out independently with guidance provided by your supervisory team and Thesis Committee. There will also be a series of training requirements that you will need to complete in the early stages of the programme. Your supervisory team will provide guidance on appropriate training requirements relevant to your proposed area of research.

Your first milestone will be to upgrade from MPhil to the PhD degree. For this, you will submit and present a report (upgrade viva). You will also need to give an oral presentation for which all members of the Division will be invited to attend. In your final year, you submit a thesis covering your research and discuss this at a formal interview known as a viva examination.

Most of your time will be spent conducting independent research, alongside regular meetings with your supervisory team and Thesis Committee, and completing your training requirements. We also encourage you to attend relevant research events at UCL and elsewhere.

Research areas and structure

The biomedical disciplines represented within the research departments and institutes of the UCL Division of Medicine include:

• Amyloidosis and acute phase proteins
• Cardiovascular biology
• Clinical pharmacology
• Clinical physiology
• Connective tissue biology
• Diabetes and endocrinology
• Drug design
• Gastroenterology and nutrition
• Inflammation
• Intensive care medicine
• Medical imaging
• Molecular cell biology
• Molecular medicine
• Neuroendocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Nuclear medicine
• Obesity research
• Radiochemistry
• Respiratory research
• Rheumatology.

Research environment

Our world-class undergraduate and postgraduate courses attract the best students from all over the world and train the next generation of basic and clinical scientists and practitioners. Over 200 postgraduate students are enrolled on our PhD programme at any given time.

The UCL Division of Medicine forms one of the most sizeable concentrations of biomedical scientists in Europe in one of the world's leading universities. Our aims are:

• To educate, train, and inspire the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
• To be at the international forefront of biomedical research from lab bench to bedside.
• To attract, retain and develop the most gifted biomedical researchers and teachers at all levels.
• To develop and deliver outstanding patient care together with UCL’s partner hospitals.

Our research aims to understand the basis of disease, and to develop better diagnostics and treatments for diseases with an emphasis on experimental medicine. In the REF 2021 Clinical Medicine unit of assessment, we are ranked first in the UK for our impact and research environment.

Our clinical mission is to provide the highest quality medical care, as practitioners of medicine and leaders of the NHS, and to work in partnership with patients to fulfil our research and teaching missions. The Division’s clinical academics are active as physicians in partner hospitals, with programmes of national and international standing in major medical specialities.

The full-time registration period for a PhD is three years. 

You initially register for an MPhil. In your first few months, you discuss and agree a deliverable plan and timeline for your research project with your supervisors. This plan can be revised as new results are obtained.

You will be eligible to upgrade to PhD registration in year two (at around 12-18 months). The assessment is a written report and oral exam following an upgrade presentation. You will also present your work to your group and to the Division when you upgrade from MPhil to PhD registration in year two.

After three years, you can apply for 'completing research status' if you have completed your research and you are focused on writing your thesis.

The part-time registration period for a PhD is five years.

You are initially registered for an MPhil. In your first few months, you discuss and agree a deliverable plan and timeline for your research project with your supervisors. This plan can be revised as new results are obtained.

You are eligible to upgrade to PhD registration in years two to three (at around 15-30 months). The assessment is a written report and oral exam following an upgrade presentation. You also present your work to your group and to the Division during the upgrade process.

After five years, you can apply for 'completing research status' if you have completed your research and you are focused on writing your thesis.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Your research degree may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (AFE). The AFE (also known as bench fees) is an additional cost, incurred by yourself or your sponsor. It is levied to cover the costs related to consumables, equipment and materials etc. which are not included in the tuition fee. As each research project is unique, the AFE is calculated on an individual basis and is determined by your academic supervisor.

You should discuss finding support for these costs with your proposed primary supervisor.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Research council and charity studentships and fellowships are occasionally available for MPhil/PhD students. Opportunities may also exist for studentships funded via the UCL Division of Medicine, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and UCL doctoral training programmes. These are usually advertised on major medical research funding sites and findaphd.com when they become available.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Students are advised to apply at least 2 months before their proposed start date. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

You should identify and contact potential supervisors and agree on a project before making your application. While there is often some flexibility, deadlines and start dates may be dictated by funding arrangements, so check with the department, academic unit or funder to see if you need to consider these when preparing your application. Applicants who are not restricted by external funding terms and conditions (e.g. self-funding) may start on any of the designated start dates available during the academic year.

Your references must be from individuals unconnected to your proposed supervisory team.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Division of Medicine

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

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• Undergraduate

Intercalated PhD option for Medical Students

Build on your study of Medicine with the chance to complete a PhD as part of your course.

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Include a PhD as part of your Medicine degree

Explore research from a range of specialities

Benefit from world-class facilities and collaborate across departments at Imperial

Showing course information for 2025 View 2024 course information

Course key facts

Qualification, october 2025, ucas course code, apply to a100, not set home, not set overseas, delivered by, school of medicine, south kensington, applications: places, 10 : 1 (2023), course overview.

This course offers exceptional students on the standard Medicine MBBS/BSc degree the opportunity to include a PhD as part of their course.

This consists of three years’ research, taken after completion of the BSc component.

Research within the Department covers a very broad range of specialities, and you will benefit from access to world class facilities and the chance to collaborate with researchers from other departments and faculties at the university.

After your three years of research are complete, you will continue with the remainder of the MBBS programme, graduating with both an MBBS and PhD qualification.

• 4th in the world Medicine, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
• Specialist pathways so you can focus on core fields of interest such as neuroscience or mental health.
• Accredited by the General Medical Council Graduate qualified for provisional registration with the GMC
• Phases 1-3 (MBBS/BSc)
• Intercalated PhD

Phase 1 of the course runs over three years. You will undertake an integrated programme covering the scientific basis of medicine and the foundations of clinical practice, with clinical experience from the start.

The third year consists of clinical attachments in hospitals and placements in a primary care setting, supported by structured teaching.

Phase 2 leads to the award of a BSc degree at the end of year four. We have many specialist pathways available, exposing you to research at the cutting edge of the field. You also undertake a supervised research project.

Phase 3 covers the final two years of the MBBS qualification. You rotate through a wide range of clinical specialties, such as obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, general practice and paediatrics.

In the final years, you have the freedom to follow your own interests and undertake an eight-week elective, which you may complete in the UK or overseas.

For full details of each phase, including specific modules, please see the Medicine MBBS/BSc page.

You will initially apply for Medicine MBBS/BSc .

During your fourth or third year of study, you will contact the BSc Programme Officer to apply to undertake an intercalated PhD.

While undertaking a PhD, you will be placed on an interruption of studies from your MBBS medicine course.

Professional accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by General Medical Council .

This means that your education meets a respected and recognised standard, starting your career with skills and attitudes needed to deliver high-quality care.

Associateship

As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Imperial College School of Medicine (AICSM). This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods.

Assessment methods

Your timetable and learning

We use a repeating schedule to allow you to focus on Professional Knowledge, Clinical Skills, Professional Values and Behaviours at specific times.

You will focus on deep and active learning methods, such as flipped classrooms and team-based Learning so you can practise and apply your knowledge and critical thinking. 

Your performance will be assessed by a combination of written and clinical examinations and continuous assessment.

Assessments for the MBBS programme are pass/fail. In-course assessments and examinations relating to the science modules in Phase 2 contribute to the final classification for honours for the BSc element of the MBBS/BSc degree and are graded.

Medical Licensing Assessment

The General Medical Council's Medical Licensing Assessment aims to demonstrate that those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice.

To obtain registration with a licence to practise, you will need to pass both parts of the MLA, pass university finals and demonstrate your fitness to practise.

Student agreement

Due to the unique nature of Medicine courses, which emphasise clinical placements, all students will be asked to sign an agreement upon entry which sets out the responsibilities of both the university and the student.

The agreement complements the university's current policies and procedures, promoting a coherent understanding between students and the Faculty as to what is expected from each and improving the student’s learning experience.‌

Placements and location of study

You will complete a number of placements and clinical attachments throughout your degree. Most of your study will be at our South Kensington and Charing Cross Campuses, however, your studies will also take you off-campus at various points in each academic year.

During phase one, you will undertake community-based experiences at General Practices in London. Practices will be accessible by either bus or train, usually requiring under one hour travel.

The Phase 3 clinical specialities, as well as other opportunities to specialise, may be located at other Imperial campuses such as Charing Cross ,  Chelsea and Westminster ,  Hammersmith ,  Royal Brompton ,  St. Mary’s .

You can expect to complete attachments at the below list of teaching hospitals, provided as a guide:

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Ealing Hospital
• Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Mary's and Western Eye Hospitals
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park
• Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust
• West Middlesex University Hospital

We have partnerships with healthcare providers inside and outside of London, and the list above is given as a guide and is not intended to be exhaustive.

The main clinical attachments or training away from South Kensington and Charing Cross are in the Phase 1c, Phase 3a and Phase 3b:

• Phase 1c: three 8-weeks clinical placements (including one in General Practice)
• Phase 3a: dedicated pathology course and a range of clinical specialities
• Phase 3b: range of clinical attachments and elective period

Staff expertise

At Imperial, you will be taught by a range of teachers of all levels from Professors to PhD students, including some who undertake groundbreaking research and are regarded as experts in their field. You may also experience peer teaching and be taught by specialists external to the university.

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

• Minimum entry requirements
• Foundation programmes

MBBS/BSc requirements

You apply initially to the Medicine MBBS/BSc course. You can find the initial entry requirements to this on the Medicine MBBS/BSc page.

PhD requirements

The eligibility requirements for the PhD programme include:

• Satisfactory performance in the early year(s) of the MBBS course
• Normally no previous examination re-sits
• A BSc classification of at least 2.1

If you meet these requirements and are given permission, you can either apply for one of the advertised MB/PhDs funded by a division in the Faculty or secure the required funding for the three years of the MB/PhD from external sources in collaboration with your proposed supervisor.

Oxbridge students are also eligible once they have completed the first year of their course at Imperial, have had no examination re-sits and a BSc classification of at least 2.1.

Support for widening participation applicants

The School of Medicine invites applicants to interview on the basis of predicted grades and BMAT scores. Applicants with predicted grades of AAA (including Chemistry and Biology) will be considered on the basis of an adjusted BMAT threshold score.

Applicants who meet the adjusted minimum score will be invited to interview and successful widening participation applicants at interview will receive an adjusted offer of AAA at A-level, or an equivalent level qualification.

Find out more about our admissions schemes

Imperial does not offer its own Foundation Programme.

Currently, Medicine courses do not accept UCL UPCSE or Warwick IFP Science and Engineering applications.

How to apply

Apply via ucas.

When applications open, you can start your application via UCAS Hub. You must initially apply for the Medicine MBBS/BSc course (UCAS code A100). On UCAS hub you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Admissions test – the UCAT

To be considered for this course for 2025 entry, you will need to sit the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of the application process.

Find out more about the UCAT and how to register for 2025 entry.

Application process

You will initially apply initially for Medicine MBBS/BSc (UCAS code A100).

You must meet certain academic requirements in the early years of your degree to be eligible for the PhD programme, and places are competitive so cannot be guaranteed.

While undertaking a PhD, you will be placed on an interruption of studies from your medical course.

Student visas

If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.

Find out more from our International Student Support website .

Tuition fees

Overseas fee, as a guide, the home fee for 2024–25 was £9,250 dependent on the year in which you study, inflationary increases.

Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.

Find out more about our  tuition fees payment terms , including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.

Which fee you pay

Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out  how we assess your fee status .

Government funding

If you're a Home student, you can apply for a  Tuition Fee Loan  from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.

You can also apply for a means-tested  Maintenance Loan  to help towards your living costs.

Imperial Bursary scheme

We’re offering up to £5,000 each year through our Imperial Bursary scheme for eligible Home undergraduates.

If your household income remains under £70,000 a year, you’ll automatically qualify for every year of your course.

Find out more about our Imperial Bursary scheme .

As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2024–25 was £50,400 per year

Scholarships, imperial bursary, value per award.

• £1,000–£5,000 per year

Who it's for

• Home students whose household income falls below £60,000 a year

Medicine scholarships

• Students who have Firm Unconditional places to study Medicine at Imperial.

NHS funding

• Full tuition fee support and a means-tested bursary or a tuition fees only bursary.
• Students in the final (clinical) years of their MBBS

How will studying at Imperial help my career as a doctor?

Graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter into a diverse range of careers including clinical medical practice, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, scientific journalism and healthcare management.

Access the specialist careers support from the medical school careers team, alongside the support offered through your personal tutor and other medical school staff. Including one-to-one appointments, talks from doctors in different specialities, skill sessions, networking events and careers fairs, a dedicated careers websites and much more.

Achieving this MBBS provides you with a primary medical qualification (PMQ), entitling you to provisional registration with the GMC and license to practise in approved Foundation Year 1 posts. In your final year, we will support you to apply for a Foundation Year 1 post through the UK Foundation Programme selection scheme.

On successful completion of the Foundation Year 1 programme you can apply for full registration with the GMC before entering Foundation Year 2.

As a doctor you’ll need full registration with a license to practise for unsupervised medical practise in the NHS or UK private practice, although regulations in this area are subject to change. Then, you can train as a specialist through an NHS scheme, choosing from around seventy different specialities.

Further links

Contact the department.

• Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7259
• Email: [email protected]

Visit the School of Medicine website

Request info

Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.

Events, tasters and talks

Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.

Find an event

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

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You need a degree in medicine to train to become a doctor, but it can also lead to other careers in areas such as lecturing, research and scientific journalism

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Anaesthetist
• Cardiologist
• Clinical radiologist
• General practice doctor
• Hospital doctor
• Neurologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Pathologist
• Psychiatrist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Academic researcher
• Clinical scientist, genomics
• Epidemiologist
• Health service manager
• Higher education lecturer
• International aid/development worker
• Medical sales representative
• Medical science liaison
• Newspaper journalist
• Physician associate
• Research scientist (medical)
• Science writer
• Toxicologist

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

It's a good idea to start developing your CV while you're still at university. You can improve your skills by undertaking voluntary work, getting involved in medical school societies or becoming an academic course or clinical representative.

You'll gain experience from a range of clinical placements throughout your degree. These can take place in a variety of hospitals, as well as in general practices and community medical centres.

Skills and experience can also be gained from taking an elective , which is a period of clinical experience taken during your degree (usually lasting 6 to 12 weeks). A lot of students who take an elective decide to go abroad, with many going to developing countries.

If you want to consider other options for your career you could take an intercalated degree . This involves taking a year out from the medical curriculum to study and carry out a research project in a different subject. This can include topics such as clinical research, teaching, journalism or medical management. It's a good chance to test which direction you'd like your career to go in.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships .

Typical employers

Most medical graduates go on to become doctors. Opportunities are available in both the NHS and private hospitals, as well as in NHS practice trusts as a GP.

There are also opportunities for those wishing to practise medicine in:

• the Armed Forces
• overseas aid agencies
• research institutes
• clinical trial organisations
• private healthcare establishments
• residential nursing homes
• air ambulance services
• university teaching.

Outside of becoming a doctor, jobs for medical graduates are available with a range of employers including research organisations and laboratories, higher education and research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and the media (scientific writing and journalism).

Find information on employers in healthcare , science and pharmaceuticals , and other job sectors .

Skills for your CV

Studying medicine provides you with the clinical skills, knowledge and professional behaviours essential for becoming a foundation doctor.

You also develop a range of other transferable skills, such as:

• listening, communication and interpersonal
• critical appraisal
• observation
• logical reasoning and problem-solving
• decision making
• conflict-resolution and negotiation
• teamworking and leadership
• time-management.

These skills are crucial when working as a doctor, but are just as useful in work outside medicine.

Further study

Most medicine graduates undertake the two-year UK Foundation Programme after graduation in order to practise medicine in the UK. This programme bridges the gap between medical school and specialty or general practice training.

You must register provisionally with the General Medical Council (GMC) after your medical degree. Once you've completed Year 1 of the Foundation Programme, you must then apply for full registration.

Once you've successfully completed the Foundation programme, you'll receive a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC). The majority of doctors then start further training immediately, choosing to follow either general practice training or training in a chosen specialty. The number of years you'll spend in training varies - approximately three years for GP training and around five to eight years for specialties.

Many of the specialty programmes are initially broad, but as training progresses doctors can specialise in a particular area, such as cardiology or paediatrics. For more information on the range of specialties available, see NHS Health Careers .

If you want to enter a career outside of medicine you may need to complete further vocational training. This could be in an area such as teaching or scientific research, journalism or management, depending on your career interests. To work as a lecturer or academic researcher in higher education, you will usually need a PhD.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in medicine .

What do medicine graduates do?

Medicine is a highly vocational degree and this is reflected in the destination data of graduates. The vast majority (96%) of graduates in employment in the UK are medical practitioners.

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

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Credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins graduate programs again ranked among nation's best

'u.s. news & world report' includes 38 jhu programs among the top 10 in the u.s. in its annual rankings, including no. 1 ranked programs in nursing and public health.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University has 38 graduate schools, academic programs, and specialties ranked among the top 10 in the nation, including nine with No. 1 rankings, according to the latest edition of "Best Graduate Schools" from U.S. News & World Report , published earlier today.

Two schools at Hopkins—the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing —earned No. 1 rankings overall, and the School of Education entered the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Portions of the publication's annual list were released today but rankings for schools of medicine and engineering were delayed and will be released at a later date.

Among the new rankings released today:

The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Its master's degree programs tied at No. 1, up from No. 2 last year. In gerontology, the school moved up two spots to No. 1 for primary care, and up one spot to No. 2 for acute care. In other specialty areas, the School of Nursing's doctoral programs ranked:

• Psychiatric/mental health: No. 1
• Family: No. 3 (tied)
• Leadership: No. 4 (tied)
• Nursing Anesthesia: No. 36 (tie)

Public Health

The Bloomberg School retained its longtime No. 1 overall ranking among public health programs—it has held the top spot since 1994, the year the rankings began. In specialty areas, the Bloomberg School ranked:

• Environmental Health Sciences: No. 1
• Epidemiology: No. 1
• Health Policy and Management (Public Health): No. 1
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: No. 1
• Biostatistics: No. 2

Johns Hopkins tied at No. 8 in the Education category, up from No. 13 last year. The school also tied at No. 23 in higher education administration programs.

Public Affairs

Overall, Johns Hopkins programs in public affairs tied at No. 39. In subcategories, Johns Hopkins tied at No. 6 in Health Policy and Management (Public Affairs), No. 11 in International/Global Policy and Administration, and tied at No. 35 in Public Policy Analysis.

U.S. News & World Report updates some of its rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. Among the republished rankings for Hopkins, which are still current:

Biological Sciences

Hopkins is tied for No. 6 overall with six top 10 specialty rankings:

• Molecular biology: No. 3 (tie)
• Cell biology: No. 4
• Neuroscience: No. 4 (tie)
• Immunology: No. 5
• Genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics: No. 6 (tie)
• Biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology: No. 8

Biostatistics

Hopkins is ranked No. 1 (tie) for Biostatistics at the doctoral level. (Note: U.S. News & World Report also ranks biostatistics as a sub-category of public health, where Hopkins is No. 2.)

The university is tied at No. 20 in Chemistry and ranks No. 9 in the Biochemistry subcategory.

Computer Science

The university is tied for No. 24 overall and tied at No. 21 in the specialty of Artificial Intelligence.

Earth Sciences

The university is tied at No. 30 in Earth Sciences.

Johns Hopkins' program in economics is tied at No. 22.

English tied at No. 13 overall with the following specialty rankings:

• Literary criticism and theory: No. 3
• British literature: No. 10 (tie)
• American literature after 1865: No. 17

Health Care Management

The university is No. 7.

Johns Hopkins ranks No. 10 overall, with the following specialty rankings:

• African-American history: No. 3 (tie)
• Cultural history: No. 4 (tie)
• U.S. Colonial history: No. 5 (tie)
• Women's history: No. 6 (tie)
• African history: No. 7 (tie)
• European history: No. 7 (tie)
• Modern U.S. history: No. 16 (tie)

Mathematics

Johns Hopkins is tied at No. 20 in Mathematics with the following specialty rankings: + Analysis: No. 18 (tie) + Algebra: No. 23 (tie) + Applied Math: No. 25

Overall, the university is tied at No. 13 with the following specialty rankings: + Living Systems: No. 5 (tie) + Cosmology: No. 7 + Condensed Matter: No. 13 (tie)

Political science

Overall, political science is tied at No. 41. In sub-categories, Johns Hopkins ranked: + Political theory: No. 8 (tie) + International politics: No. 24 (tie)

The university's graduate program in psychology is tied at No. 12 overall and tied at No. 5 in the subcategory of behavioral neuroscience.

Overall, sociology is tied at No. 29. The sub-category of sociology of population is tied at No. 17.

Posted in University News

Tagged u.s. news and world report , university rankings

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Post Undergrad: Getting Ready for Medical School or a Gap Year

New section.

For many students interested in a career in medicine, the period after the final year of undergraduate education represents a time of transition to medical school or to furthering their experiences and their education in preparation for applying to medical school.

Going to Medical School

Financing medical school.

If you are headed to medical school, you’re going to need a plan to pay for it. To make your medical education more affordable, keep your outstanding debt as low as possible. If you can pay off any of your undergraduate loans or credit card balances before going to medical school, it will make handling your finances more manageable.

There are options for paying for school and the key is being knowledgeable about those options. If you applied for financial aid as an undergraduate student, some of this may be familiar to you; however, if you’re applying for financial aid for the first time, make sure you take some time to learn about the process. Meet the staff at the financial aid office and become familiar with the school’s financial aid website. The financial aid office can help you throughout all four years of your medical education.

If you need to apply for financial aid, make sure you understand the school’s procedure and deadlines. Generally, the first step to apply for federal financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as any other forms that the school may require. These forms provide important financial information to the financial aid staff so that they can determine your eligibility. Once you complete the FAFSA, you’ll receive a financial aid offer from each of the schools listed on the FAFSA.

The Financial Aid Offer

Compare the offers that you receive from each school. One way to do this is by reviewing what financial aid is being offered at each school and asking yourself the following questions:

• Have I been offered grants and scholarships (free money), or will I need to borrow and pay back loans?
• Have I been offered federal loans or institutional loans?
• When will I need to pay back the loans?
• What is the interest rate associated with each loan I’ve been offered?

You’ll want to look at what aid package is offered to you and compare the award to the cost of attendance at the school, and to the amount you will actually need to fund your education. Most schools will require you to accept the financial aid offer, but remember, just because you’re offered a loan, you don’t have to accept the full amount. If you’re offered more aid than you need, think about declining it or decreasing the award. If you later decide that you actually need more money, you can generally go back and request it again.

Live Within Your Means

While you’re in medical school, one of the wisest things you can do is keep your spending to a minimum. Learn how to live frugally and budget your money wisely. Some money saving tips include: dine in with your friends and cook your meals together — it’s less costly than going out to a restaurant; limit the use of your credit cards — what may seem important at the moment, may not be as important the next day; brew your coffee at home — it will save you money; and consider getting a roommate — share some of your monthly expenses to cut down on costs.

Stay Organized

Keeping track of what you borrow and staying organized is a great concept and it can really help you make knowledgeable borrowing and repayment decisions. The Medloans ® Organizer and Calculator (MLOC)  tool , which is free for students at all MD-granting US schools, allows you to input all the loans you borrow, run repayment scenarios, and review repayment and loan forgiveness options.

Making the Most of Your Gap Year

Many medical school applicants opt to take a “gap year” (or years) between the end of their undergraduate education and the start of medical school. Although there are numerous reasons applicants take a gap year, many use this time to address the need for more time to participate in medically-related volunteer and lab experiences, strengthen GPA or MCAT scores, pay down debt, work on becoming a stronger candidate, or simply take a break. Some applicants must take a gap year if they are not accepted into medical school. Whatever the reason, it’s a good opportunity to leverage the time and make yourself a more competitive applicant.

Partner with an Advisor

So how do you get started? Start by setting up an appointment with the Pre-Health Advising office at your school. Partnering with your advisor is key in figuring out which parts of your application are weakest while also helping guide you to resources. If you’re not sure where to find an advisor, start by contacting science faculty at your school or look at the Find an Advisor section of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions website.

Focus on What you Need to Accomplish

Don’t make the mistake of trying to “pad” your application. Admissions committees are easily able to spot this and it could end up hurting, rather than helping you. Here are some things you can do to be a more successful applicant:

• Strengthen your GPA by taking extra and/or higher-level coursework.  Academically, this time can be extremely beneficial whether you already have a strong GPA or not. There may be a course you didn’t have time to take that will prove your ability to master upper-level science coursework.
• Study for the MCAT exam. Without a full course load competing for your time (depending upon your work schedule), you’ll have more time to devote to MCAT preparation. Be sure to check out the MCAT website for resources, practice tests, and other study materials.
• Pay down your existing debt as much as possible. Even if you’re fortunate enough not to have any undergraduate debt, start saving money so that you’ll have a cushion when you begin medical school. If you’re able to take out fewer loans, you’ll not only have less to repay, but you’ll help reduce the additional stress associated with worrying about repaying your educational debt.
• Take time for reflection and rejuvenation. This time can be extremely beneficial for mental recovery or personal reflection. The road to medical school can be rigorous and demanding; you may want to use this time to work on a personal project, travel, rest, and get ready for the road ahead.

Participate in Experiences that Will Help you Become a Better Physician

Look for opportunities that will help you improve your areas of weakness. If you’re not sure where to look, speak to the prehealth advisor at your school, or an admissions dean or director at a medical school. They may be able to help you identify opportunities that will help address areas of your application that you need to expand or strengthen.

• Volunteer in a medically-related field. Meaningful and sustained experiences working with patients or in a medically-related environment is not only beneficial in helping you solidify your choice to pursue medicine, but it also makes you a stronger and more knowledgeable candidate. These experiences will also help you during the interview stage. See the Aspiring Docs fact sheet,  How Do I Find Health-care Related Volunteer Opportunities ? for more tips and information.
• Shadow physicians. Shadowing or following a physician can provide you with patient experience and a realistic view of what various specialties and working environments are really like. It can sometimes be difficult to arrange a shadowing experience if you don’t have a personal relationship with a physician. For tips on how to get this type of experience, read the  How Do I Shadow a Doctor ? fact sheet.
• Participate in a scholarly activity. Real and meaningful experience in a lab or research facility provides for more in-depth knowledge about medicine, and helps you have a better understanding of the different research processes. Whether you’re conducting your own research or assisting on a project, this sustained scholarly activity is very attractive to medical schools. For tips on how to get this type of experience, read the Aspiring Docs fact sheet, How Do I Get Lab Experience?
• Keep track of coursework requirements. Be sure to check the premedical coursework requirements for each school that you may be interested in applying to. It’s possible that some medical schools may make changes to their requirements during this interim period, requiring you to complete additional coursework. Review the school’s Web site, or keep track with  MSAR Online .

How to Discuss your Gap Year During Interviews

As stated earlier, it’s becoming more common to see applicants with a gap year between graduating college and applying to medical school. When speaking about this during an interview, avoid phrases like “time off” or “glide.” Talk about how you used this as an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and improve the skills that will make you a better physician. Be honest; share what you’ve learned, or how you’ve grown. Medical school admission deans are looking for what they often call “distance travelled” — a candidate who has demonstrated that they are trying to better themselves as a person and physician, not just trying to make themselves look good to get into medical school.

Your Loans Don’t Disappear During Your Gap Year

During a gap year, you’ll need to make decisions about how to manage your student loans.

• Get Organized:  Compile contact information for each of your federal loan servicers. This information can be found by visiting the Federal Student Aid website .
• Grace Periods:  When you finish your undergraduate program, your federal student loans will enter into a grace period (typically 6-9 months long). During this time, no payments are required. After the grace period ends during a gap year, you will either want to continue postponing payments or select a repayment plan. Since the servicer of the loan oversees the administration of all aspects of your loan once it is disbursed, you will want to speak to the servicer about your options. If you are unsure of who your servicer is, you can find out by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.
• Deferment and Forbearance:  If you choose to postpone payments, you will have to obtain a deferment or a forbearance. A deferment is preferential because no payments are required and any subsidized debt will not accrue interest; however, strict eligibility requirements make deferments difficult to obtain. Alternatively, a forbearance is granted by the servicer and is up to their discretion. Reach out to your servicer(s) to discuss your options – first seeking deferment, then forbearance.
• Repayment Programs:  If you’re not postponing payments, you’ll need to select a repayment plan. There are numerous options, so work with your servicer(s) to determine which option is best for your situation. Just keep in mind, the options discussed above are specifically for federal student loans, and may not be available for private loans. Check with the private loan lenders to find out if grace, deferment, forbearance, or other repayment options are available.
• One More Thing… Keep in Touch:  During your gap year, be proactive and stay in touch with all of your servicers. Federal loans will automatically go into deferment while enrolled in medical school, but remember to contact the private loan lenders to determine the options on these loans while you are a medical student.