FAQs
What is a Medicine degree?
A Medicine degree is the study of medicine. The degree covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and immunology.
The subject also focuses on the human body. In this, you will learn about how it works, how to diagnose and treat various issues, and medical ethics.
What jobs can you get with a Medicine degree?
There is a range of jobs you can find with a Medicine degree.
These include:
- Anaesthetist
- Cardiologist
- Clinical radiologist
- Neurologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Pathologist
- Surgeon
There are also unrelated jobs you can find with a Medicine degree too.
How long is a Medicine degree?
The length of a Medicine degree will depend on where you are studying. According to the GMC (General Medical Council), Medicine degrees typically take around five years to complete.
Some universities or colleges may have you finished earlier. Some may have you finished in four years and some may have you finished in six.
What types of Medicine degrees are there?
There are several different types of Medicine degrees you can study.
These are:
- Standard Entry Medicine
- Graduate Entry Medicine
- Medicine with a Preliminary Year
- Medicine with a Gateway Year
Some institutions may offer other degree types and not all will offer all of them.
What should I know before studying Medicine?
There are several essential things that students should know about Medicine degrees before they begin to study.
- It is a long-term degree: Medicine degrees cannot be completed quickly.
- They are very scientific degrees: These require advanced knowledge and understanding of science. You will be facing modules in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- It can be a very emotional degree: Degrees of this nature require a certain amount of empathy. When you move into a career in this sector, you will find that you will need to handle several compassionate issues.
This is a very rewarding subject to study and one that can lead to excellent career opportunities.
What modules do you study on a Medicine degree?
A Medicine degree covers a wide range of topics.
Modules typically include:
- Biology of disease.
- Clinical procedure skills.
- Drug mechanisms.
- Genetics.
- Medical cell biology.
- Medical ethics and law.
- Pathological processes.
Not all institutes will offer the same modules. Many will offer more in-depth modules. Postgraduate study involves more advanced modules.
What skills do I need for a Medicine degree?
There are several critical skills needed to be successful in a Medicine degree.
The most common skills needed for this degree are:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Great attention to detail.
- Empathy.
- Strong work ethic.
- Strong mathematics skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Good scientific knowledge.
These skills will be further honed (along with new ones) throughout the course.