Exploring research as an undergraduate

As an undergraduate, research involvement can help you:

• deepen your understanding of medical topics
• build critical thinking and analytical skills
• make meaningful contributions to real-world healthcare challenges

What is intercalation?

Intercalation is a chance for medical students to take a year out during their medical degree to study a related subject. This could be in research, teaching, or another field, and it’s an opportunity to dive deeper into academic medicine.

How does it work?

• You can apply for intercalation after completing 2 or 3 years of your medical degree. At some medical schools, intercalation is a compulsory part of the medical degree.
• Intercalation usually happens at a different university from where you study medicine.
• After the intercalated year, you’ll earn both a medical degree and an additional degree, often a BSc or MSc. This can even lead to the opportunity to pursue a PhD later on.

Why choose intercalation?

Intercalation gives you the chance to explore topics outside of traditional medical training. You could focus on areas like:

• biomedical research (e.g. microbiology, genomics)
• medical humanities (e.g. history, philosophy)
• crossover fields (e.g. veterinary science, zoology, veterinary epidemiology)

How to apply

Each university offers different intercalation options, so it’s a good idea to research what’s available at your university. For more details, check out the list of courses at intercalate.co.uk, managed by Hull York Medical School.

The cost of an intercalated year depends on the course and your fee status, so it’s important to check the specific fees for your course before applying.

INSPIRE

INSPIRE is a programme run by the Academy of Medical Sciences and supported by the Wellcome Trust. It gives medical, dental, and veterinary students the chance to get involved in research.

Through INSPIRE, funding is provided to medical, dental, and veterinary schools across the UK. This allows universities to create local activities that help students explore the exciting potential of a career in research and its benefits.

Learn more about INSPIRE

Specialised Foundation Programme

The Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP) allows foundation doctors to gain the same workplace training as the regular Foundation Programme, with the added opportunity to explore academic, teaching, and leadership roles. The key difference is the chance to pursue a research project, providing valuable experience in both clinical and academic settings. You can apply for the SFP even if you haven’t completed an intercalated year.

Clinical Academic Training and Careers Hub (CATCH)

CATCH is a platform designed to promote the role of clinical academics and support health professionals starting their clinical academic careers. The site covers a range of specialties, including medicine, and features interviews with academics at various stages of their careers, offering valuable insights and guidance.

Visit the site to explore clinical academic careers and discover how to kickstart your own path in this rewarding field.

Explore CATCH