HCP-Med for Healthcare Professionals MBChB

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a science or healthcare subject. We will also consider non-science based degrees supplemented with SQA Higher/GCE A level Chemistry at C or above.

We will also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree or an Ordinary degree, or their international equivalents, providing they are in a science or healthcare subject.

Applicants who are on, or have been on, a medicine degree course will not be considered.

You must be able to demonstrate recent engagement with academic study and a grounding in science subjects within the three years prior to the programme start date. This could include, for example:

• a second degree
• SQA Higher(s) at grade C or above in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Human Biology, or Open University modules in a science subject (pending approval by the admissions and recruitment team) at 60% or above (minimum 20 credits)
• academic studies at SCQF Level 9, 10, or 11, such as MSc modules, PGCert, or PGDip (minimum 20 credits)

We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher:

• SQA National 5 English at B
• GCSE English at B or 6
• Level 2 Certificate English at B
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements.

We invite selected applicants to an assessment day, which will involve an interview comprising four stations.  

If you are invited to an interview, your invitation will provide more information about the structure of the day.  

You must sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and your score will be assessed as part of your application. We have no minimum score requirement. We accept tests taken between July 2024 and September 2026.

We also consider the Situational Judgement section of the UCAT test separately. If you score a Band 4 in the Situational Judgement section of the UCAT test, you will not be considered for entry.

Applicants must be currently practising in Scotland as a qualified healthcare professional, clinical scientist, or veterinary surgeon, and must have practised continuously for at least two years immediately before the start of the programme, with registration throughout this period with one of the following regulatory bodies:

• Academy for Healthcare Science (Clinical Physiologists, Audiologists)
• Association of Physician Assistants (anaesthesia)
• Faculty of Intensive Care
• General Medical Council (for Physician Associates)
• General Dental Council
• General Optical Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists
• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Applicants who have experienced an interruption to their practice during this period should contact the admissions team in advance to discuss whether their circumstances can be considered.

You must be able to provide evidence of working effectively as a healthcare professional, clinical scientist, or veterinary surgeon, such as:

• performance in current role
• teamwork and professionalism
• effective relationships with patients (some applicants may have limited experience working with patients; evidence of any patient contact will strengthen the application)

If successful, you will also need to provide evidence of support from your current employer as a condition of the offer.

Applications are not made through UCAS. You need to apply through the University using our online application form.

Apply online

Years 1 to 3 (part-time)

In Years 1 and 2, you will study clinical sciences such as anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. You will also study the social and ethical aspects of medicine.

You will learn practical clinical skills such as:

• resuscitation and interviewing patients
• developing your clinical reasoning
• decision-making skills

You will also:

• take a Knowledge to Clinical Practice module
• undergo a general practice (GP) attachment

In Year 3, you will gain clinical experience through placements in secondary and primary care.

Years 4 and 5 (full-time)

In Years 4 and 5, you will join Years 5 and 6 of the main Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) in Edinburgh, and you will rotate through a number of specialities, working on hospital wards as part of a team.

In Years 4 and 5, full-time study will be expected and a variety of shifts will be required for the clinical years, including late/overnight shifts.