BA in Medicine - University of Cambridge

The School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge is offering a 6-year undergraduate program with the aim of educating students to become compassionate, thoughtful, skilled members – and leaders – of the medical profession.

Success in medicine requires the application of knowledge and hard work, both while studying and when in practice. However, Medicine brings great personal rewards, offering a breadth and variety of career opportunities and excellent job satisfaction. No day in the life of a doctor is the same. The application of knowledge and research evidence to patient care provides a unique opportunity to combine scientific expertise with the human interactions that lie at the heart of the profession.

The medicine courses at Cambridge are intellectually stimulating and professionally challenging. As a medical student, you'll experience a rigorous, evidence-based medical education within the research-rich environment of the University. Students have opportunities to pursue research and project work throughout the course.

Admission Requirements

Academic record

• A*A*A at A level, or 40-42 at IB, with 776 at higher level
• A-Levels (or equivalent) in Chemistry, and one of Biology, Physics, and Maths
• BMAT - The BMAT is used to assess scientific aptitude and focuses on scientific abilities relevant to the study of Medicine at Cambridge. It is based on factual knowledge of mathematics and science in the GCSE/IGCSE and doesn’t require special teaching or preparation. Admissions Tutors use the BMAT results in conjunction with the other elements of students' applications to decide which candidates will be invited to interview and to help with deciding who should be offered places on the course. Students who achieve higher BMAT results are more likely to be invited to interview but there isn't a 'pass' mark for the BMAT at Cambridge.

Work experience

• You’re strongly advised, but not required, to have work experience in the field of health prior to your application.

Minimum English language requirements:

• IELTS Academic1 – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) – normally a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency – accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced – accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus an assessment by the Language Centre. Following assessment, the University Language Centre may advise further action from the applicant (eg enrolment at one of the Language Centre courses, or completion of an IELTS test).

Course Structure

At the standard course/ undergraduate course (A100), you study the medical sciences first, before learning to apply that knowledge to medical practice as a clinical student.

The first three years (pre-clinical studies) involve lectures, practical classes (including dissections), and supervisions, with typically 20-25 timetabled teaching hours each week. The emphasis during the clinical studies (Years 4, 5, and 6) is on learning in clinical settings: at the bedside, in outpatient clinics, and in GP surgeries, which is supported by seminars, tutorials, and discussion groups.

Assessment Procedures

Assessment, both formative and summative, plays a significant role throughout. Your ongoing progress is reviewed weekly and termly by your College supervisors. Formal assessment, which determines your ability to proceed with the course, includes written and practical examinations, coursework submission, and clinical assessments.

Successful completion of the first three years leads to a BA degree and on successful completion of the clinical studies in Cambridge you are awarded two degrees, the Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BChir).

Tuition Fees

As an international student at Cambridge, there are three costs you need to consider. These are your:

1- Tuition fees

The tuition fees for international students registered in the undergraduate course in Medicine are around 79,849.20 US dollars per year.

2- College fees

All international/overseas fee status students, and those Home fee status students who aren't eligible for tuition fee support (e.g. affiliate students), normally have to pay College fees in addition to University tuition fees.

The College fee covers the cost to your College of providing a range of educational, domestic, and pastoral services and support.

Annual College fees may vary between Colleges and in many cases are fixed for the duration of your course. For further information please visit the link. 

3- Living costs

Your living expenses may be higher than for a UK student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). In 2020-21, the minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately $15,839.41, depending on lifestyle.

Scholarships

The Cambridge Trust offers a small program of scholarships for undergraduate students who are set at the Overseas fee rate. Most of the Trust's scholarships are part-cost awards which will pay only part of the cost of studying in Cambridge. 

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for part-cost scholarships are:

• significant academic achievement and potential
• financial need

Funding for international students with financial needs is highly competitive. If you do not require financial support in order to study at Cambridge, please do not apply for a scholarship. You will only be eligible for a scholarship if the university is satisfied that you have financial needs.

Scholarship Application 

• Applicants intending to pursue a course of undergraduate study at the University of Cambridge should complete and submit a UCAS application by the deadline of 15 October.
• To apply for funding from the Cambridge Trust you will first need to gain an offer of admission to a Cambridge College.  
• Once you have an offer of admission to one of the Cambridge Colleges, you will be invited by your College to complete an application to the Trust to be considered for funding. 
• You do not need to apply directly to the Trust for funding, as the Trust only considers applicants who are put forward by their Colleges.