If you want to get accepted into Medicine at Cambridge, youโll face a particularly challenging task when it comes to earning an offer. This course routinely ranks within the top five Medicine degrees worldwide.
The best way to begin preparing your application for undergraduate Medicine at Cambridge is to be aware of all the aspects of the application process. This article will break down each step of this process and will give some handy advice on making the most of the interview section of your application
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Cambridge Medical School Requirements for International Students
In order to take up the offer of a place to study here, all applicants must meet the qualification requirements of their course. Many students who apply to Oxford are taking A-levels but we also accept a whole range of other equivalent UK and international qualifications. If you are an international student wanting to apply to Oxford, you need to have achieved โ or expect to obtain โ one of the qualifications listed below with the grades shown, or another equivalent. The qualifications below will only be sufficient alternatives to A-level where they cover the same content as the required A-levels, to the appropriate standard.
We are aware that SAT subject tests have been discontinued in the US with immediate effect, but that they will still be offered for international students in May and June 2021. We understand that this change is outside the control of our offer holders and ask that those who are adversely affected by this decision contact their college for further guidance.
We are conducting a full review of our requirements for US qualifications which is due to conclude in early June. It is likely that the University will require AP subjects in subjects related to the chosen course of study. Any updates will be posted on our International Qualifications webpage so our best advice is to continue to monitor this.
Cambridge offers a traditional six-year medical degree, segregated into preclinical and clinical study. Due to the collegiate system at Cambridge, applications are made to the first choice college, so attention should be paid to specific entry requirements and places available to maximise chances of success. Course highlights include small group supervisions, in which students can learn from eminent members of faculty, and full cadaveric dissection.
With a famous culture of rigorous exams, college supervisors monitor each studentโs academic progress weekly and termly.
Pre-Clinical phase (years one, two, and three):
The first three years are known as the โTriposโ, ultimately leading to a BA qualification. Major areas of study include โBiology of Diseaseโ and โNeurobiology and Human Behaviourโ. In the third year of study, students specialise in a specific area, including core-scientific and non-core-scientific disciplines.
Clinical phase (years four, five, and six):
Years four, five, and six introduce students to clinical attachments. Each year starts with an introductory course, informing learning objectives for the academic term. Year four focuses on core clinical practice, while years five and six focus on specialist and applied clinical practice.Read: >>> Top Ranking Universities in USA
Note: Our year-by-year overview of UK medical school course structures can help you see how this course structure compares with progressions through studies, clinical rotations, and (where relevant) intercalation at other medical schools.
Work experience:
Candidates are strongly advised (though not required) to undertake some relevant work experience (either paid or voluntary) in a health or related area.
The medical school is not prescriptive about how this is obtained and recognises the widely differing opportunities available.
Widening access:
No formal access to medicine programme, though contextual factors are considered.
Relevant applications receive contextual flags based on individual, socio-economic and educational disadvantage.
The university delivers a Medicine Summer School with the Sutton Trust, alongside a number of other subject-specific outreach interventions
Teaching style notes:
Three years of pre-clinical medicine taught via supervisions, seminars, and practicals.
Full body cadaveric dissection.
Intercalated tripos.
Three years of clinical medicine taught in Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Personal statement:
Personal statement is reviewed prior to interview but not scoredRead: >>> Easiest Universities to Get Into in USA
Notes about admissions test:
No pass mark.
Each college uses the BMAT differently.
Refer to college website for specific guidance.
Type of interview:
Traditional interview
Interview notes:
Candidates are assessed on: Understanding of the scientific basis of medicine & recent innovation, personal qualities showing aptitude to medical practice, communication skills, understanding of ethical and legal issues related to medicine, teamwork, teaching, and the ability to evaluate & research.
Candidates have at least two panel interviews, each lasting from twenty to forty-five minutes. Interviewers are usually admissions tutors and practising clinicians.
Intercalation notes:
As explained in this medical schoolโs prospectus(link is external): โIt also has a compulsory intercalated year in third year (Part II) which means you can study any one topic from the Natural Sciences Tripos, such as pathology or pharmacology or even history and philosophy of science. This broadens your horizons of knowledge outside core medicineโฆ.โ
Medical school history:
The current medical school was established in 1976, although teaching of medicine at Cambridge has a longer history. The Linacre Readership in Medicine was founded in 1524, and the Regius Professor of Physic was established in 1540
Note: To see how this compares chronologically, you can check our sortable overview of establishment dates at UK medical schools.
This medical schoolโs competition ratios
Home / EU applicants per interview | Home / EU applicants per place | International applicants per interview | International applicants per place |
---|---|---|---|
Not specified | 6.00 | UK only | 17.00 |
Note: This is data available for the 2019 / 2020 admissions cycle. For an overview of how this compares with those of other UK medical schools, see ourย sortable listing of UK medical school competition ratios.
This medical schoolโs typical offers, by curriculum
A Level typical offer | GCSE requirements | Advanced and Scottish Highers typical offers | National 5 requirements | International Baccalaureate typical offer |
---|---|---|---|---|
A*A*AA levels must include Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, Maths. Some colleges require three of above subjects. | No specific requirements. | Advanced Highers: A1A1A2Subjects not specifiedScottish Highers: Not specifiedSubjects not specified | Not specified | 40โ42 pointsApplicants must have Higher Chemistry and at least one of Higher Biology, Physics. Some colleges require two of above subjects. |
To see how these typical offers compare with those of other UK medical schools, compare the rankings of A Levels typical offers, the rankings of Advanced Highers typical offers, and the rankings of International Baccalaureate typical offers.
Undergraduate Study
At Cambridge, we offer two medicine courses โ the Standard Course and the Graduate Course. Throughout, our aim is to educate students to become compassionate, thoughtful, skilled members โ and leaders โ of the medical profession.
Success in medicine requires application 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.
Our medicine courses are intellectually stimulating and professionally challenging. As a medical student, youโll 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
Courses available
If you donโt already have a degree, you can apply for the Standard Course in Medicine (A100). The first three years involve lectures, practical classes and supervisions. You can find details on the Faculty of Biology website. The emphasis during clinical studies (Years 4, 5 and 6) in Cambridge is on learning in clinical settings. Read more about the clinical course on the School of Clinical Medicine website.
If youโre a graduate wanting to study Medicine, you have several options:
you can apply as an affiliate student (taking the pre-clinical component of the Standard Course in Medicine (A100) in two years instead of the usual three) to one of Lucy Cavendish, St Edmundโs or Wolfson Colleges
you can apply to the accelerated Graduate Course in Medicine (A101) to Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish College, St Edmundโs College or Wolfson College. This course is only available to Home fee status students.
you can apply for both the Standard Course in Medicine (A100) and the Graduate Course in Medicine (A101). However, if you choose to do so you must apply to the same College for both courses (ie Lucy Cavendish, St Edmundโs or Wolfson–
Course costs
Years 1 to 3
Purchase and maintenance of essential equipment (please see the Faculty website for a detailed breakdown) โ Estimated cost ยฃ60
Preparing for Patients:
Travel costs: Maximum travel costs for Year 1 and Year 3 up to ยฃ25.
Accommodation costs: In Year 2, Preparing for Patients generally lasts for one week out of term time. Accommodation costs can be found on individual College websites
Other costs depend on the subject taken in Year 3.
Years 4 to 6 (clinical studies)
Textbooks: Advice is given about suitable clinical textbooks at the start of Year 4 and discounted bundles are available from the University bookshop โ Estimated cost ยฃ150 to ยฃ200
Stethoscope โ Estimated cost ยฃ60 to ยฃ100
Theatre clogs โ ยฃ10 contribution to the cost
Travel to and from regional placements (per year) โ one return journey and accommodation covered by Clinical School (estimated cost dependent on frequency of travel).
All clinical courses include a seven-week elective in Year 5 โ students choosing a local elective may incur few additional costs, but students choosing to travel abroad (as most prefer to do) will typically incur costs of around ยฃ3,000 (College and national grants may be available).
It is highly recommended that students have a suitable smartphone or tablet device for use during clinical placements.
Details about additional course costs during Years 1, 2 and 3 can be found on the Faculty of Biologyโs website, and information about additional course costs during the clinical studies (Years 4, 5 and 6) are available on the Clinical Schoolโs website.
If youโre an international student, you should also refer to the information about fees and costs for overseas students.
The MB/PhD Programme
Designed for Standard Course (A100) medical students who are interested in a career in academic medicine, the MB/PhD Programme intercalates three years of research between years 4 and 5. See the MB/PhD website for more details.
UK Foundation Programmes and Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)
Graduates are entitled to hold provisional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise, subject to demonstrating to the GMC that they are fit to practise (please note this may be subject to change). To apply for full registration as a doctor, you must satisfactorily complete the first year of a Foundation Programme post and continue to meet fitness to practise requirements. For more information, visit the UK Foundation Programme websiteg
A national MLA, to be taken by students in the final year of Medical School, will be introduced in 2022. Further information can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/education.
NHS Bursaries
NHS Bursaries are currently available for eligible Medicine students from Year 5 of the Standard Course (A100), or from Year 2 of the Graduate Course (A101). See the NHS Student Bursaries website for further information.
Careers
We enable students to develop the excellent communication, clinical, interpersonal and professional skills required for good medical practice. Our focus on combining training in the core medical sciences with a broad-based clinical curriculum, encompassing primary, community-based and hospital care, prepares our students for a range of careers across general practice, medicine, psychiatry and other specialities.
Cambridge Graduate Course โ Entry Requirements
The Graduate Course in Medicine is open to UK/EU applicants only. Due to the competitive nature of the course, it is important that you make sure you meet / will meet the below pre-medical requirements and that you have appropriate healthcare experience before you apply for the course. Check out school of clinical medicine university of cambridge entry requirements, and cambridge university admission requirements for international students postgraduate below
Pre-medical Requirements:
The regulations below are the minimum requirements for beginning the Graduate Course in Medicine. Applicants must obtain the following examination passes (or their equivalents) from an approved examination board: The Pre-medical Requirements are as follows;
GCSE requirement
GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above.
GCSE English Language at grade C or above.
AS and A level requirement
Applicants must have A Level Chemistry (normally passed at grade A or above within seven years of entry) and one of Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics (at A or AS level).
Degree requirement
At least an upper second-class honors degree in any discipline.
International Baccalaureate
The GCSE and AS/A Level subject requirements also apply to the IB.
- Individual Middle Years Programme subject results validated by the IB at grade 4 or above will satisfy the GCSE requirements.
- Standard Level subjects will satisfy AS Level subject requirements, and Higher Level subjects will satisfy A Level subject requirements.
Other examination systems
If you are taking/have taken a different examination system (such as overseas qualifications), you will need to provide evidence that you have reached the equivalent standard in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Biology. You should discuss your position with an Admissions Tutor from one of the three participating Colleges.
Competitive applications
Academically competitive applicants will generally have at least AAA at A level or equivalent, including an A or A* at Chemistry. Those who do not hold these grades should be aware that their application will be in direct competition with those who do
The BMAT test is not a required condition of entry onto the Graduate Course in Medicine.
Healthcare experience
We strongly advise obtaining medical/healthcare experience as a paid or volunteer worker in the private or public healthcare industry and the shadowing of medical professionals in hospital/GP practice. We look for varied and consistent hands-on patient care along with experience working within an NHS environmentb-
Selection requirements
Applications from students who have failed at or been excluded from another medical school will not normally be considered for entry to Medicine at Cambridge.
How do the University of Cambridge and the colleges work?
Interestingly we hear questions like How do the University of Cambridge and the colleges work? what does cambridge university specialize in, cambridge colleges pros and cons? Read on to learn more.
- Undergraduate students apply to a college. Cambridge has 29 undergraduate colleges. If you want to apply to Cambridge, the process starts earlier than at other universities to allow time for all the application information to be gathered and considered.
- Graduates apply first to the university and choose a college preference on their application.
- If youโre considering a Cambridge Ph.D. then applications are considered on a rolling basis. An answer can be expected within 8 weeks of submitting your application for most Ph.D. programs at the University of Cambridge.
Please ensure if the course youโve applied for needs an admission assessment. If a pre-interview is required for your written assessment, you will need to register well in advance. This should be done before the given deadline with the help of the assessment center. University is still accepting applications for some courses for sessions 2021-22. Classes will be conducted online for international students as long as there is no improvement in the situation.
Admission to University of Cambridge Top Programs
31 autonomous colleges and six schools offer admission to more than 30 undergraduate and 167 masterโs programs at the University of Cambridge. Admission requirements of some of the popular ones amongst them are as follows–
Program | Application Deadlines | Test Scores Required | Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
MBA | Round 4: March 8, 2021; Interview: April 16- April 30, 2021 Round 5: April 26, 2021; Interview: June 4- June 18, 2021 | GMAT: a score in the range of 640 โ 730 (median at 700 for the 2019 intake) OR Equivalent GRE; IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Answer to 4 questions (up to 500 words); 3 years of work experience; 1 professional LOR |
MPhil Finance | February 25, 2021 | GRE recommended; IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Professional bachelors of at least 4 years with an overall grade of 70% or above Economics or quantitative component in bachelors |
MPhil Architecture | May 20, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | 2 academic references; 1000 โ 1500 words research proposal; 1 sample of work |
MPhil in Innovation, Strategy, and Organization | February 25, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Proficiency in quantitative methods and statistics |
MPhil Scientific Computing | June 30, 2021 | IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL (iBT): 100 | Resume; 2 sample of work; 1500 words statement of interest; 2 academic LORs |
MPhil Advanced Computer Science | February 10, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Resume; 2 academic LORs; 500 words project proposal |
MPhil Strategy, Marketing & Operations | June 14, 2021 | GRE (recommended); IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Resume; 2 academic LORs; 5000 words reason for applying; Statement of research interest |
MPhil Economics | January 31, 2021 | GRE: 90th percentile in quant & 50th in analytical; IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Resume; 2 academic LORs; Maximum 10-page details of the previous study |
MPhil Management | February 25, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Proficiency in maths and statistics |
MEd Psychology & Education | February 28, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Resume; 2 academic LORs; 1500 words reason for applying; 1500 โ 2000 words short essay |
Master of Law | Currently Closed | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | 2 academic LORs; 5000 words reason for applying; Resume |
MPhil Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence | Currently Closed | IELTS: 7.0; โTOEFL (iBT): 100 | 2 academic LORs; The motivation for applying; Statement of relevant work experience; Summary of marks obtained; Resume |
MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology | June 30, 2021 | IELTS: 7.0; โTOEFL (iBT): 100 | 2 academic LORs; 1500 words statement of interest & reason for applying |
BA in Computer Science | October 15, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | CTMUA test; CSAT test (for some colleges); 1 academic LOR; Supplementary Application Questionnaire: Personal Statement |
M.Eng Chemical Engineering | October 15, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Written assessment test; 1 academic LOR; Supplementary Application Questionnaire: Personal Statement |
BA Economics | October 15, 2021 | IELTS: 7.5; TOEFL (iBT): 110 | Admission assessment (MCQ and essay) |
Applicants are shortlisted based on the above documents and invited for the second round ie. interview. It is conducted either via skype or telephone. University shortlists approximately 75% of the total application for interview round every year.
Note: CTMUA stands for the Cambridge Test of Mathematics for University Admission. It is conducted in late October or early November at the applicantโs school or a nearby center.
University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions
The university comprises 29 undergraduate colleges with about 25.7% of its undergraduate students coming from outside the U.K. Offering more than 65 subjects, there are a variety of undergraduate courses offered by the University of Cambridge. The most coveted programs are Engineering, Management, Medicine, Education, and Sciences.–
Application Portal: UCAS Application Portal
Application Fees: 18.00 GBP (Single Course) and 24.00 GBP (Multiple Courses)
Application Deadline: October 15
Admission Process for University of Cambridge UG Courses
Submit a UCAS application. Following are the requirements for a successful submission:
Write a personal statement explaining the subject interest
School reference provided a teacher/tutor/guidance counselor
Submit Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA)
Complete the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) sent by the University of Cambridge after submission of UCAS.
Submit the academic transcripts, as per the courseโs requirements.
Most applicants need to take a subject-specific written admission assessment, either pre-interview or at an interview.
A reasonable standard in spoken English is required at the time of the interview.
Quick Fact: SOP or Personal Statement for the UK differs a lot from other SOPs. These also differ from the subject you are applying for.
Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Students of Class 12 are considered qualified enough to apply for undergraduate programs at the University of Cambridge. The coursework is extremely demanding and youโre supposed to fulfill many requirements if youโre an Indian applicant:
A 4-years professional bachelorโs degree in professional subjects (For PG Courses)
The overall grade of 70% or CGPA of 7.3% and more from a recognized university
Following are the minimum grades required in at least five relevant subjects in different boards
CISCE and NIOS: 90%
CBSE: A1
State Board: 95%
In addition to the completion of Class 12th with minimum grades, Indian students have to satisfy the following additional criteria depending upon the program to which they are applying for:
Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Natural Sciences (Physical): Rank above 2000 in IIT- JEE (Advanced)
Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics: STEP (minimum grade requirement varies with college)
All other programs: College Board Advanced Placement Test with grade 5 in more than five tests
Admission Requirements for Other Country Students
One of the following qualifications or their equivalent is considered for admission at the University of Cambridge:
GCSE:- GCSE results are considered as a performance indicator of the candidate.
A-Levels: Applicants may be required to achieve A* in a particular subject(s), depending on individual circumstances.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB):- Typical offers are 40-42 points out of 45, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. Applicants may be required to achieve 7 in a particular subject(s), depending on individual circumstances.
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma:- Conditional offers are set on an individual basis but are likely to require the achievement of Distinction level grades (D2 or D3) in Principal Subjects.
English Proficiency Requirements for International Students
Since the medium of instruction is English at the University of Cambridge, non-native English speaker candidates must achieve any one of the formal qualifications given below:-
Tests Minimum Requirements
IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, with each component minimum of 7.0
TOEFL (iBT) 110, with each section 25 minimum
Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency 200
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced 193
Please note that students applying for LLM and MCL need to provide their English Language Test scores while submitting their admission application.
Covid-19 Update: Indian PG applicants for the 2021-2022 session will be assessed by the University Language Centre if they are unable to provide a valid English-language test score.
University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions
At this university, graduate work is considered highly intense and very intellectually demanding with a large number of academic entry requirements. Offering around 167 graduate programs, the most popular PG courses at the University of Cambridge are Management, Economics, Finance, Education, and Marketing. If applying for any Ph.D. programs at Cambridge, then you will need to have a high level of motivation for the three or four years of full-time study. This includes a probationary period followed by a progress assessment only after which youโll be registered
Application Portal: University Application Portal
Application Fees: 70 GBP; 150 GBP for the MBA program
Application Deadline: Varies with program
Admission Requirements for University of Cambridge PG Programs
A bachelors degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 70%
Academic transcripts
English translation of non-English transcripts
Proof of English Proficiency (minimum score varies with the program)
Interview (for some courses)
University of Cambridge Admission Decision
Time taken to assess the application differs a lot depending on the degree type and applicant pool. The admission decision for undergraduate applicants is usually announced before the end of January. If the candidate is offered a place, they will be informed by the respective college and through UCAS applicants need to reply. Admission decision for graduate programs is announced within three months of the deadline. Approval of the following authorities is required for acceptance:
At least 2 academic members of the department
Relevant degree committee
Postgraduate Admission Office
At the University of Cambridge, admissions decisions are based solely on academic criteria, i.e. the candidateโs ability and potential. All inquiries related to the admission decision are dealt with by the University of Cambridge colleges on an individual basis.
If a college couldnโt offer a place to an applicant because other more eligible students were also available but the applicant was considered strong enough, then it may pass it on to other colleges for consideration. In this case, although, you didnโt get admission to your first choice of college you can be accepted by other colleges if they consider you eligible
University of Cambridge Enrollment Process
Selected students are informed about the decision via a self-service portal. After receiving the acceptance decision, you should start making arrangements for arrival at the university. Fee payment and other enrollment formalities are done in-person after arriving at the University of Cambridgeโs campus. The overall number of students from India enrolled at the University of Cambridge has increased from 295 in 2014-15 to 357 in 2019-20.
Indian students headcount
Immigration & Visa Requirements for International Students
In order to study in the UK, students coming from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland for more than 6 months must have a Tier 4 student visa. The Visa application must be submitted immediately after receiving the enrollment offer.
Documents Required
A copy of a valid passport.
Necessary Financial Documentation.
If you are below 18 years of age, proof of parental or other legal guardian consent
Tuberculosis Test results (as per the countryโs requirements)
Candidates need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa at least 3 months before the starting date of their course. The date of the application is the same as the day of paying the visa application fee ie. 348 GBP. Visa applications can be submitted to the respective country of residence.
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