Prospective students

Medicine has been taught in the historic Scottish town of St Andrews since 1413.

Today, the School of Medicine offers a range of study options for undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development and PhD students. 

Undergraduate courses

MBChB programme
Scottish Community-Orientated Medicine (ScotCOM)

The medical school at the University of St Andrews is currently developing a brand new 5-year community-orientated MBChB Medicine programme and it is hoped that the first cohort will enter in 2025.

We are currently unable to provide full information about the programme, but details will be available via this webpage when particulars are finalised, subject to General Medical Council approval.

BSc Honours programme

A 3-year BSc honours degree programme offering an integrated curriculum within a strong clinical context. In addition to exploring the foundations of medical science the programme encourages the development of the professional attitudes, ethical understanding and decision making skills required by the GMC's 'Outcomes for graduates'.

Graduates of the BSc Hons Medicine can progress on to one of the University's partner medical schools to complete their training as a doctor. 

MBChB programme
Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine (ScotGEM)

A 4-year graduate entry programme capitalising on the existing strengths of medical teaching in the universities of St Andrews and Dundee in collaboration with NHS Fife, NHS Tayside, NHS Highland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and the University of the Highlands and Islands. This exciting partnership enables the development of a truly distinctive programme.

First and second year will be led by the University of St Andrews, with third and fourth year led by the University of Dundee.  On graduation, students will gain a joint degree from both Universities.

Watch a series of short videos about the ScotGEM course on Youtube.

Medicine courses

Students practising clinical skills

Postgraduate courses

Health Professions Education PG Cert/PG Dip/MSc

Part-time online

Increasing pressures on healthcare systems require flexible, accessible, creative, and relevant learning opportunities, particularly for educators who are also clinically active. On the Health Professions Education programme, you will examine the principles and values of a range of educational approaches. 

Health Professions Education PG Cert/PG Dip/MSc

Health Data Science MSc

Healthcare is being transformed by digital technologies and big data analytics. On the MSc in Health Data Science, you will explore the principles and practice of digital health implementation.

Health Data Science MSc

Postgraduate research

MSc (Res)

The MSc(Res) is a one-year full-time programme without taught components (students do not have to take or pass modules). Students work for a year with a designated supervisor (a member of academic staff) and obtain their degree based on the write-up of their research work as an MSc(Res) dissertation. The MSc(Res) can be a stepping stone to doctoral study.

MSc (Res) opportunities

 

PhD

PhD students at the School of Medicine are involved in scientific research covering a wide range of subjects within the School's four research divisions:

  • cellular medicine
  • infection and global health
  • population and behavioural sciences
  • education.

MD

Submission of work or undertaking research for a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) degree at the School of Medicine is open to former medical graduates of St Andrews or suitably qualified current staff only.

Postgraduate research

Using a sequencer in the medicine research labs

Short courses

The School of Medicine currently provides a wide range of high quality short courses, covering topics that can be used for professional development, skills revision or professional exam preparation. 

The courses range in duration from short half day courses to more in-depth 3-4 day long courses.

The school also employs a variety of delivery methods, from completely online – both synchronous and asynchronous (course dependent), through blended presentations, to purely experiential.  Selected courses are run with multiple iterations throughout the year to help fit with attendee workplace restrictions and budgetary cycles.

Short courses website

Student studying in the medicine cafe

Why St Andrews?

Not only does the University have a world-class reputation, it also offers a diverse range of social activities, including over 140 student societies and 50 sports clubs.