Why study this course?
Our Medical Sciences (International Pre-Med) programme is a unique blend of academic skills with medicine-related topics. The programme has been designed in conjunction with the School of Medicine to develop the intellectual and communication skills you will need to succeed in a degree in medicine.
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
- demonstrate an overall appreciation of the body of philosophies related to the study of medicine
- demonstrate knowledge that is embedded in the main theories, concepts and principles of the philosophies related to the study of medicine and apply that knowledge in practical contexts
- undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas, concepts, information and issues that are within the common understandings of health and medicine
- demonstrate awareness of own and others' roles, responsibilities and contributions when carrying out and evaluating tasks related to the study of medicine
- convey complex information to a range of audiences such as fellow students, medical professionals, and patients
- exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities in their learning
- manage, under guidance, ethical and professional issues in accordance with current professional codes related to the medical profession
Classes integrate your science and English language learning with a focus on writing laboratory reports, structuring essays, critical thinking and scientific methods of investigation. You will practice doctor-patient interaction, including with simulated patients, and have opportunities to:
- consolidate your learning and attend a workshop to prepare for the multiple mini interviews (MMI)
- volunteer with a local charity to develop your interpersonal skills
- gain an accredited first-aid certificate
We also offer a Medical Sciences (Extended International Pre-Med), over either 18 months or 2 years. For students on high school courses from countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, this will be the route for you unless you have additional chemistry – for example, AS Level Chemistry – and a high school diploma.
You need to have studied sciences at school, and chemistry should have been studied in your final year at school. If you studied chemistry only to IGCSE level or Grade or Year 10, you may be eligible for the Extended International Pre-Med.
Modules
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
-
Students will study the same three compulsory modules:
- Communicating in Medical Contexts 1: focuses on academic research and writing skills along with seminar and project skills. You will study medical ethics in order and understand how this links to clinical practice and medical professionalism. You will also have sessions on effective communication and attend workshops with simulated and real patients in the School of Medicine.
- Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: covers the origin of the elements, atoms and the Periodic Table, shapes and properties of molecules, chemistry of the elements, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics.
- Biology 1: introduces you to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
-
All students will study these compulsory modules:
- Communicating in Medical Contexts 2: builds on the skills studied in Semester 1 to enhance confidence and competence in communication, specifically for a degree in medicine. You will continue studying medical ethics and will also have a series of lectures on important themes in Medicine which are delivered by staff from the School of Medicine.
- Human Biology: covers all the key physiological systems within the topic areas, with an overarching focus on how disease affects these systems.
- Organic and Biological Chemistry 1: includes lectures on the structure, stereochemistry and nomenclature of simple organic compounds, fundamental organic reaction mechanisms, organic functional groups and their reactions, introductory bioorganic chemistry, and organic spectroscopy.
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
To prepare for the MMIs held by the School of Medicine in Semester 2, there will be workshops on the various interview stations so that you can develop your interview skills and MMI performance. You will also study medical ethics in order to transition into first-year medicine with an understanding of how medical ethics link to clinical practice and medical professionalism.
-
Your classes take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. In a typical week you will spend around 16 hours a week on your focused learning activities like live lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials. To ensure our students are getting tailored support, we schedule seminar classes with groups of no more than 16 students.
You will also be expected to complete around 25 hours of independent study each week to achieve your academic goals.
You will be introduced to simulated and real patients throughout the programme and are given opportunities to explore how to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds with a variety of health conditions.
Assessment
Students are assessed on coursework and end-of-semester examinations. Examples of these are:
- academic essays
- end-of-module exams (in-person or online)
- individual or group projects
- presentations
- laboratory reports
- class tests
Each module handbook will include information on assessments.
What it will lead to
This is the University’s own pre-degree programme which prepares international students for undergraduate study in the UK and at the University of St Andrews in particular.
Requirements for moving on to BSc Medicine (A100)
To progress to the BSc Medicine (A100) at St Andrews, students must achieve:
- a minimum grade of 7.0 on all modules on the programme
- an average grade of 11.0 or above at first sitting across the following modules:
- Communicating in Medical Contexts 1 (IE1101)
- Communicating in Medical Contexts 2 (IE1201)
- Human Biology (IE1252)
- a grade of 12.0 or above at first sitting in each of the following modules:
- Biology 1 (BL1101)
- Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (CH1401)
- Organic and Biological Chemistry 1 (CH1601)
Results are graded on the University’s 20 point scale.
Students must also meet the following entry requirements of the School of Medicine:
- A competitive score in UCAT, achieved in the year of entry to the Medical Sciences (International Pre-Med) programme. If this condition is not met, the competitive score on UCAT can also be achieved in the year of graduation from the Medical Sciences (International Pre-Med) programme, prior to entry to A100 BSc Medicine.
- Satisfactory performance on the multiple mini interview with the School of Medicine.
- Applicants who use English as an additional language and who cannot provide their English language ability through their school-leaving qualifications must achieve 7.0 in all four components of the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) exam, to be taken at one sitting. This is irrespective of any other English qualification achieved. IELTS scores have a recommended two-year validity period, and this time limit will be applied.
- Fulfilment of the ‘fitness to practise’ criteria listed on the School of Medicine entry requirements pages.
Studying a Science degree instead of Medicine
Students who do not move on to medicine but meet the academic requirements for the Faculty of Science, may be able to study a science degree at the University. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account student performance, capacity within the relevant subject area, and date of application.
Why St Andrews?
When you join Scotland's first university, you will join a long heritage of excellence.
- 2nd in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026 and The Times and Sunday Times University Rankings 2026)
- 1st for Student Experience in the UK (National Student Survey 2024)
- 113th in the world (QS world rankings 2025)
The University of St Andrews is ranked 4th in the UK for Medicine in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Facilities and environment
You’ll be based in the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute in the Kinnessburn Building at the University of St Andrews. Our foundation pathways are all in house, and our safe and friendly town and campus are on your doorstep.
Find out more about the School of Medicine.
Support
Our academic teaching team are all University of St Andrews staff and have experience in teaching students all over the world. As a student you can benefit from advisors in:
- academic support
- student services
- health and wellbeing
“My interest in experiencing a new culture is what compelled me to choose studying in St Andrews, Scotland, over England or elsewhere as it provided me with a unique balance of both strong academics and a unique setting. The staff at IE are always willing to answer questions and point you in the right direction. If you need an answer to something, there is always someone you can ask.”
- Egypt
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
Academic
Our typical entry requirements can be found at Academic requirements for International Pre-Med.
We can only accept students who have graduated high school within the last 3 years.
Personal statement top tip
Make sure you show the admissions team why you want to study medicine. What have you done to find out more about the study of medicine and potential careers? What do you know about the NHS? Try to demonstrate your passion for your subject and why you would like to join our academic family at the University of St Andrews..
English Language Requirements
All International Foundation applicants must submit a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) as evidence of their English language ability before they can be made an unconditional offer.
See a list of approved English language tests and scores for this programme.
Interview for Medical Sciences
Candidates who meet the academic entry and have a qualifying personal statement will be invited to a short interview with the Assistant Director for Recruitment and Admissions. This will be a chance for us to assess your suitability for the programme and your motivation to study medicine.
Work experience
Students are required to have experience that allows them to demonstrate interpersonal skills relevant to the practice of medicine. This may include clinical observations, or voluntary or work experience. Applicants are advised to keep a record – for example, a diary – of this, as students will reflect upon these experiences throughout their International Foundation programme.
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
Students who wish to move on to the degree in Medicine at St Andrews will require a competitive score in the UCAT.
The School of Medicine requires students to take the test in the same year they start the Medical Sciences (International Pre-Med) programme.
How to apply
When you are ready to apply, please click the apply link. Our admissions team will need the following documents to make a decision on your application:
- your most recent high school transcript
- a personal statement
We will also need you to provide the following information, but it is not necessary to have these at point of application:
- an academic reference from your high school
- a qualifying UCAT
- your UKVI Secure English Language Test result
Fees and funding
£28,650
Your tuition fee includes a transfer from Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, or Leuchars train station, when you arrive for orientation.
Scholarships and funding
Global Merit Award
IELLI has a limited number of Global Merit Awards for offer holders on either an International Year Zero or International Year One foundation programme at St Andrews. This is a partial tuition fee scholarship to help fund your studies in your foundation year and is open to students who currently hold an offer to study with us. These scholarships are offered on a first come, first served basis and subject to availability and restrictions. To find out more, contact ifpapplications@st-andrews.ac.uk.
This scholarship is not available for students who are sponsored by a government, organisation or company.
Kinnessburn Scholarship
Students who successfully complete their International Foundation programme (IFP) at the University, with the required merit grade, and who move on to a degree at the University of St Andrews, will be eligible to apply for the Kinnessburn Scholarship.
This scholarship is awarded to two students annually in July. It provides a partial fee waiver for each year of study on an undergraduate programme at the University of St Andrews, and an Ambassador's role to support future IFP students.
Contact us
Still have questions? Please get in touch with our dedicated team at ifp@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 13 October 2025