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2. At most universities your first 2 years will be what are called pre-clinicals, where you study basic medical sciences. You then spend three years studying clinical based medicine, doing hospital rounds, observing procedures etc.
On six year courses such as those at UCL and Imperial you then spend a year studying for an intercalated Bsc. This is essentially a separate degree crammed into a year. It is not compulsory to do an intercalated Bsc at most medical schools, and in fact you may have to compete with other students for a place studying one. Intercalated degrees are availably in many subjects from biochemistry to physiology and often involve a high element of research. The intercalated Bsc is usually undertaken between year two and three, but can also be undertaken at other times.
Some courses are 'integrated' and the divide between preclinical’s and clinicals is less distinct. A good example would be UEA, where you will have patient contact from an early stage. Courses such as those at Oxford and Cambridge are very traditional and you will be unlikely to see anything like a patient until your fourth year.
Generally speaking traditional courses tend to have a slightly more academic emphasis, whereas highly integrated course tend to focus more on clinical skills. However, wherever you go you will learn all of the information and skills needed. There are no bad medical schools in the UK, all are different, it is a question of the style you think would most suit you. The best thing to do is it go to open days and speak to admissions tutors to get a good idea about a university before applying.
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First year medical student
RF&UCMS
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