Undergraduate 

Gateway to Medical Studies CertHE

The Undergraduate Medical School at the University of Glasgow is committed to the development and retention of a community of medical students reflective of the wider society, which they will eventually serve.

Through the one year Gateway to Medical Studies programme, we will offer a proposed expansion and enhancement of these activities which will draw upon our extensive experience to deliver a bespoke pre-medical programme that provides the necessary skills in basic science, communication and professionalism together with immersive experiential opportunity in a clinical context. Our programme has been designed to realise in full the Scottish Government’s (SG) vision of equitable access to medical school.

Aims of the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme

  • To equip students with the fundamental knowledge in science and competence in the relevant methods of scientific investigation.
  • To provide students with a basic introduction to the study of Medicine.
  • To introduce students to the use of virtual learning environments, on-line scientific research, word processing and presentation skills.
  • To develop transferable, intellectual, interpersonal and practical skills which may be of advantage for further study or in a wide range of employment.
  • To develop in students the flexibility to adapt to change throughout their working lives.
  • September start
  • Session dates
  • Gateway to Medical Studies CertHE: A900

Programme structure

The Gateway to Medical Studies programme is designed as a whole-rounded pre-medical experience with several essential components:

Theoretical and practical components

The programme of study will have a focus on credit bearing courses in Level 1 Biology and Science Fundamentals, with daily lectures and weekly laboratory sessions and an additional bespoke Fundamental Skills in Medicine module.

The Fundamental skills in Medicine module is designed to develop the academic skills required to study medicine at university level to develop those independent lifelong learning skills, team work and communication skills required as a doctor within a clinical context.

Students receive workshops in vocational studies understanding professionalism and communication skills in a clinical context, managing their digital identity and an introduction to clinical skills in preparation for their clinical placements in both a primary and secondary care setting. In addition, an opportunity to partake in short periods of immersive experiential opportunity in remote and rural medicine will be provided to students.

Within this module Team Based Learning is used as part of the learning strategy. This approach is different from the traditional lecture style of teaching. The students are required to work in smaller groups and the emphasis is on what the students are doing and how they are learning from their experience. Teaching time is largely spent on the students actively engaging in applying their learning and understanding to relevant clinical scenarios. This approach really encourages the development of a reflective approach to studying and development of lifelong learning skills and attributes.

The Fundamental Skills in Medicine module also focuses on providing a grounding in the policies and provisions of Healthcare in Scotland and the UK. Students work together on a group project to prepare a presentation which introduces students to scientific research skills and the development of academic writing skills with a focus on the impact of lifestyle on health and society.

The GMC emphasises the importance of reflecting on your practice as a core component for continuing professional development of doctors. This module introduces students to what reflection is and the benefits of reflecting, providing a framework for how to reflect and encouraging students to reflect on what they have been taught and how they can use this to improve their learning.

Students also begin to develop the important skill of reflecting within a clinical setting and develop the skills of writing reflectively on their clinical experiences.

The bespoke anatomy classes offered as part of the gateway programme will cover body systems that relate directly to topics covered within the medical school programme such as the back and limbs, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the abdominal organs of the gastrointestinal system as examples.

In addition to learning the theory through lectures, students gain hands-on experience with plasticated anatomy specimens. These are real anatomical specimens that have been professionally dissected and preserved to allow direct visualisation of these 3-dimensional anatomical structures.

Our students learn how to use anatomical and medical terminology to describe the human body and are taught how to identify key structures on anatomical specimens.

As part of the course students have the opportunity to apply their anatomy knowledge to clinical scenarios. Core skills including communication, professionalism, and the ethical and legal considerations around the use of human tissues are also covered.

To support students, each will be allocated a personal mentor, drawn from in-house academic teaching staff and a clinical mentor providing unique exposure to the clinical environment, drawn from local clinicians.

Resources and Facilities

An introduction to clinical skills will be delivered within the Medical School using our simulated clinical facilities.

As a Gateway to Medical Studies student at the University of Glasgow you will have the opportunity to study within a licensed anatomy teaching facility and will have access to the Museum of Anatomy containing the world-famous Hunter and Cleland anatomy specimens, many of which are still used in teaching today.

Online resources including recorded lectures, e-textbooks, exercises and Moodle quizzes will be available to enhance self-directed learning.

Students will be provided with an electronic tablet to support them through their studies and to make sure they have access to all available resources provided by the university.

The timetable quite deliberately leaves room for participation in sporting and recreational activities as this has been shown in other similar programmes to enhance integration with the student body and improve and enhance the student experience and performance.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of this programme students will be able to:

  • Recall, through both written and spoken work, central facts and concepts in basic sciences.
  • Use subject-specific skills to carry out, under supervision, laboratory-based tasks.
  • Solve problems of a numeric or logical nature in the context of studying the basic sciences.
  • Reproduce, at an acceptable level, knowledge and understanding of the basic sciences to allow future study in Medicine and/or the medical sciences.
  • Produce acceptable written work which reflects both their effective lecture note taking and illustrates an acceptable level of subject specific knowledge.
  • Discuss with confidence on topics in the basic sciences.
  • Appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of communication and develop an understanding of basic communication skills.

Skills and Other Attributes

By the end of this programme students will be able to:

Subject-specific/practical skills

  • Carry out, under supervision, laboratory based tasks.
  • Produce acceptable written work.
  • Speak with confidence on topics in the life sciences.
  • Conduct clinical conversations with patients using their knowledge of communication skills.

Intellectual skills

  • Analyse and interpret scientific data.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of their studies from reading.
  • Manage time and prioritise tasks, and work autonomously when necessary and appropriate.
  • Ability to build team capacity and positive working relationships and undertake various team roles including leadership and the ability to accept leadership by others.
  • Work with colleagues passing on information, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability and a problem-solving approach.
  • Continually and systematically reflect on practice and, whenever necessary, translate that reflection into action, using improvement techniques.
  • Establish the foundations for lifelong learning and continuing professional development, including a professional development portfolio containing reflections, achievements and learning needs.

Progression to Medicine

Progression to MBChB programme will be automatic for students who satisfactorily complete the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme and achieve the necessary grades from summative assessment, but is subject to all academic and professional requirements being met throughout the year. Should any student not achieve the required grade to progress to Year 1 MBChB or decide against continuing this programme of study, there will be the opportunity to transfer to Year 2 of a Life Sciences degree, assuming they satisfy the university’s normal progression criteria.

UCAT is not a requirement for progression to MBChB.

Please note that the terms of eligibility and conditions of offer for entry to the MBChB are subject to change.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2025

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Eligibility

As the programme is funded by the Scottish Government as part of the national widening participation directive, candidates are required to be identified within one of the following categories:

  • The applicant is resident in Scotland, in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD0-20). Postcode CheckerPlease note: Changes to postcode after your application is submitted to suit eligibility criteria will not be considered.
  • The applicant is resident in Scotland and care experienced (young person in care/care leaver).
  • The applicant is a young person resident in Scotland and estranged from family.
  • The applicant has refugee status with the right to remain and study.
  • The applicant has asylum seeker status with the right to study.

    OR meets a minimum of TWO from the list below:
  • The applicant is registered with (or eligible for) the Reach Programme Scotland or completed or participating in SWAP Access to Medical Studies.
  • The applicant attends a Remote and Rural target school
  • The applicant can provide verifiable independent evidence of being a carer.

    *It is likely that if you attend one of the schools listed here: Remote and Rural Schools List, you will be eligible for the programme. If you attend a different school but are resident on the Island Cluster, you are also eligible. In order to be eligible for the programme your residency must be on the Island Cluster. If you are unsure, please do get in touch to check your eligibility.

We welcome applications from asylum seekers with the right to remain and study, subject to verification by the University of Glasgow prior to application submission. As those seeking asylum would not have access to SAAS funding, they would need to apply for tuition fee funding from alternative sources prior to acceptance on the programme. One such source in previous years has been the Carnegie Trust; if you would like further information on this, please contact the Sanctuary team on sanctuary@glasgow.ac.uk who can discuss this process with you in more detail.

Please note

With the exception of candidates who are Asylum Seekers or have Refugee status with the right to remain and study, we are only able to consider applications from candidates who have been resident in Scotland for a minimum of three years prior to application.

The Glasgow Gateway to Medical Studies programme is designed to provide first-time entry to higher education with the subsequent access to medicine, therefore we are unfortunately unable to consider university graduates for the programme at this time. We would encourage university graduates to apply to Medicine through the traditional route with the Medicine entry requirements.

If you are currently enrolled on another degree programme, you are not eligible to apply for the Gateway to Medical Studies programme, but can apply to medicine as a graduate upon completion of your degree.

If your eligibility for Gateway to Medical Studies is based not on your postcode (ie SIMD 1-20), but on one of the other relevant Widening Participation criteria (ie: Care-experienced StudentsEstranged StudentsStudent Carers, Forced Migrants status), then you must get in touch before submitting your application so that this eligibility can be verified. The University of Glasgow has dedicated named points of contact for each of the student groups who will carry out the verification in strictest confidence, making sure you are eligible for the programme before you apply. The relevant named points of contact will also be able to advise on the further support the University offers to those who are care-experienced, estranged, asylum seekers, refugees, or carers.

You may need to provide confirmation of your eligibility during the application process. Candidates will be considered in the same way as other eligible applicants if they identify with two or more eligibility criteria. Please note that candidates must have permission to study in the UK and may be asked to provide documentary evidence of UK immigration status. Should eligibility not be confirmed by the deadline requested, an application, interview or offer will be withdrawn.

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Summary of entry requirements for Gateway to Medical Studies

Academic Requirements

Minimum requirement of four Scottish Highers at AABB by S6. We require three of these Highers to be sciences. Science Highers must include Biology and any two of Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Candidates in S6 will be expected to pass all courses undertaken in their S6 programme of study, with a minimum of grade C in any Advanced Highers taken.

Please note that the programme is aimed primarily at S6 students. Individual consideration for S5 entry may be given only if a school does not offer Advanced Higher subjects in S6. Please contact us in advance of application should this be the case.

OR

Completion of either the SWAP Access to Medical Sciences course offered at Glasgow Clyde College or the SWAP Access to Medical Studies course offered at Glasgow Kelvin College with the minimum result of a 'Merit'.

*Candidates eligible for Widening Participation entry into Medicine directly who meet the necessary academic requirements, are encouraged to apply to Medicine through the traditional route. If candidates are eligible for Medicine and the Gateway to Medical Studies Programme and wish to be considered for the Gateway programme, they must apply to the programme via UCAS.

Admissions guidance

English language

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

School Qualifications

  • IGCSE English First Language, grade C
  • IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
  • A Level English, grade C
  • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
  • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
  • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
  • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C

International School Qualifications

  • Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
  • Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
  • European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
  • Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
  • France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
  • Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
  • Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
  • India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
  • Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
  • Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
  • Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
  • Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
  • South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
  • Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
  • Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C

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Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

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Pre-sessional courses

We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • St Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham

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FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:


Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study


Degrees and UCAS codes

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

CertHE

Gateway to Medical Studies: A900 (0 years)

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Students are sponsored by the Scottish Government for this one-year course.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). 

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

Application deadline

  • 31 January

We do not usually accept any applications after this deadline.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.

Apply via UCAS