13 Best Medical Schools in London

Why Study Medicine in London?

• Global Reputation: Home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities.

• Teaching Hospitals: Training opportunities at NHS hospitals and renowned institutions like St Thomas’ and UCLH.

• Diverse Community: Interact with students and patients from across the globe.

• Research Opportunities: London medical schools are at the forefront of biomedical research.

• Career Prospects: Strong alumni networks and excellent residency placement.

Best Medical Schools in London

Each school listed below meets high standards in academic excellence, clinical exposure, and student satisfaction.

1. Imperial College London – Faculty of Medicine

Location: South Kensington, London
Course Length: 6 years (MBBS with BSc)
Entry Requirements: AAA (A-level), UCAT, Interview

Overview:
Imperial College London is globally renowned for its emphasis on science, technology, and healthcare. The Faculty of Medicine integrates rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experiences in some of London’s leading hospitals.

Unique Features:

• Early clinical exposure

• Compulsory intercalated BSc

• Strong focus on research and innovation

2. University College London (UCL) Medical School

Location: Bloomsbury, London
Course Length: 6 years
Entry Requirements: A*AA (A-level), BMAT (now replaced by UCAT), Interview

Overview:
UCL Medical School is part of one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious universities. Known for its cutting-edge biomedical research, UCL integrates science, professionalism, and clinical practice.

Unique Features:

• Compulsory intercalated degree

• Clinical placements at UCLH, Royal Free, and Whittington

• Highly active student-led research initiatives

3. King’s College London – GKT School of Medical Education

Location: Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ Hospitals
Course Length: 5 or 6 years (with intercalated BSc)
Entry Requirements: AAA (A-level), UCAT, Interview

Overview:
With affiliations to three of London’s most historic hospitals, GKT offers unmatched clinical exposure. It boasts a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on community health.

Unique Features:

• Teaching spread across three iconic hospital campuses

• International electives and volunteering opportunities

• Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach

Read Also: UK Medical Schools Acceptance Rate

4. Queen Mary University of London – Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

Location: Whitechapel, London
Course Length: 5 years (or 6 with a foundation year)
Entry Requirements: AAA (A-level), UCAT, Interview

Overview:
Barts offers a well-balanced curriculum combining clinical practice and medical sciences. Students benefit from training at The Royal London Hospital and access to state-of-the-art simulation centers.

Unique Features:

• Early clinical placements

• Specialised teaching in East London’s diverse communities

• Excellent student-to-staff ratio

5. St George’s, University of London

Location: Tooting, London
Course Length: 5 years
Entry Requirements: AAA (A-level), UCAT, Interview

Overview:
St George’s is the UK’s only university dedicated solely to medical and healthcare sciences. It shares a campus with St George’s Hospital, offering real-time access to patient care and academic resources.

Unique Features:

• Focus on interprofessional education

• Excellent NHS partnerships

• Small cohort for personalised training

6. Brunel Medical School

Location: Uxbridge, London
Course Length: 5 years (Graduate Entry MBBS)
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1), UCAT, Interview

Overview:
Brunel launched its medical school recently with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology in medicine. Though new, it promises modern facilities and experienced faculty.

Unique Features:

• Problem-Based Learning

• Emphasis on digital health

• Focus on graduate-entry students

7. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

Location: Bloomsbury, London
Course Type: Postgraduate only (MSc, PhD, and Diploma in Public Health and Tropical Medicine)
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (Upper Second Class), professional experience preferred

Overview:
LSHTM is globally recognised for excellence in public health, global health policy, epidemiology, and tropical medicine. Though it doesn’t offer undergraduate MBBS, it is a vital institution for medical professionals looking to specialise after clinical training.

Unique Features:

• Top-ranked for public and global health

• Research partnerships with WHO and NGOs

• Multidisciplinary student population from over 150 countries

8. University of Buckingham – Medical School (London Clinical Placements)

Location: Clinical placements in London hospitals (affiliated), main campus in Buckingham
Course Length: 4.5 years
Entry Requirements: AAB (A-level) or equivalent, UCAT, interview

Overview:
Though the university is located outside London, its partnership with Hillingdon Hospital and Milton Keynes University Hospital allows students to complete substantial clinical experience in London. It’s popular among international students for its private tuition model and accelerated courses.

Unique Features:

• Fast-track MB ChB in 4.5 years

• January and July intakes

• High staff-to-student ratio

9. Anglia Ruskin University – London Campus (ARUL)

Location: East London (Study centre)
Course Type: Foundation and Pre-medical science courses
Note: Full MBBS is available at ARU Chelmsford, but the London campus offers access courses

Overview:
ARU London offers foundation and access-to-medicine courses that are ideal for students lacking direct MBBS entry qualifications. These courses can lead to MBBS admission at affiliated campuses or other UK universities.

Unique Features:

• Convenient for London-based applicants

• Academic support for mature or non-traditional students

• Partnerships with NHS Trusts

10. London South Bank University (LSBU)

Location: Elephant and Castle, London
Course Type: BSc Biomedical Sciences, Foundation in Health Sciences
MBBS Equivalent: Partners with other institutions for clinical progression

Overview:
While LSBU does not directly offer MBBS, it provides highly regarded health sciences and biomedical science degrees, which often serve as stepping stones into postgraduate medicine or graduate entry medical programs.

Unique Features:

• Applied health education focuses

• State-of-the-art simulation facilities

• NHS partnership for healthcare training

11. Middlesex University – London

Location: Hendon, North London
Course Type: BSc Medical Science, Pre-Med Pathway
Entry Requirements: BBB (A-level) or equivalent

Overview:
Middlesex is building a strong reputation for clinical science education, offering health and bioscience programs that prepare students for clinical medicine, graduate entry MBBS, or allied health professions.

Unique Features:

• Options to transfer to overseas medical degrees

• Foundation year for students without A-level sciences

• Modern campus and clinical simulation labs

12. University of Westminster – School of Life Sciences

Location: Central London
Course Type: BSc Biomedical Sciences, MSc Medical Science
Entry Requirements: ABB–BBB (A-level), English proficiency

Overview:
Westminster offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate science programs relevant to medical education. Many students use this route for medical school applications abroad or graduate-entry medicine in the UK.

Unique Features:

• Placement year opportunities in NHS labs

• Professional accreditation from IBMS

• Located in the heart of London

13. University of Roehampton – London

Location: South West London
Course Type: BSc Biomedical Science, BSc Clinical Nutrition
Note: No MBBS, but strong in allied health & biosciences

Overview:
Though not a medical school in the traditional sense, Roehampton provides applied science and healthcare education aligned with medical career paths. Many graduates continue into physician associate, nursing, or postgraduate medicine.

Unique Features:

• Modern science building with lab and simulation suites

• Strong NHS employer network

• Placement support for graduate-entry medicine

Read Also: Free Medical Schools in the UK for International Students and How to Apply

London Medical Schools Comparison Chart

How to Choose the Right Medical School in London

When selecting the best medical school for your goals, consider the following:

1. Teaching Style

• Traditional: More lectures (e.g., UCL)

• Problem-Based Learning: Group discussions (e.g., St George’s)

• Integrated: Balanced approach (e.g., King’s)

2. Hospital Access

Proximity to teaching hospitals is key for hands-on experience. Consider what types of hospitals the school is affiliated with.

3. Entry Requirements

Some universities accept A*AA, others AAA. Your grades, UCAT score, and interview readiness matter.

4. Specialization Opportunities

Some schools offer better support for research, intercalation, or specific specialties.

How to Apply to a Medical School in London

Step 1: Meet Entry Requirements

• A-levels or IB with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry.

• UCAT score (most London schools use UCAT).

• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for international students).

Step 2: Submit Your UCAS Application

• Deadline: October 15 (for medicine)

• Personal Statement

• References

Step 3: Take Admission Tests

• UCAT or BMAT (now largely phased out)

Step 4: Prepare for Interviews

• Most schools conduct MMIs or panel interviews.

• Focus on ethics, communication, and NHS understanding.

Final Thoughts

London is one of the best places in the world to study medicine. Whether you’re targeting an elite institution like Imperial or UCL, or considering new-age education at Brunel, the city has something to offer every aspiring doctor. Your choice should be guided by personal learning preferences, location, research ambitions, and long-term career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is studying medicine in London expensive?
Yes, especially for international students. However, NHS bursaries and scholarships are available in later years.

Q2. Can international students apply to medical schools in London?
Absolutely. Most London medical schools welcome international applications through UCAS.

Q3. Do London medical schools offer post-graduate medical programs?
Yes, many schools like St George’s and Brunel offer graduate-entry medicine programs.

Q4. What’s the acceptance rate?
Highly competitive. On average, less than 10% of applicants secure a spot.

Bonus Tips for Your UCAS Application

1. Craft a unique personal statement.
   Focus on empathy, clinical experience, and your commitment to healthcare.

2. Ace the UCAT.
   Use free mock tests and question banks like Medify or the UCAT consortium site.

3. Prepare for MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews).
   Practice scenarios like ethical dilemmas, role plays, and current NHS issues.

4. Secure solid references.
   Teachers or supervisors with an academic or clinical background are best.

5. Join healthcare-related extracurriculars.
   Volunteering in hospitals, St John Ambulance, or care homes helps.

Read Also: 13 Affordable Medical Schools in Europe

London Medical School Highlights