Medicine BSc (Hons) A990 at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A six-year direct-entry medicine pathway designed for Canadian students. Students complete a three-year BSc (Hons) Medicine at St Andrews, then progress to the University of Edinburgh for three years to complete the MBChB, with support from the University of Alberta for Canadian residency matching.

Department: School of Medicine | Duration: Six years full time (three-year BSc at St Andrews, then three years at the University of Edinburgh for the MBChB) | Intake: September 2027; application deadline Thursday 15 October 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 comprises Foundations of Medicine 1 and 2 (body systems, molecular and cellular medicine, ethics, communication skills, anatomy dissection, public health and health psychology, community placement). Year 2 comprises Medicine Honours 1 and 2 (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems). Year 3 comprises Medicine Honours 3 (central nervous and endocrine systems), a student-selected research project, and Medicine Honours 5 (clinical reasoning). Assessment is by written exams, anatomy practicals and OSCEs.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates to qualify as doctors with an MBChB and return to Canada, supported in applying for residency positions through CaRMS. Residency destinations include the universities of Toronto, British Columbia, McMaster, Queen's, Ottawa and Western Ontario.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Canadian High School Diploma: over 85% average in grade 11 to be considered for interview; offer conditions include at least 85% overall across the top six grade-12 subjects with 90% in Chemistry and 90% in two of Biology, Mathematics or Physics (Chemistry also needed at grade 11 with 85%; Biology, Mathematics and English to at least grade 11; for Ontario, a mix of 4U classes with no more than two 4M). Other qualifications: IB 38 points (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6) including HL Chemistry. UCAT is required; the minimum UCAT score selected for interview for 2026 entry on A990 (Overseas) was 1940. Applicants need a strong academic record, a positive reference, and medically related work experience, and are selected through multiple mini-interviews, plus fitness-to-practise, criminal record (PVG) and immunisation screening. English language: IELTS Academic 7.0 in all four components in one sitting for applicants using English as an additional language. Application deadline: 15 October 2026.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: Six years full time

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