Among the top courses to study in the UK from Nigeria is medicine. The program is not only the hardest but also the most competitive. Medicine creates the pathway to becoming a doctor, with courses lasting around five years.
If you desire to study medicine in the UK from Nigeria, I will not only show you the best university you can study medicine but also how to go about it. Studying in the UK is a dream of most Nigerians because the colleges and universities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and a welcoming atmosphere conducive to learning.
Besides, it will expose you to a broad array of opportunities because the setting will give you an advantage over your counterparts studying in Nigeria. Hence, I have taken my time to research the best schools to study medicine in UK from Nigeria, the entry requirements, and the tuition.
Table of Contents
Overview of medicine program in the UK
To study medicine in UK from Nigeria, you must meet a certain standard. For undergraduates, you must have good grades in biology and chemistry, with an overall IELTS score of 7.0. Graduate students must have a solid first degree and a successful career record in hospitals, care homes, or other settings.
In addition, you must have an understanding of the National Health Service and its functionality is essential for Nigerian students. The entry requirements are strict and the same for all candidates. You must undergo an interview, which could be tricky. Questions span motivation, personal interests, previous work, and proof of prior achievements. Many UK schools may request you complete the university clinical aptitude test (UCAT).
Careers in Medicine
For medical graduates, there are plenty of opportunities since medicine has various lucrative branches. Here are the areas of expertise you can specialize in as a medical practitioner who studied in the UK:
- Medicine
- General Practice
- Pathology
- Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Anesthetics
- Radiology
Medicine Entry Requirements
To study medicine in UK from Nigeria, you will meet the following requirements, depending on what you are applying for:
Undergraduate
It would be best to enroll in a medical school to study medicine in the UK. These medical schools have strong connections to local hospitals and medical practices. Nigerian students who want to study as an undergraduate must show proof of an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall and 6.5 across all four categories, which are reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
Foundation
After completing two years of undergraduate study, you will move to foundation training, requiring another two years. When you complete the program, you will proceed to the next level, a specialty training path.
Specialty-Training
Upon completing your four years of study in medicine, you will focus on a specific field for your professional practice. Doing this will require hard work because this stage is highly competitive. Training in your required field may last seven years. However, upon completion, you will receive the award of Certificate of Completion Training (CCT).
How Much Does it Cost to Study Medicine in UK from Nigeria?
UK tuition fees are not spread accordingly for all students. While home students pay relatively cheaper amounts, Nigerian and other international students pay a higher cost.
The annual tuition fee for medicine students from Nigeria is typically around £20,000 – £50,000. This depends on the school. Living costs may vary by another £1000 – £2000 monthly, depending on the city and accommodation type. For instance, studying in London will cost more than studying in Wales or Scotland.
Can I study Medicine in UK with WASSCE?
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), English Grade C6 or higher, can be accepted in many schools in the UK. This examination is also known as the WAEC (West African Examination Council) examination in Nigeria.
In the United Kingdom, WASSCE is equivalent to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). In Scotland, GCSE is identical to the Standard Grade.
You must understand that not all UK schools accept WAEC results. Universities in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales mostly accept WAEC/WASSCE. However, for your result to be obtained, it must have good grades (As or Bs).
List of Universities in the UK that Accept WAEC and NECO Results
Some of the universities and colleges in the United Kingdom that accept WAEC or NECO results for undergraduate degree admission include the following:
- The University of Manchester
- University of Birmingham
- University of Kent
- University of Sheffield
- University of Bristol
UK Clinical Aptitude Test
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is among the selection process for some United Kingdom medical schools. The online test aims to test your cognitive abilities, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and attitude. Four reasoning tests are involved, and they are:
Abstract reasoning: Evaluates the candidate’s ability to deduce information by divergent and convergent thinking. It lasts 13 minutes with 55 questions.
Quantitative reasoning: Evaluates the candidate’s ability to solve mathematical issues. It lasts 24 minutes with 36 questions.
Verbal reasoning: Evaluates candidate’s ability to reason and come up with a logical conclusion. It lasts 21 minutes with 11 passages and 44 questions.
Decision analysis: Evaluate the candidate’s ability to use information to make informed judgments, infer relationships, and determine a suitable response. It lasts 32 minutes with 1 information-based scenario and 28 questions.
Situational judgment: Analyze your responses and your grip on medical ethics. It lasts 27 minutes and has 67 questions on 20 scenarios.
The UCAT does not have past questions, but it provides specimen questions on the website. You can take the test, which is offered in a multiple-choice format, at your local test center.
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