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Graduate Entry Medicine

UCD Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) provides an innovative, science-driven and patient-centred curriculum, delivered by Internationally renowned educators in state-of-the-art facilities.

This intensive, focused course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree who wish to pursue a career in medicine.You can immerse yourself in our acclaimed undergraduate student research programme and benefit from a diverse, international student population.

  • The two main associated hospitals are Dublin’s St Vincent’s University Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
  • More than 20 training hospitals
  • Over 135 primary care practices located across Ireland
  • Excellent international placement opportunities

Teaching methods include lectures, small group sessions, practicals and tutorials, patient educator sessions,simulations, and clinical bedside learning.

There are four themes running through the entirety of both our  programmes: 

  1. Evidence based medicine and research
  2. Clinical competencies and preparedness 
  3. Professional medical practice
  4. Healthcare systems, quality and patient safety

Stage One and Two

In the first trimester, you will take a series of modules that introduce the application of medical science to the study of biological systems and disease. You will also learn the clinical skills needed for the rest of the programme. The remainder of the first two years integrates the medical science disciplines, while gradually expanding your professional capabilities in a clinical environment.

Stage Three and Four

In the final two years, hospital and community placements with structured clinical education complete your degree. During your clinical training, you will participate in a series of specialist rotations, including medicine, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics and paediatrics. 

Finally, you will undertake our acclaimed Professional Completion module to integrate your knowledge and prepare you for life as an intern.

(opens in a new window)View our video to find out more information about our Graduate Entry  Medicine degree.

Our international network offers students exciting opportunities to gain experience overseas. Scholarships are available to support elective periods in clinical and academic centres all over the world. They experience a different healthcare system and get to work in many of the world's top medical centres including, but not limited to:

  • Emory Healthcare, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
  • Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
  • Lankenau Medical Centre, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
  • Penang Medical College, Malaysia
  • University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
  • University of California, USA
  • University of Kansas, USA
  • University of Pennsylvania, USA
  • University of Queensland, Australia
  • Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Medical Student Overseas Relief

Medical Students Overseas Relief (MSOR) is a voluntary society run by UCD medical students to raise funds for hospitals and clinics in the developing world. Every summer since 1974, UCD medical students have travelled to third world countries to assist, voluntarily, in humanitarian medical work. UCD students have gone to over 30 different developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

This charitable organisation aims to bring aid to underfunded healthcare institutions in developing countries. This aid is in the form of vital drugs, essential surgical and life-saving equipment, monetary donation and the voluntary work of the medical students. One of the core principles of MSOR is its policy on fundraising - all students must pay for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Hence every penny raised by MSOR goes directly to the hospital and those who need it most.

The Student Summer Research Awards (SSRA) programme is an eight-week five-credit opportunity that brings to life our commitment to foster a passion for enquiry, discovery and investigative research for more than 150 students each year. Students can undertake a clinical or medical education supervised research project in Ireland or at one of our partner institutions during the summer.

Our international network offers students exciting opportunities to gain experience overseas. Scholarships are available to support elective periods in clinical and academic centres all over the world.

Graduates of the School have achieved worldwide recognition in clinical practice, research and healthcare leadership. Following graduation, you are required to work as a supervised intern for a year by the Irish Medical Council. This can be followed by training towards a career in a wide variety of specialties and settings including hospitals, primary care facilities, or laboratory-based diagnosis and research. For those wishing to work in Ireland, UCD runs one of the largest intern training networks. Requirements for graduates planning to work overseas will differ.

We strive to maintain a strong connection with our alumni across the globe with the assistance of the UCD Development & Alumni Relations and the UCD Medical Graduates Association (MGA).

“UCD Graduate Entry Medicine was the perfect opportunity for me to transition from a career in consulting to a career in medicine. The clinical placements and comprehensive curriculum provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in the best teaching hospitals. I have also had the opportunity to complete clinical electives at top sites in the US. UCD’s School of Medicine offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including research projects and summer schools, that have broadened my understanding of medicine and allowed me to further develop my skills as a physician. The supportive faculty and collaborative student community have been integral to my positive experience.”

Conor Kennedy, Graduate

Comprising more than 2,200 full-time enrollments of Irish and International students and representing over 150 different nationalities, our large and culturally diverse student community is the heartbeat of the School. 

“Not getting into medicine straight after my Leaving Certificate was tough, until I learned that this amazing course existed. As someone who loves learning, UCD’s standard of teaching is truly top-class. Spending my clinical years at Ireland’s best hospitals has been my favourite part. We are encouraged to undertake electives at hospitals anywhere in the world too, an invaluable opportunity. There are brilliant research opportunities available. I had the privilege of winning the gold Student Summer Research Award (SSRA) for cancer research, and it has encouraged me to do more in future. I will miss my time at UCD.”

Aghogho, Student

Meet our Students

Irish/EU Applicants

For more course information visit: www.ucd.ie/courses/medicine-graduate-entry/

Irish/EU Applicants will be required to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and have a minimum grade of second-class honours, grade 1 (2.1) in first Honours Bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) plus the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) at the published score for the year of entry. The degree can be in any discipline. For additional information pertaining to CAO, GAMSAT and Admissions, please visit: UCD Registry

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU Applicants will be required to apply directly to UCD International Admissions and have a minimum grade of second-class honours, grade 1 (2.1) in first Honours Bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8), two letters of reference and a short personal statement. Open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a minimum Upper Second Class Honours degree in  any discipline (i.e. U.S. CGPA of  3.0/4.0 or above), or equivalent. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit a current GAMSAT or MCAT score.

US Applicants please note: US students presenting with GAMSAT for entry to the 4-Year Graduate Entry Medicine programme will be ineligible to receive  a U.S. Federal Student Loan per U.S.  Department of Education Regulations.

Programme Requirements

Students must fulfil a number of specific programme requirements in addition to meeting academic criteria for admission.

These are as follows:

  • Health Screening
  • Garda Vetting
  • Commitment to Ethical & Professional Conduct including Confidentiality
  • Requirements for Participation in Clinical Education

For more detailed advice, refer to our Programme Requirements.

UCD School of Medicine

UCD Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 6603 | E: school.medicine@ucd.ie