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Pathway to Medicine

Our Degree Pathway Programme for Medicine is designed for international students who want a specialised pathway to university in the UK.

It leads directly to degree courses in Medicine at UK and international universities.

Is this Degree Pathway Programme for me?

If you answer yes to one or more of the statements below, this is the perfect programme for you:

  1. You are an international student looking for a fast, direct preparation programme for university entry.
  2. The education system in your home country is shorter than in the UK, so you need an additional year of study before you can study at a UK university.
  3. You need additional English language development before you reach the required level for undergraduate study in the UK.
  4. You may not have the grades you need for direct entry to a UK university.
  5. You are looking for the support of a “bridge” programme between finishing you high school at home and joining a UK university.

Key facts

When

  • September 2025
  • January 2026 (January starters can apply for a selection of partners: UCLan; St George's University, Grenada; University of Auckland; Monash University and RCSI)

Course length

  • 1 academic year (3 terms)

Lessons

  • Around 25 hours per week of taught classroom lessons plus tutorials, university counselling, super-curricular, extra-curricular and enrichment activities​.

Entry requirements

  • Completed 11 – 12 years of schooling
  • GCSE Biology and Maths both at minimum of 5 (strong pass) or equivalent qualification
  • Minimum IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in Reading and Writing) or equivalent
  • Pre-sessional online medical course 

Minimum age

  • 17

Learning outcomes

  • Raise English to university level
  • Develop study skills required at degree level
  • Develop specialist subject expertise in Medicine

Progression partners

See more

Progression success

See which universities our Degree Pathway to Medicine students have progressed to.

They are not just limited to the universities listed above.

Recent progression

Hear from our students in a new video series.

Our alumni

The programme

The Degree Pathway Programme comprises four components:

A. English language development (including specialist IELTS preparation)

B. Core skills modules

C. Subject-focused modules

D. Academic enhancement activities

Together, they provide a complete learning experience that expertly prepares international students for the rigours of university study in the UK.

A. English language development

A Medical degree taught in English will typically require a 7.0 IELTS score or equivalent.

The fully integrated tuition system develops your learning and study skills as well as language skills. You will:

  • become familiar with the conventions and expectations of the UK education system
  • become familiar with the style of language used in academic texts
  • increase your speed in reading and writing
  • enlarge your vocabulary, especially in relation to academic subjects
  • learn to identify key facts and information from a wide range of texts
  • learn to organise and set out factual information clearly and coherently, orally and in writing
  • learn to identify and analyse the main argument in a text or presentation
  • learn to express ideas and opinions logically and confidently using appropriate language
  • learn to challenge the ideas of others and present contrasting views

B. Core skills

These form the basis of all one-year university Degree Pathway Programmes at Kings.

They give you the vital platform you need to acquire subject specific knowledge.

C. Subject-focused modules

1. Mathematics

At the end of this module students will:

  • have a general understanding of maths and mathematical processes ƒƒ
  • be able to reason logically and to generalise ƒƒ
  • have developed mathematical skills and techniques, and be able to use them in increasingly difficult or unstructured problems ƒƒ
  • recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically ƒƒ
  • know how to use mathematics as an effective means of communication ƒƒ
  • be able to read and comprehend mathematical arguments and narrative concerning applications of mathematics
  • be able to use calculating aids effectively and be aware of their limitations.

2. Biology

At the end of this module students will:

  • be able to apply the structure of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to the roles they play in living organisms
  • be familiar with different organs and their functions in living organisms, the effect of diseases on such systems
  • be familiar with the ultrastructure and function of cells, how they divide and the mechanisms of transport across membranes
  • understand genetic variation and diversity of organisms and the influence of the environment upon them
  • understand recombinant DNA technology in agriculture, industry and medicine.the processes involved in the development of a country’s infrastructure and economy

3. Chemistry

At the end of this module students will:

  • have a theoretical understanding of chemistry and how important it is in everyday life
  • be able to use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems
  • be able to communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways
  • have an appreciation of applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
  • have an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

D. Academic Enhancement

A fundamental part of the programme, enhancement takes students outside of the classroom and makes them live the subject as well as providing them with useful life skills.

Students on our Medicine Degree Pathway Programme have the opportunity during their time at Kings to add to their profile by completing a period of work experience.

We have various agreements with local hospitals and doctor surgeries, as well as nursing homes.

Students have opportunities to shadow doctors in their practice, as well as work as volunteers in care homes.

In each of our four locations we run clubs and societies like the Science in the News Club, the Maths Society and many more. More detail about the specific clubs offered can be found on our location pages.

15 January, 2024
How to Get into a Medical School in the UK: The Ultimate Guide

Medical School Preparation

There are around 8,000 applicants for medical places each year — but only about 600 places available for international applicants. We have developed a carefully planned programme to support our exceptional students with ambitions to be accepted to medical school.

The Kings 10-point Medical School Preparation Programme:

  • Academic development
  • Senior mentor to lead you through the application process
  • Language skills
  • Assistance in researching the most suitable medical school for you
  • Medical School visits
  • Ability test practice (UCAT)
  • Work experience
  • Extracurricular and enrichment
  • Personal statement
  • Interview practice

Entry criteria

Find out the specific entry requirements for Medical degrees at each of our partners for our Degree Pathway Programme–Medicine.

Please note students can also take a two-year A-level programme with us to access Medicine degrees.

You will have the opportunity to apply for the University of Bristol medical course (MBChB) if you satisfy the following conditions in your course at Kings:

Academic

  • 75% overall, with Chemistry at 75% and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics at 75%. (These criteria apply for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine)
  • Students must also have the equivalent of GCSE Maths 7 or A, as well as 4 or C in GCSE English.

English

  • IELTS: 7.5 (Minimum 7.0 in all categories)

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: you will need to register and book to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
  • UCAS: students will need to apply through UCAS by 15th October of the year before they intend to start their degree. Kings UCAS advisors will assist.

After successfully completing your course at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply for the Keele University medical course (MBChB).

Academic

  • Degree Pathway Programme: Minimum 75% overall with no individual subject below 60%. Subject marks in the three optional subjects must all be 70% or higher with either chemistry or biology at 75% or higher.

English

  • IELTS 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in each category)

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: you will need to register and book to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
  • UCAS: students will need to apply through UCAS by 15th October of the year before they intend to start their degree. Kings UCAS advisors will assist.

After successfully completing your course at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply for the Monash University medical course (M6011 Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine).

Academic

  • Minimum score of 90% overall (including Chemistry)

English

  • Communication and Study Skills: 75% or IELTS overall score 7.0 (no band below 6.5)

ISAT

  • You will need to undertake the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT). To be invited for an interview, students will need to meet minimum ISAT requirements.

MMI

  • You may be invited to a Multiple Mini Interview – see monash.edu/medicine/som/directentry/important-dates for more information

After successfully completing your course at Kings, you will have the opportunity to apply to study Medicine at RCSI.

Academic

  • 5-year medicine degree: 75% overall with no less than 70% in Chemistry and no module score less than 65%
  • 6-year medicine degree (entry with foundation year): 65% overall with no module score below 60%

English

  • IELTS 6.5 (no component below 6.0)

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: UCAT is not required.
  • MMIs: You will need to attend for interview, either face to face in the UK or online as part of the RCSI selection process.
  • UCAS: Direct entry. UCAS entry not required.

After successfully completing your course at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply for the St George's University medical course (MBChB).

Academic

  • Minimum 75% overall with at least 70% in any module

English

  • IELTS 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in each category)
    • 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0. Direct entry
    • 7.0 overall (with deficit of 6.5 in writing only). 5-year MD programme with Medical Academic Communication (MAC)*
    • 6.5 or 6.0 (with deficit of 5.5 in 1-2 bands). 5- year MD programme with English for Medicine (EMP) *

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: UCAT is not required
  • MMIs: MMI are not required.
  • UCAS: Direct entry. UCAS not required.

Academic

  • Minimum 70%, with at least two science subjects including Chemistry

English

  • IELTS 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in each category)

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: UCLan do not require students to sit the UCAT.
  • MMIs: You will usually need to attend MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews). Kings will prepare you fully for these.
  • UCAS: UCLan accept applications directly, not through UCAS. So you have until the end of January to submit your application.

After successfully completing your course at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply to the Bachelor of Health Sciences or the Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at the University of Auckland.

After completing the first year, students are then able to apply for a Medical degree. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their year one results in the Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) programme, UMAT score, and an interview.

For full details see here

Academic

Entry to the Bachelor of Health Sciences:

  • Minimum of 80% including one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Entry to the Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science):

  • Minimum of 80%

English

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences: Equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall, no bands below 6.0
  • Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Sciences): Equivalent of IELTS 6.0 overall no bands below 5.5.

After successfully completing your course at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply to the 6-Year MD programme.

Academic

  • Minimum of 65% overall including Biology and at least one other Science

English

Applicants must satisfy one of the language requirements below:

  • IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other elements
  • 213 overall in the computer-based TOEFL (550 paper-based, 79 internet-based)
  • Grade 5 in English language GCSE (or B in the old grading system)
  • A score of 5 in English in the International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL)

After successfully completing the Degree Pathway Programme at Kings you will have the opportunity to apply for the Aston University medical course (MBChB).

Academic

  • Minimum 75% overall with at least 70% in Chemistry and Biology

English

  • IELTS 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in each category)

Additional requirements

  • UCAT: you will need to register and book to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
  • UCAS application: once you have taken UCAT, you must apply to Aston through UCAS. Your Kings UCAS adviser will support your application.
  • MMIs: You will usually need to attend MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews). Kings will prepare you fully for these.

After consideration of your UCAS application and the above conditions you may be invited for an interview by Aston University.

Thank you for your enquiry.
We'll be in touch soon.
The Kings Admissions Team