Medicine

In your first year, you will be introduced to the science of medicine, which underpins our biomedical and clinical curriculum. You will also be introduced to ethical, societal and technological issues relevant to the practice of medicine.

Stage One

Focuses on core sciences and their application to Medicine.

Highlights include: 

• Chemistry 
• Biology
• Physics
• Genetics
• Human Ethics
• Healthcare Imaging
• Science Medicine & Society

Stage Two

Focuses on the structure and function of healthy organ systems.

Highlights include: 

• Anatomy Dissection
• Biomedical Sciences
• Meeting Patients
• Social Behavioral Sciences
• Clinical Training

Stage Three and Four

Complete the study of organ systems in health and disease. Begin clinical attachments.

Highlights include: 

• Pathology 
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology 
• Neurosciences
• Respiratory Diseases
• Clinical Skills & Attachments in Hospitals
• Clinical Diagnosis & Therapeutics
• General Practice & Professionalism
• ENT & Ophthalmology

Stage Five and Six

Immersive clinical attachments, instruction in the various medical specialties, clinical elective and professional completion.

Highlights include: 

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Psychiatry
• General Practice & Community Medicine
• Legal Medicine
• Public Health Medicine
• Professional Completion

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

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 research opportunity that brings to life our commitment to foster a passion for enquiry, discovery and investigative research for more than 150 students each year. There is a second opportunity in your final stage to do a six-week research project in Ireland or abroad.

"I was privileged to work on my research project ‘Pediatric Renal Artery Stenosis: Mid-To Long-Term Outcomes Following Renal Artery Angioplasty’, at the Emory and Children’s Pediatric Institute, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

I observed and learned about procedures in the pediatric interventional radiology suite. I am very thankful to the patients and the vascular and interventional radiology team for this experience.

My mentors were very welcoming, and I learned invaluable knowledge."

Salma, UEM student, 2023 SSRA Gaensler Scholarship recipient

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. 

“I fell in love with the UCD campus when I visited the open day in 6th year.

I loved the vibe of the campus and all of the opportunities that Medicine in UCD offered and had it top of my CAO from then. I’ve had such an amazing experience out in Belfield and now on site during my clinical placements in the Mater and St. Vincent’s University Hospitals.

I got involved with the Medical Society in my first year and have made so many amazing friends and memories ever since.” 

Aoibh, Student

(opens in a new window)Chat with our Current Students

Irish/EU Applicants

Irish/EU Applicants will be required to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and will be required to present their State or International School Leaving Examination plus the Health Professionals Admissions Test (HPAT).  For information pertaining to CAO, HPAT and Admissions, please visit: www.ucd.ie/courses/medicine/

Non-EU Applicants

Please note, applications for entry to the Medicine programme open from October to 31st January each year for the September intake. 

Non-EU Applicants will be required to apply directly to UCD International Admissions and will be required to present their relevant School Leaving Examination results (e.g. ACT, SAT, etc), two letters of reference and a short personal statement.

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.