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RUMC Medicine

Originally established in 1996 as Penang Medical College, the RCSI and UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) is a foreign branch campus of both University College Dublin and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Since its inception, RUMC has graduated over 2,100 medical students who are now practising Medicine in various countries around the world, such as Malaysia, Ireland, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. Consistent with Malaysian government policy, RUMC recruitment includes approximately 25% international students

Course Overview

RUMC students follow the same curriculum and graduate with the same degrees as full duration RCSI and UCD graduates. The RUMC programme is recognised by the Irish and Malaysian Medical Councils allowing graduates to register with both following completion of housemanship. The RUMC Degree is also recognised by the ECFMG for practice in the USA and by the Canadian Medical Council for practice in Canada. Academic departments at RUMC are led by internationally renowned medical specialists from Ireland, Malaysia, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and are supported by full-time, adjunct and visiting lecturers from RCSI and UCD.

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

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.

A small number of students may be required to do a foundation (pre-medical) year which can be undertaken in Penang or Dublin and which is designed to provide appropriate knowledge for students to enter a five-year medical course.

Irish Internships
RUMC graduates receive the MB BCh BAO degrees conferred by the National University of Ireland (NUI) which are recognised for internship in Ireland. It is a one-year programme and regulated by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Graduates who wish to apply for this internship are required to sit the Intern Employment Eligibility Assessment (IEEA) to measure their understanding of the Irish health service. A number of RUMC graduates are currently doing their internships and practising Medicine in Ireland

USMLE
RUMC graduates who wish to practise abroad may also apply for the Residency programme in the United States. For this, graduates are required to pass the three-step examination known as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Preparation for USMLE begins when students are in Medical School. RUMC also has several notable alumni pursuing their careers in Medicine in the USA.

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).

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. 

Studying medicine in UCD has been most enjoyable and rewarding. The state-of-the-art facilities and a splendid library for medical students helped enhance my academic experience. Campus life is also great in UCD. I participated in many societies and sports clubs which greatly enriched my student life. I had the opportunity to undertake two summer research projects as part of the SSRA programme which eventually led me to the decision to undertake an Intercalated MSc. The School of Medicine provides an excellent platform for students to be involved in research, and also offers funding to those who are keen on doing research.

Chia Yin Goh Graduate Class of 2022

Meet our Students

For programme information and application information visit:

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