Medical PG in Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) are one of the popular courses to study in the UK. These courses in the UK provide quality education along with the best medical equipment and innovations done in the medical field.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) in the UK can lead you to a great opportunity in your medical career with the best medical schools or hospitals to practise in. The average annual fee for MD & MS can range from INR 15-40 Lakhs.
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If you are looking forward to pursuing your medical PG in the UK, you might be interested in knowing how many students go there for graduate studies. There has been a 23% rise in the number of student visas for Indian students in June 2023 in comparison to the previous year, that is, June 2022.
In this blog, we have discussed the rewarding experiences, career opportunities, challenges, and process of pursuing a medical PG in the UK after completing your MBBS in India.
Why study PG in the UK
Some of the best universities in the world are located in the UK and are known for the quality of their education and research training. Degrees from universities in the United Kingdom are regarded highly. Furthermore, as compared to some other countries in the world, master’s studies in the United Kingdom are often less than two years. With this, you will save your time and money and will be a year ahead from that of India to start your career.
Why study Medical PG in the UK
You can get some of the best opportunities for pursuing a PG in medicine in the UK. Usually, students who pursue a degree in the UK, go through rigorous medical training after primary medical studies. After the medical training follows the Foundation Training, Specialty Training, GP, and other run-through training. Studying Medical PG in the UK will give you advanced training in your field of specialisation and expand your knowledge base. Some of the benefits of pursuing a PG in the UK include:
- Home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world
- Considerably a low fee structure
- MCI, ECFMG, WHO, and GMC recognised programmes
- Work as a medical practitioner in India or in the UK itself
- No donation, no entrance, or no capitation
- A positive learning environment with even more advanced technology
- It opens a wide range of opportunities around the world
- Great value for money, total package ranges between INR 15 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs
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Entry Requirements for Medical PG in the UK
There are three pathways to register for Medical PG in the UK after completing MBBS in India. Read on to get more information about it.
With PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board)
PLAB is a prerequisite for getting a GMC registration, mandatory in the UK Medical System. Applicants can choose to pursue a PG in the UK with the PLAB exam. It is a certification course that tests your eligibility for the General Medical Council (GMC) registration. It just registers the applicant with GMC, it does not grant a degree.
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Without PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board)
- There are a few universities in the UK where international graduates of medical school without a P.L.A.B. may be admitted and this programme is in partnership with NHS Hospitals and the Royal College of Physicians, London.
- The British University has launched an innovative clinical MD programme that offers training in all major specialisations, including cardiology, diabetes, acute medicine, oncology, respiratory medicine and others from UK hospitals, along with an internationally recognised master’s degree.
- GMC-UK registration is given to the trainees at the start of their PG course. Through this, you can apply to do clinical practice simultaneously with their studies.
- Please note that if you have appeared for PLAB previously and did not qualify, then you are not eligible to apply.
MRCP/MRCS Pathways
MRCP is a Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. MRCP is a PG medical diploma in the UK.
- You need to clear the MRCP examination before getting admitted into speciality training. It is an approved qualification for postgraduation by GMC. With this, the applicants will get GMC full registration along with a licence to practice.
Eligibility
Now that we know how to get admitted into a postgraduate course let us look into some of the other mandatory eligibility requirements an applicant needs to fulfil to study in the UK.
- IELTS score in the range of 6.5 to 7.5
- ‘B’ in OET (Occupational English Test) to prove proficiency in the English language
- You are suggested to complete an acceptable pattern of internship outside of the UK
- You must have a work experience of 2-3 years, which will strengthen your portfolio
- You should have completed at least one undergraduate course with acceptable grades to be eligible to apply for postgraduate study
MD in the UK
Pursuing an MD in the UK requires a rigorous and satisfying endeavour involving extensive studies and specialisations within different areas of medicine. It is based on knowledge of medicine and provides a platform for interdisciplinary research, specialised training within the specific field of health care as well as the development of advanced expertise.
In the United Kingdom, master’s programmes are usually designed in such a way that doctors can focus on certain medical fields, e.g. oncology, cardiology, neurology or any specialised field. In these courses, a combination of coursework, internship experience, research projects and the completion of a thesis or dissertation is often involved.
Top courses to study in MD in the UK
Here are some of the top courses to pursue your MD.
| Top courses | Average annual salary (INR) |
| Diabetes | INR 90.77 lakhs – 10.45 lakhs |
| Cardio-Vascular | INR 98.77 lakhs |
| Psychiatric Medicine | INR 8.21 lakhs – 10.45 lakhs |
| Internal Medicine | INR 10.59 lakhs – 20.38 lakhs |
| Gastroenterology | INR 7.58 lakhs – 10.45 lakhs |
| Dermatology | INR 13.34 lakhs |
MS in the UK
The MS programme consists of Advanced Clinical Training, Research and Specialised Courses in Specific Areas of Surgery. This programme is intended for physicians who are looking to enhance their experience and competence in the field of surgery chosen, seek higher leadership positions, strengthen scientific knowledge as well and make a contribution to healthcare progress through research.
In the UK, these programmes provide a pathway for surgeons to improve their skills, and acquire further knowledge in one particular area. These may contribute to the innovation of surgical techniques or medical knowledge by combining theoretical education with practical clinical experience and research opportunities.
Top courses to study in MS in the UK
Here are some of the top courses to pursue your MS.
| Top courses | Average annual salary (INR) |
| Orthopaedic | INR 40 lakhs – 90 lakhs |
| Ophthalmology | INR 1.44 crores |
| Urology | INR 34 lakhs – 39.20 lakhs |
| Gastrointestinal | INR 98.53 lakhs |
| ENT | INR 40 lakhs – 90 lakhs |
| Vascular | INR 42.30 lakhs |
Scope of Medical PG in the UK
MS/MD from the UK is an internationally recognised course. A medical degree from the UK is recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI) for registration in the country as an MD in Internal Medicine. You need not appear for the Screening Test in India after completing Clinical MD in the UK for registration as a specialist doctor. The degree also allows you to work as an Assistant Professor in the medical colleges in India.
Summing Up
The UK is home to some of the topmost universities for medical education. A degree in PG in Medicine in the UK is recognised internationally and by the MCI. You can choose to practise as a medical practitioner in India or the UK. Having a PG degree in Medicine will fetch you the best packages and open a wide door of opportunities for you. Becoming a medical practitioner is one of the most valuable jobs – both financially and literally.
If you are planning to pursue a Medical PG in the UK, LeapScholar is here to make your shift abroad a smooth one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q. What is the PLAB exam process?
Ans. The process of PLAB examination can be divided into two parts:
PLAB-1 is a theory-based MCQ exam which is conducted twice a year. The applicant must prepare for it at least 3-to 4 months before taking it.
PLAB-2 is a practical exam conducted in Manchester, UK. The applicant has to put their knowledge to the test in a clinical-based scenario. -
Q. How does one become a certified medical practitioner in the UK?
Ans. You will become GMC registered once you clear the PLAB. This is followed by a year of internship and 2-3 years of work at a training job. During this time, you can also prepare for the MRCP exams. The next aim is speciality training, which lasts 3-4 years. So, it will take an individual approximately 7-8 years to become a certified medical practitioner in the UK.
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Q. Is pursuing an MD in the UK without taking PLAB of less value?
Ans. As mentioned in the blog, medical degrees from UK universities are internationally recognised. They are recognised by the Medical Council of India. So, you do not need to worry about the value or legibility of your degree. You also need not appear for any screening test to be able to practice medicine in India.
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Q. What is the benefit of an MD programme in India without PLAB?
Ans. To begin your practice as a specialist doctor in India, you are not required to complete any exams or screening tests. You don’t need to worry about this course being accepted in India because it is recognised internationally. MCI, the Medical Council of India, has approved of it.
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Q. Why study PG in UK?
Ans. Studying in the UK is a fantastic option as medical students go through rigorous medical training, followed by Foundation training, Specialty Training, GP training, and additional run-through training. They gain substantial knowledge from this, which aids in their development as highly knowledgeable specialists.
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Q. What combination of internships and relevant work experience is considered acceptable?
Ans. Before applying for training positions, you must have at least a year of experience to become familiar with the fundamentals of medical training. Following that, you require 2-3 years of practical training at the training facility.
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Q. How is the MRCP exam conducted?
Ans. The three phases of the MRCP(UK) application process for membership in the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom are two written tests, one clinical examination, and the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills, often known as PACES.
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Q. Are there financial considerations for studying MD/MS in the UK?
Ans. Yes, for international students, studying in the United Kingdom can be expensive. Consideration should be given to the costs of tuition, housing and other expenses. These costs can be reduced by means of scholarships, grants and part-time work opportunities.
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Q. Are there specific exams I need to pass to practise medicine in the UK after completing MD/MS?
Ans. Yes, international students are offered different scholarships, grants and funding options. They may be university specific, government funded or privately financed scholarships. Prepare and apply for a scholarship well in advance.
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Q. Are there any preparatory courses or exams required before applying for MD/MS in the UK?
Ans. Some programmes may require additional entrance tests or preparatory courses, depending on the specialisation and university. For example, completing the Royal College of Surgeons’ MRCS Membership exam may be required for some surgical specialities.
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Q. Is there a difference in the application process for MD & MS programme?
Ans. The application process might vary between MD and MS programmes, especially regarding required documents, prerequisites, and selection criteria. The specific requirements of each programme need to be examined.
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Q. What is the residency or training requirements after completing MD/MS in the UK?
Ans. Doctors normally continue their training or residency in the fields of speciality after they have completed a medical school or master’s degree. Depending on specialty, that training period can range from 3 to 7 years.
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