My experience at the University of Dundee School of Medicine

If you're considering a career in Medicine, Dundee should be at the top of your list – it offers an incredible balance of hands-on learning, great teaching, and flexibility that creates a welcoming and inspiring environment.  

Top-notch facilities at Ninewells Hospital

One of the best things about Dundee’s School of Medicine is its location in Ninewells Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe. From the moment you start, you’re right in the middle of a real healthcare environment. There are all kinds of amazing facilities – clinical skills labs, simulation rooms, and lecture theatres – that help you learn in a practical way. The ward simulations are a personal favourite of mine. They make you feel like you’re working in an actual hospital setting without the pressure of real patients just yet.

Early clinical experience and placement opportunities

One thing that stood out to me is how early you get to step into the clinical side of things. By your second year, you’ll be heading onto hospital wards, taking patient histories, and performing examinations. It’s such a confidence boost to get this real-world experience early on, and it helps you start connecting the dots between what you’re learning in class and how it applies to actual patients.

The Student Selected Component (SSC) is one of the highlights of the course. It lets you dive deeper into areas of Medicine that interest you, with the chance to take on placements or projects in specialties or even overseas. It’s super flexible and gives you the freedom to explore what you’re passionate about.

Learning by doing (with a little help from your friends)

The emphasis on practical learning is what makes the course so engaging. You’ll work with simulated patients and do a lot of peer-to-peer learning. It’s nice to learn alongside friends, and the collaborative vibe makes the whole process way less intimidating.

A standout part of our training is the cadaver teaching. Working with cadavers gives you an invaluable understanding of human anatomy that textbooks just can’t provide. This hands-on experience not only solidifies your knowledge but also makes the learning process much more tangible and meaningful.

Dundee also makes sure you’ve got plenty of support. The Moodle platform is packed with resources – lecture slides, quizzes, study guides – and upper-year students are always willing to share their notes and tips. The lecturers and tutors are approachable too, they genuinely want to see you do well and are always there if you need a hand.

Flexibility and balance

One thing I didn’t expect, was how flexible the degree would be. Even though Medicine is a full-on course, I’ve managed to work part-time as a Student Content Creator, which has been an amazing outlet for my creativity. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to be part of various societies and play sports, which has enriched my university experience.

There are over thirty medical societies that offer resources, revision events, and the opportunity to explore various medical specialties. Being involved in these societies has not only expanded my network but has also enriched my learning experience.

Why Dundee?

It offers everything you could want in a medical course – early clinical exposure, amazing facilities, and a supportive community. The balance between academics and life outside of studying is just right. If you’re looking for a place where you can get a world-class education while still having time to enjoy student life, Dundee is the place to be.