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Do you have questions about your options after earning your MBBS in India, or are you a practising physician who wishes to continue your education and improve your clinical abilities? One of the best places to study medicine is the UK. After MBBS, PG in the UK offers excellent programmes with degrees that are recognised around the world. If you want to learn more about studying in the UK after earning your MBBS in India, this blog is for you.
This blog will discuss how one can pursue post-graduation in the UK after pursuing MBBS in India. We will discuss the exams that one requires to clear, the top courses and universities offering those courses, and the scope of the degree.
Reasons to Study Medicine at the PG Level in the UK
The UK’s universities are renowned for providing top-notch instruction and research training. University degrees from British universities are highly valued. Furthermore, in contrast to certain other nations throughout the world, postgraduate studies in the UK often last less time. In other words, a student can start their profession with a degree and save time, money, and a year in the process.
In the UK, a PG in medicine lasts for two to three years. The MCI accepts degrees earned at UK universities. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States are some more nations recognised by the MCI. After completing an MBBS in India, the applicant can apply for an MS or MD in the UK without passing the NEET-PG test. In the UK, postgraduate degrees typically start in either May or September.
Some of the best opportunities for Indian students to pursue a PG in medicine are available in the UK. After completing their main medical education, students pursuing the degree in the UK typically undergo intensive medical training. The foundation training, specialty training, GP, and additional run-through training come next. You will receive advanced training in your area of specialisation and broaden your knowledge base if you pursue a PG in medicine in the UK.
Read more: The Top 4 Medical Schools In The UK
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Eligibility Criteria for PG in the UK After MBBS
In order to get enrolled in PG (Postgraduate) medical programs in the UK, students must meet a certain number of academic, professional, and language prerequisites. Below is a summary of the essential requirements:
Academic requirements:
- MBBS Degree: A recognized university must have awarded you an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) or an equivalent medical degree. The degree must be recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom.
- Internship/ Clinical Experience: In many UK PG programs, it is required that candidates must have previous experience within the field of medicine. Many UK programs require that individuals planning to complete a 1-year compulsory internship. This experience is mandatory for students applying for practical, clinical-based courses.
Another key requirement is that individuals must have cleared professional examinations; the major exams are: 1. PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board), 2. MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians), and 3. MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons).
Let us break down these Exams,
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board, or PLAB, is a requirement for obtaining a GMC registration, which is necessary to practise medicine in the UK. With the PLAB exam, candidates can decide whether to pursue a PG in the UK. It is a certification programme that assesses your suitability for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). It doesn’t actually award a degree; it merely registers the applicant with the GMC.
International students are granted admission to some UK universities without PLAB. The British University has developed a comprehensive clinical MD course in partnership with NHS Hospitals and the Royal College of Physicians, London. The programme offers training in specialisations including oncology, diabetes, cardiology, acute medicine, and others from the best institutions in the UK, along with a master’s degree that is recognised internationally.
Trainees are registered with GMC-UK at the start of their postgraduate program. This allows candidates to apply to finish clinical practice in addition to their coursework. Please be aware that candidates who have taken the PLAB before but failed are not eligible to apply again.
Pursuing PG in the UK without PLAB
The PLAB exam is not required to pursue postgraduate medical education (MD) in the UK. You can receive practical clinical training through programs that some universities provide in partnership with NHS hospitals. As an alternative, completing MRCP or MRCS provides routes to postgraduate study without PLAB.
Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians or MRCP
A membership in the Royal College of Physicians of the UK—a PG medical degree—is called MRCP. Before being accepted into specialised training, applicants must pass the MRCP exam. The GMC has accepted it as a postgraduate qualification. The candidates will receive both a practising licence and full GMC registration as a result.
The MRCP (UK) examination is divided into two parts, 1 and 2, and in each part has three separate components which are assessed.
- MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination
- MRCP(UK) Part 2 written examination
- MRCP(UK) Part 2 clinical examination (PACES)
Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or MRCS
MRCS is mandatory for individuals who want to pursue specialization in surgery. Like MRCP, MRCS consists of a number of tests that evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Requirements for a Medical PG In the UK
After learning how to enrol in a postgraduate programme, let’s examine some of the other requirements that must be met in order for a candidate to be eligible to study in the UK.
- IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.5 with a “B” in the OET (Occupational English Test) to demonstrate English language proficiency
- It is advised that the applicant complete an acceptable pattern of internship outside of the United Kingdom.
- The candidate must have between two and three years of job experience, which will improve their resume.
- To be eligible to apply for postgraduate study, the applicant must have successfully completed at least one undergraduate course.
Medical graduates must pass specific professional tests depending on the type of postgraduate school in order to be eligible for advanced study or practice in the UK. These consist of:
Scope of Medical PG In the UK
MSc/MD from the UK is a globally recognised course. The Medical Council of India (MCI) accepts medical degrees from the UK for registration as MD in Internal Medicine in India. After completing a Clinical MD in the UK for registration as a specialist doctor, the applicant is exempt from having to take the Screening Test in India. You can also work as an assistant professor at Indian medical colleges with this degree.
Clinical Specialization: In a number of medical specialties, the UK offers extensive training and specialization options.
Research and Innovation: The UK is well known for its contributions to medical research and innovation. Students can participate in innovative research initiatives, work with top academics, and advance medical knowledge by pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK.
International Recognition: A postgraduate degree from a respectable UK university is regarded and acknowledged throughout the world. Employers around the world, including hospitals, research facilities, pharmaceutical corporations, and academic institutions, greatly value graduates of UK medical programs.
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Top courses in the UK for MBBS Graduates.
For MBBS graduates, the UK provides a variety of postgraduate (PG) medical programs that are intended to give them greater knowledge and specialized training in a number of medical specialties. These internationally renowned programs support a wide range of academic, clinical, and research career objectives. There is a Master’s in Surgery (MS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master’s in Public Health (MPH), and also fellowship program.
1. Master’s in Surgery (MS).
MS is a highly sought-after course for those aiming to specialise in surgical fields. It offers in-depth training in advanced surgical techniques, patient management, and operative skills.
Top courses in MS | 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 |
2. Doctor of Medicine (MD)
For overseas students, pursuing an MD program in the UK is a challenging yet worthwhile road. In-depth courses and specializations in a variety of medical specialties are part of it.
Top courses in MD | 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 |
3. Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
Master’s in Public Health is anon-clinical program aimed at training professionals in public health policies, global health issues, and epidemiology.
4. Fellowship Programs.
As the name suggest, fellowship programs are programs which are designed for MBBS fellows who wish to enhance their knowledge.
Top universities offering medical courses
UK Ranking | University | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
1 | University of Cambridge | MD (Doctor of Medicine), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
2 | University of Oxford | Doctor of Medicine (DM) |
3 | University College London | Doctor of Medicine (DM), Medicine MPhil/PhD, Neurosurgery (MRes) |
6 | University of Bristol | Cellular and Molecular Medicine MD, Population Health Sciences MD, Translational Health Sciences MD |
16 | Lancaster University | Medicine MD |
17 | University of Sheffield | Advanced Clinical Practice (General Practice) MMedSci, Advanced Clinical Practice (Neonatal) MMedSci, Advanced Clinical Practice (Paediatrics) MMedSci |
23 | University of Exeter | Doctor of Clinical Practice (Research) (DClinPrac(Res)), MD Doctor of Medicine, Healthcare and Medicine |
24 | University of Birmingham | Advanced Clinical Practice (MSc/PGDip/PGCert) |
33 | University of Warwick | Medicine MD |
N/A | University of Bath | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
Expenses required to study in the UK after MBBS in India
The average annual cost of a medical degree for international students in the UK is between INR 13 and 14 lakhs, depending on the medical school. If you’re an international student worried about the cost of tuition, you may choose to consider postgraduate programs in the UK after earning an MBBS. There are a lot of scholarships available. Students who have completed their MBBS in India and are looking to pursue a graduate degree in the UK are eligible for these scholarships.
You can search for the scholarship on the QS portal.
FAQs on PG in UK After MBBS in India
1. How do I do an MD in the UK after an MBBS in India?
You can pursue an MD in the UK after having done MBBS in India via three different routes. There are three exams- PLAB, MRCP, and MRCS. By clearing one of these exams and applying for the programs, one can get enrolled in the MD program and pursue post-graduation in the UK after MBBS.
2. How to do PG in the UK after MBBS?
You can pursue a PG in the UK after MBBS in India by exploring the right university and program according to your aspiration, and then by fulfilling the admission criteria for the said university.
3. Is an Indian MBBS degree valid in the UK?
Yes, in the UK, MBBS is treated as a bachelor’s degree in medicine. Therefore, it fulfills the criteria needed to pursue an MD degree. Making it a very valid degree.
4. How to become a doctor in the UK after MBBS in India?
You can register with the GMC after passing the PLAB. After a year-long internship, you will work in a training role for two to three years, during which time you can prepare for the MRCP exams. Lastly, you can spend an extra four years pursuing specialized training. In conclusion, being a top-tier medical practitioner in the UK can take seven to eight years.
5. What is the PLAB Exam?
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board exam, or PLAB exam, assists the UK Medical Board in ensuring that foreign-trained physicians possess the necessary training and expertise to practice medicine in the UK.
