Medicine
Admissions overview for Downing College
| Average offers per year | 16 |
| Course duration | 6 years - Bachelor of Medicine / Master of Surgery |
| Standard offer | A level: A*A*A at A2 or equivalent IB: 41-42 overall, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications: See entry requirements |
| Course requirements | Chemistry at A* and two other science or mathematics subjects at A*A is required from: Mathematics, Biology (or Human Biology), Physics or Further Mathematics |
| Admission tests | You will need to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). You will need to register in advance for this test. |
| Written work | No written work required |
| Interview | 2 x 30-minute interviews on the same day |
| UCAS code | A100 |
| Campus code | D |
- Why study Medicine at Cambridge?
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We believe that developing a strong grasp of the basic science underlying medical practice is an essential step in training outstanding clinicians. In the Cambridge medical course, students therefore first gain a comprehensive grounding in medical science in the pre-clinical course (years one to three), before applying that scientific foundation in the clinical course (years four to six).
The first two years are taught through lectures, practical classes and small-group teaching (‘supervisions’). Lectures and practicals are organised by the Faculty, and supervisions are organised by and take place in college. In year three, you can choose from a variety of subjects to undertake your final pre-clinical year of study leading to the BA degree. In years four to six, the emphasis during Clinical Studies emphasises hands-on learning in clinical settings: at the bedside; in outpatient clinics; and in GP surgeries.
Successful completion of the first three years leads to a BA degree and on successful completion of the Clinical Studies in Cambridge you are awarded two degrees, the Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BChir).
Throughout the course students are encouraged to constantly explore and challenge new scientific thinking and research, and there are ample opportunities to for students to engage in their own research projects. Colleges offer individually-tailored supervision teaching and strong pastoral support, allowing students to flourish.
- Why study Medicine at Downing College?
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Downing College was founded for studies in Medicine, along with Law, and our teaching, success and reputation in Medicine are accordingly strong. We are one of the largest colleges for medicine in Cambridge and the closest to the ‘Downing site’ where the majority of lectures in the pre-clinical course are given.
Downing’s Medical Society, the Whitby Medical Society, is run entirely by undergraduates. It meets about twice each term either for purely social reasons, such as the annual Society Dinner, or for academic evenings with outside speakers. The President and Secretary of the Society are elected from among the second and third-year medical and veterinary students.
Many Supervisors at Downing combine working as clinicians in the NHS with University research positions and are enthusiastic about supporting students academically guiding them as they develop as clinicians or researchers.
- What Medicine students have studied
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According to the University, most Medicine students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least A*A*A* (82% of entrants). The majority of IB students achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
All A level entrants had studied Chemistry and almost all had studied at least two of:
- Biology
- Further Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Who are we looking for?
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The assessment process aims to identify candidates with personal characteristics most suitable for a career in medicine allied to strong academic potential.
Personal characteristics we look for include empathy, the ability to communicate clearly, ethical awareness and the capability for sustained and intense work.
To assess academic potential, we look for candidates who are enthusiastic about developing a detailed understanding of basic science, strong problem solving and analytical skills, as well as intellectual curiosity.
- How can you find out more about Medicine?
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The Faculty website has more information on the Medical Sciences Tripos and the topics covered in the pre-clinical course.