Frequently asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entry requirements to Graduate Entry Medicine UCC?
Applicants must hold, or expect to hold by July of the year they wish to enter Graduate Entry Medicine, a minimum of second glass honours, grade one (2H1 or equivalent) result in their first honours bachelor degree (NFQ level 8). Applicants must also have taken the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). The GAMSAT evaluates the nature and extent of abilities and skills gained through prior experience and learning, including the mastery and use of concepts in basic science as well as the acquisition of more general skills in problem solving, critical thinking and writing.
For detailed Entry Requirements, please visit Admissions Office's Website
How are candidates selected?
Eligible candidates will be selected solely on the basis of their GAMSAT score. GAMSAT scores will be used to rank applicants (i.e. the candidate with the highest GAMSAT score will receive the first offer; the candidate with the next highest score will receive the next offer until all available places are filled).
Do I need to have a Medical Science or Biomedical background?
No. Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to join the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme. However, success in GAMSAT is unlikely without knowledge and ability in the biological and physical sciences and students need to make sure they are prepared for this. If you can pass the GAMSAT, your absence of a biomedical background should not deter you. A science degree is not a pre-requisite and academic excellence in the humanities and social sciences is encouraged and recognized.
What are the differences with Medicine Graduate Entry Programme?
In contrast to the five-year Direct Entry Programme, the Graduate Entry Programme is four years. Both programmes merge after first term of Year 2 Graduate Entry Programme. In the Graduate Entry programme, the biomedical sciences are compressed into a 40-week first year and the first term of the second year. Learning methods are in keeping with the maturity and more advanced learning styles of the graduate entrant and include daily signpost sessions and small group case-based learning. The clinical experience in both programmes is the same.
When will I go to the teaching hospitals
After first term of Year 2, the programme has a predominantly clinical focus with structured attachments in UCC-affiliated teaching hospitals and in the community.
Can I do any of my term electives abroad?
Yes. Students are encouraged to complete electives abroad and in their home countries. UCC School of Medicine also has an ERASMUS exchange programme with a number of European and International Universities.
Does UCC medical school provide any support for the USMLE exams?
Yes. UCC provides structured support for the USMLE exams, including the provision of targeted teaching, a question test bank and opportunity to sit test exams. UCC has a history of some of the highest USMLE scores in the country.
What are the opportunities for research in UCC?
UCC is Ireland’s premier research institution. Research is top of the agenda in the medical school and all students complete a research project in the final two years of the medical programme. Students have the opportunity to work with world-class research institutions and many students present their research at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed publications.
How do I apply for the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme?
Applications should be made (EU citizens) through the Central Applications Office (CAO) (www.cao.ie).
How do I apply to sit the GAMSAT?
Application to sit the GAMSAT Test in Ireland should be made to the Australian Council for Educational Research (http://www.gamsat-ie.org/ ).
Can I sit the GAMSAT Test outside of Ireland?
Yes. Candidates may sit the GAMSAT test at other test centres worldwide.
Can I use the results of a GAMSAT Test from the previous year?
Your GAMSAT result will hold for 2 years. Visit GAMSAT http://www.gamsat-ie.org/ for further information.
What are the tuition fees for the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme?
Please contact the UCC Fees Office with regard to all fees related queries. fees@fin.ucc.ie
What are the career prospects for UCC Medical graduates?
Virtually all students who wish to spend their pre-registration (intern) year in Ireland are able to do so. Students can also apply to do their intern year in other EU countries. Many non-EU students return to their home country to continue their training. UCC medical graduates are held in high regard all over the world and many UCC medical alumni hold senior positions in the world’s premier medical institutions.
Are there student loans available?
Bank of Ireland, UCC campus, is the official banking facilities provider for Graduate Entry Medicine students and offers a student loan.
Please see the Bank of Ireland Website for further details:
https://www.bankofireland.com/