Medicine (Graduate Entry)

UCD Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) provides an innovative, science-driven and patient-centred curriculum, delivered by world-class educators in state-of-the-art facilities.

The main hospitals associated with our programme are St Vincent’s University Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. In addition, there are more than 20 other training hospitals and more than 120 primary care practices that facilitate your learning.

This intensive, focused course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree who wish to pursue a career in medicine.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

First & Second Year

There are four themes running through the entirety of both the Medicine and Graduate Entry to Medicine (GEM) programmes.

Evidence-based Medicine and Research • Clinical Competencies and Preparedness for Practice • Professional Medical Practice • Healthcare Systems, Quality and Patient Safety

In the first trimester, you will take a series of modules that introduce the application of medical science to the study of biological systems and disease. You will also learn the clinical skills needed for the rest of the programme. The remainder of the first two years integrates the medical science disciplines, while gradually expanding your professional capabilities in a clinical environment.

Third & Fourth Year

In the final two years, hospital and community placements with structured clinical education complete your degree. During your clinical training, you will participate in a series of specialist rotations, including medicine, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics and paediatrics. Finally, you will undertake our acclaimed Professional Completion module to integrate your knowledge and prepare you for life as an intern.

Learning methods include lectures, small group sessions, practicals and enquirybased learning in the classroom and at the bedside.

Our international network offers students exciting opportunities to gain experience overseas. Scholarships are available to support elective periods in clinical and academic centres all over the world.

Graduates of the School have achieved worldwide recognition in clinical practice, research and healthcare leadership. Upon graduation, you must complete one year as an intern to gain full registration with the Irish Medical Council. You may then pursue training towards a career in a wide variety of specialties, in diverse settings, including hospitals and primary care facilities, or laboratory-based diagnosis and research.

Opportunities for Research 

Each year, approximately 100 Medicine students undertake an eight-week supervised laboratory, clinical or medical education project in Ireland or at one of our partner institutions in the Student Summer Research (SSRA) programme. The programme brings to life our commitment to foster in our students a passion for enquiry, discovery and investigative research.

The 4-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold an Upper Second Class Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in any discipline with a CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or above, or equivalent. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit a current GAMSAT or MCAT score (minimum 57 and 503 respectively). Although only graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, the graduate Medicine degree is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate Medicine degree. Eligible applicants will also be required to complete an interview and undergo a mandatory healthcare screening process and Garda/Police Vetting.

Please note: GAMSAT and MCAT must have been issued within two years prior to the start of programme. Scores listed are correct at date of publication, and subject to change year-on-year.

Students who have previously been unsuccessful in any Medicine programme (i.e. have not met academic or other requirements within the programme) or have any issues which would affect their registration with the Irish Medical council will only be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances, to be considered by the Medicine programme board.