Should I go for undergraduate medicine or Biomed/Biochem?

Medicine

Because I've just done a science degree and now I'm applying to go back to uni and do something health related. Don't beat around the bush, shoot for the stars.

Hey guys, I'm an international student hoping to do medicine in Edinburgh or UCL. However, for international student the competition is extremely competitive (i.e. 700 applications for 15-20 places) and so it is quite unlikely that I'll be able to get into these ideal universities.

And so I'm thinking of studying Biochem or Biomed instead for a 3 year BSc and then apply for GEM even though I heard it's more competitive than undergraduate entry but will it be better chances for me compared to applying to medicine directly as an international student? (I have a EU passport so after 3 years of residence I'll become a local) And also I'm not entirely sure if I really want to study medicine so if I change my mind about it whilst studying Biochem/Biomed will it give me good prospects? (in terms of further education and career).

PS. For biochem/biomed I'm planning to apply for Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh and Manchester and for medicine, Imperial, Edinburgh, Kings, Manchester, and a backup I haven't decide.

If you have the grades and UKCAT/BMAT apply for Medicine. If you don't though then its better to just apply to biomed.

Definitely do not apply to biomed just because your grades aren't the best. If you qualify then its always worth an application. Your 5th choice can always be biomed and you are guaranteed to get into a biomed program if you are competitive for medicine.

Yes thank you very much for your advice. Also, for the back-up I'm still deciding between biochemistry or biomedical science. Is biochemistry a viable option as back-up or is it too far off? It seem to interest me more but actually I'm not too sure about both of the degrees in terms of future prospect...

Go for medicine now. There are even fewer spaces for international students on GEM courses and it is quite possible GEM won't exist in a few years (at least not in its current form). You would still be an international student in 3 years, as time spent here in full time education doesn't count.
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Fees--finance/Home-or-Overseas-fees/England-Higher-Education/