Transferring/Joining New Medical School in the UK

Hello TSR members,

I would really appreciate some detailed advice on this matter.

I am currently a third-year medical student in the UK, and I am incredibly dissatisfied with my university. I am confident that the course and people here are seriously hindering my development, and am extremely keen on transferring/joining a new medical school in the UK. I have excellent grades, topping both pre-clinical years, alongside a decent research and volunteering portfolio, if these factors matter.

Is there any way to go about this? Which universities may accept this? I am also considering intercalating in a top university, and I heard King's once accepted a transfer student folllowing intercalation.

Another worst-case scenario, how does the picture look if I leave and reapply into medicine? I have heard this is a serious red flag, and it does make sense, but is there some evidence to back this up or is it hear-say?

Reply 1

junior.doctor

Original post by Anonymous

Hello TSR members,
I would really appreciate some detailed advice on this matter.
I am currently a third-year medical student in the UK, and I am incredibly dissatisfied with my university. I am confident that the course and people here are seriously hindering my development, and am extremely keen on transferring/joining a new medical school in the UK. I have excellent grades, topping both pre-clinical years, alongside a decent research and volunteering portfolio, if these factors matter.
Is there any way to go about this? Which universities may accept this? I am also considering intercalating in a top university, and I heard King's once accepted a transfer student folllowing intercalation.
Another worst-case scenario, how does the picture look if I leave and reapply into medicine? I have heard this is a serious red flag, and it does make sense, but is there some evidence to back this up or is it hear-say?

Sorry to hear of your difficulties.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer between UK medical schools - with the very rare exception of compelling health / family circumstances - and even these are often declined.

Likewise I am not aware of any UK medical school that accepts an application from someone who has already joined a course elsewhere. I don’t think you will find one individual document telling you this - but looking at individual medical schools’ entry requirements one by one will tell you. For example - I picked a med school at random - Manchester - and their application page clearly says no to transfers and no to accepting applications from those who’ve already started a course elsewhere.
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2025/01428/mbchb-medicine/application-and-selection/#content-main - see bottom of page under ‘transfers’ heading.

Whilst I don’t know your circumstances - think carefully before automatically assuming any other medical school will be different / better. Most places have similar challenges. Best wishes to you.

Reply 2

Lewis T K

Original post by Anonymous

As mentioned previously, transferring medical school within UK medical school is very rare, but you could email the medical school you are interested in and see there own response. You will get the best information directly from the university.

Regarding dropping out and reapplying, most medical schools will not accept a student that has previously studied medicine and left, so be very careful before making your decision

Reply 3

ErasistratusV

I would say it is extremely unlikely any other school would accept an exchange and to be honest, I think changing schools, what with all that it entails; changing your social circle, teaching methodology, stage in learning etc etc would actually hinder you massively.

Grin and bear it. You come out qualified and you're paid the same as anyone else regardless of where you went.