ScotGEM academic requirements

To be considered for interview, ScotGEM applicants must have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) a 1st or a good 2.1 Honours degree, or equivalent. Arts and Science Honours degrees will be accepted.

Applicants should also note the following entry exceptions:

  • Applicants will not be considered if their first degree does not meet this requirement, even if they subsequently gain further degrees (Upper Second or First class Honours degree, Masters or PhD).
  • Applicants who are on, or have been on, a medicine degree course will not be considered, including any intercalating degree.

Additional academic requirements

To be considered for interview, applicants must have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) the following academic requirements over and above the Honours degree:

  • Chemistry Higher or A level (Grade A or B) or equivalent. Undergraduate level Chemistry might be considered instead of Higher or A level Chemistry; 30 credits of pure Chemistry at high grades at undergraduate level would be required (Biochemistry would not be considered, for example).
  • Mathematics Standard Grade (Credit 1 or 2) or Intermediate 2 (grade A or B) or National 5 (Grade A or B) or GCSE (Grade B) or equivalent.
  • Up-to date study skills are required. Applicants must have undertaken academic study in the last three years prior to entry to ScotGEM (for example, to apply in 2017 for 2018 entry, up-to-date study means that you were enrolled in study no earlier than the academic year 2015-2016). Academic study that would meet the requirement would include an undergraduate degree, a Masters, PhD or any qualification to SCQF Level 6 (with a minimum of 24 credits). An Open University 30-credit module would also be acceptable.

English language requirements

To be considered for interview, all non-native English speakers must achieve a 7.0 in all four areas of the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) exam, to be taken at one sitting. This is irrespective of any other English qualification achieved.

IELTS scores have a recommended two-year validity period, and this time limit will be applied.

Current General Medical Council (GMC) guidance recognises the IELTS exam as the most appropriate qualification evidencing English language proficiency.