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EduSCOT
Healthcare

How to Become a Doctor (Medicine) in Scotland

Diagnose and treat patients across the full range of specialities in NHS Scotland.

AAABB (Dundee) to AAAAA (Glasgow)

5 Scottish medical schools

UCAT required for all

5-year MBChB degree

Highers You Need

Typical entry: AAABB–AAAAA at Higher. You also need English (B) and Maths (B) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Chemistry— grade A required at most schools
  • Biology or Human Biology
  • Maths or Physics

Route to Qualification

Degree: MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) (5 years at university).

1

MBChB (5 years)

5 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Aberdeen (AAAAB)
  • University of Dundee (AAABB)
  • University of Edinburgh (AAAAB + BB Advanced Higher)
  • University of Glasgow (AAAAA)
  • University of St Andrews (AAAAB)

Professional Registration

To practise as a Doctor in Scotland, you must register with the General Medical Council (GMC). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

~£35,966

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£55,000–£90,000+

5–10 years experience

NHS Scotland F1 (foundation year 1) basic salary 2025–26 under the Scottish Junior Medical Staff contract (4.25% uplift from April 2025 applied to Oct 2024 base of £34,500). GP partners and consultants earn significantly more.

EduSCOT note

All five Scottish medical schools require Chemistry plus two sciences. UCAT score and interview performance are as important as grades for competitive applicants.

Subject choice guide

Planning your S3 or S5 Highers with Doctor (Medicine) in mind? Read the detailed guide.

Subject choices for Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Doctor in Scotland?▾
To become a Doctor in Scotland, you typically need Higher Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology, Maths or Physics. The typical grade offer is AAABB–AAAAA. You also need English (B) and Maths (B) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer MBChB?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Doctor careers: University of Aberdeen (AAAAB), University of Dundee (AAABB), University of Edinburgh (AAAAB + BB Advanced Higher), University of Glasgow (AAAAA), University of St Andrews (AAAAB). Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Doctor in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 5 years. After completing the degree, registration with General Medical Council (GMC) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Doctor in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Doctor in Scotland is typically ~£35,966. Mid-career salary is typically £55,000–£90,000+. NHS Scotland F1 (foundation year 1) basic salary 2025–26 under the Scottish Junior Medical Staff contract (4.25% uplift from April 2025 applied to Oct 2024 base of £34,500). GP partners and consultants earn significantly more.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Doctor in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Doctor (Medicine) in Scotland. The standard route is the MBChB (5 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Doctor (Medicine) degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying MBChB at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 5-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.