Program Overview

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Introduction to the Medicine Program

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) offers a renowned Medicine program, accredited by the Irish Medical Council (IMC), the National University of Ireland (NUI), and RCSI. This program is positioned at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and is highly regarded internationally.

Program Overview

The Medicine program at RCSI is a five- or six-year undergraduate course, with the six-year track incorporating a Foundation Year. The program focuses on innovative, future-focused, and integrated learning, emphasizing knowledge, clinical skills development, and professionalism. Students are taught by RCSI academics, clinicians, and researchers in small groups or interactive large group settings.

Key Features of the Program

• Early Patient Contact: Students learn clinical skills from their first week, including taking patient histories and analyzing symptoms.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Europe's largest and most modern clinical simulation facility is used for practicing clinical skills before hospital rotations.
• Anatomy: Cadaveric dissection is conducted in the historical RCSI Anatomy Room.
• Elective Opportunities: Clinical and research electives are available in leading hospitals, and research skills are developed at the RCSI Summer Research School.
• Multidisciplinary Environment: Students study alongside future colleagues in Pharmacy and Physiotherapy, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of patient care.
• Career Readiness: Intensive support is provided for choosing an ideal career and securing a residency post.

Program Details

• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 5/6 years
• Qualification: MB, BCh, BAO (Hons)
• EU CAO Code: RC001
• Places: 75 (EU); 225 (Non-EU)

Admission Requirements

• EU Applicants: Must apply via the CAO (RC001) and present the HPAT, alongside meeting minimum Leaving Cert (or equivalent) academic requirements.
• Non-EU Applicants: Must meet minimum entry requirements based on their educational background and follow a different application pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

• EU/Non-EU Applicant Category: Determined by RCSI's EU vs Non-EU policy, affecting entry requirements, application process, and fees category.
• CAO Points: The required points score for entry changes annually and cannot be predicted prior to the release of the Irish Leaving Certificate results.
• Entrance Exams: Irish/EU applicants must sit the HPAT; Non-EU applicants do not currently require an entrance exam but must meet minimum entry requirements.
• Five-Year vs Six-Year Program: The six-year track includes a Foundation Year; eligibility for the five-year track generally requires studying at least two science subjects in the final year of high school.

Clinical Placements

All Medicine students undertake multiple clinical placements as part of their degree, starting with preparation in Year 2 and gaining exposure to various medical specialties in Years 4 and 5.

Student Accommodation

RCSI offers several accommodation options for students, including Mercer accommodation, Aparto St. Stephen's Quarter, and Aparto The Loom, providing modern, fully furnished apartments with amenities.

Ranking and Reputation

RCSI is ranked in the Top 200 QS Subject Ranking in Medicine 2025, reflecting its research reputation, learning and teaching environment, research impact, and approach to internationalization.

School of Medicine

Founded in 1784, RCSI is home to Ireland's largest medical school and one of the most international medical schools in the world, delivering the Medicine degree program in Ireland, Bahrain, and Malaysia.