Program Overview

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Overview of the Medicine Program

The Medicine program at Trinity College Dublin is a unique and challenging course that aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the science and practice of healing. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become competent and compassionate medical practitioners.

Course Details

• Awards: M.B. (Bachelor in Medicine) / B.Ch. (Bachelor in Surgery) / B.A.O. (Bachelor in Obstetrics) - Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 738 (2024), CAO Code TR051
• Number of Places: 136 Places
• Duration: 5 Years Full-Time

Admission Requirements

Leaving Certificate:

• H3 and H4 in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present Mathematics at O4/H6 or better

Advanced GCE (A Level):

• Grade B + and Grade C in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present GCSE in Mathematics at Grade B or better

International Baccalaureate:

• HL Grade 5 and 6 in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present Mathematics at IB SL Grade 5 or better
• Certain combinations of subjects not permitted, including:
  • Physics/Chemistry with Physics or Chemistry
  • Agricultural Science with Biology

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

First, Second, and Third Years

Students study the biomedical sciences to understand what underlies medicine and begin clinical science in the first term through a Family Case Study. Teaching is a combination of problem-based learning in the first year, small group teaching of 12 to 14 students, lectures, and practical demonstrations.

Medical Moderatorship and Intercalated Master's in Biomedical Sciences

On successful completion of the third year, students may be permitted to take a year out from the medical course to undertake a moderatorship in science in an approved subject. This is dependent on the availability of places and agreement by the head of the department concerned. An intercalated Master's in Biomedical Sciences is also available to medical students who successfully gain a 1st or 2:1 in their studies.

Fourth and Fifth Years

During these two years, the student becomes an integrated member of each team to which he/she is attached and is expected to participate fully in all aspects of that team’s activities. Most hospital attachments take place in St. James’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, Dublin. However, some training also takes place in regional hospitals around Ireland, in hospitals dedicated to particular areas of medicine, and in general practices associated with the School.

Intern Year

After finishing the medical degree course, a doctor must successfully complete training for one year as a resident medical officer/intern in a recognised post before being eligible for full registration with the Irish Medical Council.

Assessment Structure

The assessment structure is wide and varied and includes in-course assessment of practical and clinical skills, case studies, research projects, formal written and oral examinations, and objective structured clinical examinations. Formative assessment and reflective practice are also used to promote the personal development and teaching and learning of the student.

Study Abroad

The School of Medicine has a strong international network, which gives students the opportunity to gain experience overseas as part of the electives programme. Students are required to complete clinical electives totalling 12 weeks by the final medical year. These can be undertaken in a hospital, clinic, or research laboratory of the student’s choice, either at home or abroad.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section. Additional costs may include the purchase of recommended texts, scrubs, a stethoscope, and other small items of equipment. There may also be travel/accommodation/subsistence expenses for a small number of clinical placements of 2 to 4 weeks duration outside the greater Dublin area during the clinical years of the programme.

Career Opportunities

As a doctor, you will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to deciding on your career progression. In Ireland, many graduates wait until completing their intern year before committing to one area or another. Some then enter general practice while many more continue their training as a general physician or surgeon or in a related specialist field. Alternatively, others prefer to work in an area such as hospital management or make research their priority by opting for a career in academic medicine.