Program Overview
Introduction to UCD Graduate Entry Medicine
The UCD Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) program is an innovative, science-driven, and patient-centered curriculum delivered by internationally renowned educators in state-of-the-art facilities. This intensive, focused course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree who wish to pursue a career in medicine.
Program Structure
The program is structured into four themes that run throughout the entirety of the course:
- Evidence-based medicine and research
- Clinical competencies and preparedness
- Professional medical practice
- Healthcare systems, quality, and patient safety
What Will I Study?
The course is divided into four stages. In the first two years, students take a series of modules that introduce the application of medical science to the study of biological systems and disease. The remainder of the first two years integrates the medical science disciplines, while gradually expanding professional capabilities in a clinical environment. In the final two years, hospital and community placements with structured clinical education complete the degree.
Clinical Placements
Clinical placements take place in over 20 training hospitals, including Dublin's St. Vincent's University Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, as well as over 135 primary care practices located across Ireland. Excellent international placement opportunities are also available.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods include lectures, small group sessions, practicals, tutorials, patient educator sessions, simulations, and clinical bedside learning.
International Study and Research Opportunities
The program offers exciting opportunities to gain experience overseas, with scholarships available to support elective periods in clinical and academic centers worldwide. Partner institutions include Emory Healthcare, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Special Surgery, and many more.
Medical Student Overseas Relief
The Medical Students Overseas Relief (MSOR) society, run by UCD medical students, raises funds for hospitals and clinics in developing countries. Every summer, UCD medical students travel to third-world countries to assist in humanitarian medical work.
Opportunities for Research
The Student Summer Research Awards (SSRA) program provides an eight-week opportunity for students to undertake a clinical or medical education supervised research project in Ireland or at one of the partner institutions during the summer.
Career and Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of the School have achieved worldwide recognition in clinical practice, research, and healthcare leadership. Following graduation, students are required to work as supervised interns for a year by the Irish Medical Council. This can be followed by training towards a career in a wide variety of specialties and settings.
Admissions
Irish/EU applicants must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and have a minimum grade of second-class honors, grade 1 (2.1) in their first Honours Bachelor's degree, plus the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) at the published score for the year of entry. Non-EU applicants must apply directly to UCD International Admissions and have a minimum grade of second-class honors, grade 1 (2.1) in their first Honours Bachelor's degree, two letters of reference, and a short personal statement.
Programme Requirements
Students must fulfill specific program requirements, including health screening, Garda vetting, commitment to ethical and professional conduct, and requirements for participation in clinical education.