Checking your English level
For most medical English courses the schools will want to test your English level before you start a course. This is because some courses have an entry level requirement and also because the school wants to put you in a class with students at a similar level. If you have not taken an English test, or taken one recently, you can do a quick test of your English level here on our website. Just click the button to jump to the page, register your details and take the test – it’s as simple as that and will only take about 10 minutes!
University Pathways to Medical Professions
For younger students we have a number of partners offering pathways to university courses in medicine and medical sciences. Click to jump to that section of this web page.
Studying Medical English
Many students wish to study Medical English to help their careers, with some wishing to try to qualify to be able to work and live in the UK. The OET covers a wide variety of medical professions – Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine (doctors/surgeons), Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech, Pathology, and Veterinary Science. Each regulatory body in the UK has different requirements in terms of medical qualifications but all will require a high standard of English. This can be achieved through the study of IELTS or, preferably, the newer OET (Occupational English Test). We have a number of study partners for OET and some are also test centres as shown on the map below:
Nurses
Nurses are always in demand in the UK by the various NHS Trusts operating hospitals and other facilities around the country. There are also many care homes in the UK and therefore there are plenty of opportunities to work as a pre-registered nurse. The CBT is a computer based test for basic medical competence whilst the OSCE is a practical test. Both of these are needed before a nurse can apply to register as a nurse in the UK.
International Nursing Programme
We work closely with Foyle International who are based in Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland. We recommend their International Nursing Programme as it offers more than just study for the OET exam. The programme provides support and guidance for nurses who want to work in the UK and combines their OET for Nurses and Preparation for work in the UK courses. The aim is to ensure nurses achieve the OET B needed for registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK. It also provides nurses with cultural orientation and adaptation, as well as interview preparation to give nurses the best chance at succeeding in their UK career.
The OET element comprises:
- 15 hours group classes per week
- Mock exam towards end of course
- Exam strategies and techniques for passing the OET exam
- Language focus required in each OET sub-tests
Then, to prepare for work, students receive:
- Interview preparation
- CV workshop
- Guidance on NMC registration process
- Support with applying for Tier 2 visa
- Pastoral support with things like setting up UK bank account
Nurses who wish to work in the UK require the OET B and also the CBT to be completed. Then they can secure a job as a “pre-registered” nurse while they prepare for the OSCE practical exam – this can be taken in Derry at Ulster University so very close to the Foyle International school.
Our Other OET Providers
If you are only looking for an OET course and exam centre then we have other providers available as shown below. Just let us know which programme you are interested in when you contact us.
OET Test Centre
Anglo-Continental, Bournemouth
The intensive preparation course is designed to help trainees focus on the four language skills, listening, reading, writing and speaking, to help develop the level of proficiency required to successfully take the test. This 30 lesson per week course allows time to focus on improving overall language proficiency as well as the specific exam techniques required for the different tasks in the test.
OET Test Centre
Wimbledon School of English, London
The OET course at Wimbledon follows an intensive timetable of 28 lessons per week/23 hours 20 minutes per week. During the course, you will study a wide range of medical language, with a specific focus on ways of communicating effectively with patients and their relatives. You will improve your reading, writing and listening skills whilst learning vocabulary and increasing your accuracy in your use of grammar. You will be given strategies on how to approach the different parts of the test, and you will complete a full practice test, after which you will receive detailed feedback and further practice to ensure the best possible result in the exam.
Areas of study may include:
- Medical Histories
- Patient Examination
- Types of Treatment
- Medication – Benefits and Side Effects
- Advising Patients
- Surgical Procedures
- Analysing Real Case Scenarios
- Making & Discussing a Diagnosis
- Using Specialised Terminology
- Difficult Patients
International House, Manchester
IH Manchester can help you to OET success!
OET 1:1 lessons with IH Manchester are designed to give you the language and test skills needed to pass and move on to the next stage of your medical career in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.
Why study OET with IH Manchester?
- Study with full trained and qualified OET experts
- Access to our online study platform with content written by leading OET professionals and which includes 35 videos, 45 audio tracks and 100s of different tasks and activities including test practice.
- IH Manchester’s flipped learning approach means you learn efficiently. Students can complete activities on our platform before class so more class time is spent practising, consolidating understanding and receiving feedback.
- Learn the language skills required for exam success including integrated grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation work as well as exam focused writing, reading, speaking and listening practice.
- Learn how to succeed with focused exam criteria explanations integrated throughout the student’s programme. Understand each section of each part of the test and how to succeed.
- Exam practice including speaking test roles plays and written test script correction throughout the programme as required.
International House, Bristol
IH Bristol offers 1-week Intensive group preparation classes once a month at our language centre in Clifton, Bristol.
Study and practise the specific formats for each part of the exam (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) so you are confident and well-prepared when you take OET. This includes study of the medical language necessary for the exam and also for the profession you are aiming for (Medicine or Nursing).
Morning classes focus on Speaking and Writing; afternoon classes focus on Reading and Listening, with 5 class hours per day in total. There is a full mock exam included for each participant.
By the end of the course, you will also have improved some of your techniques and language to help you in your future patient interactions!
Medical English and Other Related Courses
In addition to OET, we have partner schools who offer various medical English courses. Please see below for details and let us know which programme you are interested in.
OET and other Medical English Courses
In addition to the OET course above, Anglo-Continental also offer two additional Medical English courses.
English for Medical Professionals
- Communication with patients and medical staff
- Explaining medical procedures
- Conducting medical examinations
- Taking histories and writing reports
- The hospital environment
- Care of medical and surgical patients
- Working within specialities
- Authentic medical films
- Medication – side effects, dosages and contra-indications
- Using medical documents
English for Medical Students
- Human anatomy
- Diseases and symptoms
- Taking histories
- Conducting medical examinations
- Medical publications and research
- Authentic medical films
- The World Health Organisation
- Reading and writing case histories
- Medication – side effects, dosages and contra-indications
- Evaluation of online medical websites and resources
Introduction to UK Medicine (for Group bookings)
This course is an introduction to UK medicine designed for international students aged 16+ who wish to get a taste of what is like to be a doctor in the UK and a real-life experience at a UK university.
Includes:
- OET Test Preparation Course (Week 1)
- UK Healthcare Training (Week 2)
- On-site accommodation
- Guided visit to a British university
- In-house evening activities
- Free days sightseeing
So, you think you want to be a doctor, nurse, midwife or allied health care professional?
During the students last week, they will undertake this unique course, which is designed
to help you answer that question by letting you see the practice of health care medicine
at first hand, giving you a taste of what school would be like, and helping you evaluate
how well your talents and preferences match those of a career in medicine and allied
health sectors.
This course will advise students on medical school application and introduce other
health care professions whilst demonstrating the best practices, demystifying the
process and addressing any concerns they may have. It will guide students through
what they need to know before applying, from a discussion of which course is best for
them and which career is best suited to them and exploring the differences between
various medical schools and their application processes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Provide an introduction to a doctor’s and allied health care professionals role
- Inform students of the rewards and challenges of a career in medicine and its allied professions
- Provide a practical introduction to medicine through simulation and skills demonstration
University pathways to studying Medical Sciences
In addition to the specific courses below, see our Boarding School page for children looking to study GCSEs and A Levels for a university route to medical science studies at university.
Many older international students look for a Foundation Pathway into studying medical sciences. These academic courses will also help to improve English to a level needed for study of these subjects at university.
International College Foundation Pathway Route
Abbey College (Malvern) International Pre-University Foundation Science Programme
This Medical and Dentistry Route is a one-year programme providing students with an alternative to A levels as a progression route to universities which provide medical related course via entrance examinations. On occasion a two-year course may be offered to students whose English or depth of knowledge and understanding requires further development and additional tuition may be provided to meet the needs of the applicant. The duration and structure of the course is dependent upon the applicant’s academic background and English at the time of application. It is an appropriate route into international universities for these specific undergraduate medical, dentistry, nursing and physiotherapy programmes.
Stay Campus (London) Medical Foundation Programme
Stay Campus London's University Foundation Programme is a two or three-term course designed for international students who wish to progress onto undergraduate courses in the UK to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other life science fields. The programme consists of academic modules, study skills, and one-to-one tutorials.
You will also take a variety of courses specifically designed to prepare you for enrolling on a Medical degree programme in the UK. Our Medical Foundation Programme provides an understanding of how the human body works through a study of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. It also introduces the study of some elements of pathology, microbiology, virology and parasitology, genetics and public health.
Genes, Cells & Development
This module provides a solid foundation for the study of biomedical phenomena and the conditions for cellular life and health. Beginning with the constituents of living things, you’ll explore the way that molecules and energy interact to produce compartmentalised structures that regulate and reproduce themselves.
Atoms, Molecules & Reactions
You’ll learn the fundamentals of physical chemistry so that you can account for and predict changes of matter, energy, and chemical or biochemical states. The module emphasises problem solving skills and fundamental laws. Chemical principles will be illustrated with examples from life and health sciences, and students will be encouraged to find and discuss further applications.
Measurements in Life Sciences
This module teaches you how biology and health are described and investigated by physical approaches. You will approach physical concepts through examples drawn from biological scenarios. These studies in physics will be underpinned by workshops where you will become proficient in mathematical operations and thinking that will be required throughout your academic and professional life. Finally, you will learn the basics of computing, and apply them to a simple biological problem or scenario.
Medicine, Disease & Society
This module introduces international students to the social and historical context of health and healthcare, including contemporary problems and dilemmas, and possible future developments. You will consider your own reasons for aspiring to work in healthcare, and will acquire tools for discussing and evaluating claims about health, disease and treatment.
Tissues, Systems & Regulation
This module builds on the work of Genes, Cells & Development to explain system-level phenomena in the life sciences, with a focus on mammals. You will be expected to apply physiological principles and mechanistic insights to explain the response of living systems to perturbations, including disease states.
Periodic & Organic Chemistry
This module includes an emphasis on principles (of atomic structure and of electron movements) that develop your skills in chemical problem solving. You will be encouraged to explore biomedical applications of group chemistry, organic structure, functions, and reaction mechanisms (free radicals, eliminations, additions, substitutions).
Investigations in Biomedicine
This module prepares you to pursue and present your own work at a level appropriate to higher education. By having the opportunity to carry out your own research project, you will get hands-on experience practising the research skills required at an undergraduate level. Together with your supervisor, you will select a topic of interest, generate your own findings, and present the results in formats adapted to different audiences.
Boarding School Routes to Medicine
Specialist Medical Sciences Programme at RIC
Rochester Independent College has been helping prepare students for medical, dental and vet school entry since 1984. Our teachers and UCAS Advisors offer a support programme that will help you increase your chance of winning a place, to build on your academic and personal strengths and help you develop confidence as a potential medical professional. We offer intensive one-year A level Science and Maths courses that have been successfully taken by highflying international and mature students preparing for medicine, dentistry and vet science. We also offer conventional two year A level and successful retake programmes. Rochester Independent College is part of Dukes Education and as such our students also have access to some of the best specialist university applications advice available as well as UCAT and BMAT preparation courses through The Medic Portal which like RIC is part of Dukes Education. RIC is a host centre for The Medic Portal's courses .
Young Person’s Medical Conference
RIC’s partners at Dukes Education run the Young Person’s Medical Conference in London each year and our RIC’s prospective doctors attend each year as part of their medical programme. It’s the only medical conference in the UK aimed entirely at students aiming to apply to Medical School. Designed to emulate the global conferences doctors and medical staff attend worldwide every year, the Young Person’s Medical Conference offers students a taste of the ever-evolving world of Medicine, the new advances in technology and care changing the way we treat patients today, as well as expert guidance on how to begin on your own path to becoming a medical professional. Students are immersed in the world of Medicine from the minute they walk through the doors of the conference, which is held in London’s famed medical district. Talks from leading medical practitioners are complemented by hands-on medical exercises such as learning to stitch a wound, and workshops from medical admissions tutors and consultants on how to make a successful application to medical school.
University Courses
De Montfort University, Leicester
DMU offer leading undergraduate and postgraduate studies in many medical areas as detailed below and can offer a range of hospital and community settings for placements. Facilities are excellent with specialist clinical skills and pharmacy suites as well as clinical science and microbiology laboratories.
The Leicester School of Nursing & Midwifery
With courses developed in conjunction with the NHS, and accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council you’re assured our pre- and post-registration programmes meet the high-quality standards required to work in the dynamic, rewarding and vital profession of nursing. You will be taught by expert healthcare professionals, benefiting from the experience they have developed in practice, as well as from the knowledge gained through our partnerships with healthcare providers, research centres and leading charities since the school was established more than 50 years ago.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Nursing with Registration (Adult Nursing) BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- International Nursing and Leadership MSc
The Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences
With many of our allied health sciences courses accredited or endorsed by professional bodies, you can be assured of receiving teaching of the highest quality with a focus on building the skills sought after by graduate employers. Our courses also enable you to further develop your knowledge and experience in real-life settings during supported work placements, as well as volunteering opportunities available locally and internationally through our career-enhancing DMU Global and #DMUlocal initiatives.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
- Health and Wellbeing in Society BSc (Hons)
- Medical Science BMedSci (Hons)
- Nutrition BSc (Hons)
- Speech and Language Therapy BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Advanced Biomedical Science MSc
The Leicester School of Pharmacy
Producing career-ready graduates is the main aim of this long-established school, which boasts professional accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council and Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, as well as strong industry links. Teaching reflects the latest understanding from across the sector, while students have the chance to boost their CVs through a number of placement, volunteering and international experience opportunities. This approach has seen our graduates go on to secure jobs in globally recognised companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, LGC Forensics and Boots, as well as the NHS.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
- Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons)
- Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)
- Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology MSc
- Pharmaceutical Quality by Design MSc
- Quality by Design for the Pharmaceutical Industry MSc