Our aim is to provide a transformative education experience, in an inclusive environment that enables our graduates achieve excellence in critical thinking, safe collaborative practice and communication skills, with a focus on patient- centred care that is sustainable, ethical, and equitable. 

There are 5 key themes running through the programme: 

• Clinical Science and Discovery 
• Population and Global Health 
• Skilled Safe Patient-centred Care 
• The Patient in the Healthcare System and Professional Practice 
• Self-Care and Personal Development 

The 5 year programme consists of three modules, which incorporate the learning across the themes and learning blocks throughout all five years. 

Module 1: Knowledge of Health, Sickness and Practice 

In this module students begin their learning journey. Student will have the opportunity to integrate and apply scientific principles and knowledge with clinical practice focused on achieving optimal patient care. Students will learn about and use data health science and research fundamentals to inform their learning. They will explore the impact of determinants of health on individual and population health. They will acquire a practical knowledge of epidemiology and current public health principles to understand how to effectively promote health within a community. Students will also learn the theory of patient safety, patient-centered care, professional identity formation and personal development.  Learning will be orientated through the completion of integrated learning blocks. Students will engage in Case-Based learning, in addition to tutorials, labs, workshops and lecture series. Student will also complete relevant sections of their e-portfolio. 

Module 2: Clinical Skills for Safe Practice 

In this module, students will begin their learning on how to deliver safe, patient-centered care. There will be a focus on developing effective participation in teams and becoming a collaborative partner with patients in the delivery of ethical, compassionate, and equitable healthcare in hospital and community settings.  Learning will be orientated through the completion of integrated learning blocks. Students will engage in Case-Based learning, in addition to tutorials, labs, workshops and lecture series. Student will also complete relevant sections of their e-portfolio. 

Module 3: Professional Competencies 

In this module students develop professional identity and engage effectively with professional practice including relevant evaluations. Students complete Year 1 clinical placement and e-Portfolio and learn through reflection and growth.  Many of the learning activities for this module will be completed when engaging in learning and formative assessments for the other 2 modules –in classroom, laboratory and clinical placement settings. 

Programme Structure:

Foundation Year 

• Fundamentals of Chemistry for Health Sciences
• Physics for Medical and Biomedical Students
• Fundamentals of Human Biology
• Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Introduction to Medicine 

Year 1 

Year 1 will prepare the student for practice by building biomedical knowledge base and skills for practice. Students will begin the journey through the body systems and functions in learning blocks focussing and normal and abnormal functions: 

• Haematology and Defences
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular Learning 

Year 2 

The second year will continue preparing students for Practice building biomedical knowledge base and skills for practice. Students will learn about the systems and normal and abnormal functions in a variety of learning blocks: 

• Musculoskeletal System
• Neuro System
• Renal System
• Gastrointestinal System
• Endocrine System
• Development and Aging 

Year 3 

In Year 3, students will transition into the early learning in Clinical Practice with learning focused on disciplines and practical experience: 

• Medicine and Acute Emergency
• Surgery
• Ambulatory Medicine
• Electives 

Year 4 

In Year 4, students will focus on specialised learning in Practice. The learning will take place through a mix of placements and teaching sessions in these specialities: 

• Paediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Psychiatry
• General Practice 

Year 5 

The final year of the programme will be advanced learning in practice and the Junior internship to prepare the students for practice. 

• Acute Medicine 
• Surgery 
• Critical Care
• Junior Internships

Our undergraduate medicine programme is designed on an Outcome-Based Curricular Model. The curriculum moves away from traditional, discipline-based exams and instead uses integrated assessments that reflect how doctors think and work in real clinical settings. Each year, your progress will be assessed across three key domains- Knowledge, Skills, and Values & Behaviours (Professional Competencies). These are measured through a modular structure that blends what you learn across subjects, ensuring a more connected and meaningful learning experience. This approach supports deeper understanding, helps you apply knowledge in practice, and prepares you more effectively for your role as a future doctor. 

• Innovative case-based learning - you will apply your medical knowledge to real-world patient cases, working in student groups to understand the patient’s medical issues and find solutions and answers. You develop your critical thinking skills, guided by the scientific knowledge and evidence on how best to provide quality treatment to the patient This is a fun, interactive way to develop key learning skills. 
• Exciting Special Study Courses- you will can choose a short course in a topic outside of the main curriculum that is of particular interest to you. These special study courses cover a range of subjects from pre-hospital care, sustainability and health, youth mental health and many more. 
• You will develop your clinical and communication skills through ‘learning by doing’ experiences in simulation wards, theatres and consultation rooms. Here you immerse yourself in a simulated environment which closely mirrors the real world of clinical practice. This is a safe, learning environment, where you can practice with your fellow students, receive feedback from clinical skills teachers and then re-practice, as you advance your clinical skills incrementally. This is a fun, interactive way to learn clinical skills in our state-of-the-art simulation centre. 

• Innovative case-based learning, where you apply your medical knowledge to real-world patient cases, working in student groups to understand the patient’s medical issues and find solutions and answers. You develop your critical thinking skills, guided by the scientific knowledge and evidence on how best to provide quality treatment to the patient This is a fun, interactive way to develop key learning skills. 
• Exciting Special Study Courses, where you can choose a short course in a topic outside of the main curriculum that is of particular interest to you. These special study courses cover a range of subjects from pre-hospital care, sustainability and health, youth mental health and many more.
• You will develop your clinical and communication skills through ‘learning by doing’ experiences in simulation wards, theatres and consultation rooms. Here you immerse yourself in a simulated environment which closely mirrors the real world of clinical practice. This is a safe, learning environment, where you can practice with your fellow students, receive feedback from clinical skills teachers and then re-practice, as you advance your clinical skills incrementally. This is a fun, interactive way to learn clinical skills in our state-of-the-art simulation centre.
• Early patient contact- the programme will have significant early patient contact. Early patient contact helps students connect theory to practice, build communication skills, and professional skills from the outset.
• Summer Research- the School of Medicine is research-intense and our researchers are engaged in research to address the major health challenges of today. You can apply to complete a summer research project, engaging in hands-on research projects with Principal Investigators from a wide range of medical fields, from basic sciences to clinical research. Examples include research in cancer, heart disease, basic discovery (lab-based), medical devices and many more. You will develop critical thinking skills, Participants develop practical research skills, critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the research topic. Students can apply for a Health Research Board summer scholarship, School of Medicine scholarship and University scholarship under the summer research programme. It offers the chance to engage in hands-on research projects with Principal Investigators from a wide range of medical fields, from basic sciences to clinical research. Participants develop practical research skills, critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the research topic. 
• Student: Tutor and Student: Patient ratios are low our Medical Academies. So you can readily immerse yourself in medical teams, build your confidence in engaging with patients on their journey from admission to discharge and have on-on-one support and mentoring from experienced tutors.  
• State-of-the-art Simulation teaching centre: You’ll learn hands-on clinical skills in our high-tech Simulation Centre, which mirrors real hospital environments. Here, you’ll practise examining patients, taking medical histories, communicating in clinical settings, and performing key procedures. You’ll work with simulated patients and get real-time feedback from tutors. This is a safe, supportive space where you can build your confidence, learn from mistakes and get ready for real-world medicine. It’s one of the best ways to prepare for life as a doctor.

Graduate Attributes 

• A Safe Practitioner: with a patient-centered focus
• A Communicator: communicates effectively
• A Collaborator: collaborates constructively
• A Curious Learner: develops continuously, professionally and personally 

Graduates from the School of Medicine, are global citizens who are well prepared for the complex, fast paced world of medicine. As students’ progress through their medical education, they will develop a range of graduate attributes to support their transition to becoming a competent junior doctor. 

The entire curriculum is focused on delivering a set of programme level or graduate outcomes. In addition, each academic year has a set of year level outcomes that represent milestones towards the achievement of the end of programme level outcomes. The curriculum has a major communication and clinical skills programme, research, and basic data analytics skills throughout all five years. 

Our school of medicine currently offers the largest study abroad programme of any medical school in Ireland.

Study Abroad Opportunities- Our Medical School has been supporting student exchanges through the ERASMUS+ programme since 1993. In Year 3, you can study for three months at one of our partner medical schools in countries like France, Germany, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland. You’ll join local hospital teams, learn how care is delivered in different health systems, and gain unique clinical insights.  

Global mobility- We offer global mobility opportunities with medical schools in North America, Asia, and Africa. These optional summer placements allow you to explore medicine in different cultural and clinical settings. Past students have studied at Johns Hopkins (USA), Hebei Medical University (China), University of Navarra (Spain), and worked with public health teams in Kenya. These opportunities help broaden your perspective on healthcare, build global awareness, and develop skills that set you apart in your future medical career. 

Immersive Clinical Training in Medical Academies- You’ll be part of a close-knit team and benefit from one-to-one support from experienced tutors, with low student-to-patient and student-to-tutor ratios. 

You will spend 12 months at one of our teaching hospitals in North West / West of Ireland. This will give you an immersive learning experience, where you meet patients on ward rounds, in clinics and at the bedside, and study in a modern educational centre located in the same place. These educational centres are our Medical Academies and they are located in Letterkenny University Hospital, Sligo University Hospital, Mayo University Hospital and Ballinasloe University Hospital. 

There is also an exciting opportunity for students to nominate an overseas placement which is ideal for students who want to travel home for Christmas and gain some primary care exposure in their home county.  

For further information of each of our Academies, please click on the links below 

• Donegal Medical Academy
• Sligo Medical Academy‌
• Mayo Medical Academy
• Ballinasloe Medical Academy 

Accrediting Body - Medical Council of Ireland.  

Our medical programme is accredited by the Medical Council of Ireland. We are committed to the highest standards of quality in teaching, learning and research.  Our Medicine programme is recognised internationally and is highly regarded due to the rigorous accreditation processes. 

The undergraduate medicine programme is designed to prepare students for the clinical practice by first building foundational knowledge and gradually going into specialised knowledge and skills. The learning will be revisited and re-enforced by a mix of teaching methods from large group lectures to small group workshops and skills sessions. In addition, students will be able to gain an early insight into the patient’s journey and clinical experience by going out on early placements. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Proximity to patients and clinical practice – Students will have patient voices sessions, hearing from the patients directly,
2. Case Based Learning – students will get to apply their acquired knowledge in cased-based learning group work and presentations
3. Skills Sessions – students will learn relevant skills in safe and simulated settings throughout all the years
4. Placements – All students will be going on placements in a variety of settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge and learn in real-life settings
5. Interprofessional Learning – Exchange with staff and students from other schools will be incorporated through interprofessional learning sessions
6. E-Portfolio – all students will be able to follow their progress through an individual e-portfolio. This will be supported by meetings with an advisor. 

 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Our programme follows a comprehensive assessment approach to ensure you meet the required level of competence each year. You’ll be assessed through a combination of summative assessments and regular feedback to support your progress from entry to graduation. 

Assessments are integrated across three core domains- Knowledge, Skills, and Values & Behaviours (Professional Competencies)- within a modular structure. 

 

In addition to traditional assessments of knowledge and clinical skills, you’ll also build a continuous portfolio that reflects your development and learning journey throughout the programme. 

The assessments we employ in the curriculum are: 

1. Continuous Assessment- Regular coursework, including quizzes, group work and presentations and completion of their passport. The assessment will take place throughout the academic year and is pass/fail. Completion is necessary for students to process to written and skills assessments.
2. Examinations- Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written exam evaluate the students understanding of the knowledge acquired throughout the semesters. 100%.
3. Skills Assessments- Students will be participating in end of year exams assessing the skills and competencies acquired throughout the year. (100%) 

Our staff are focused not only on teaching our students, but also conducting high level internationally competitive research in the following key strategic areas: Medical Technologies, Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Therapies, Cancer Research, Neuroscience, Population Health, Cardiovascular Disease and Infection. The School of Medicine hosts several research centres including the Institute for Clinical Trials, the HRB Clinical Research Facility, the Centre for Pain Research, and the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland. Our researchers are also members of CURAM, a Research Ireland National Research Centre. 

Undergraduate Summer Research Programme 

 

Summer Research opportunities- Our Medicine programme includes an 8-week Summer Research Programme, where you work alongside leading doctors who are also researchers. You’ll explore real-world medical challenges—like cancer, heart disease, and stem cell therapies- and develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and writing research reports. Scholarships are available through the Health Research Board, School of Medicine, and University. This experience helps you understand how medical discoveries happen—and how they can improve patient care. 

Find out more: Undergraduate Summer Research Programme 

Course queries: 
schoolofmedicine@universityofgalway.ie    

How are places split between the five-year and the six-year programme?  

 A: The EU quota of places in GY501 (Medicine) is approximately 148 per year. The places are divided equally between the five-year and the six-year programme by the Admissions Officer and students will be informed of their stream after they accept their CAO offer.  

The 5-year programme has a strictly limited number of places and applicants are allocated places to this programme on the basis of the number of lab science subjects presented and the grades achieved in these subjects in their final school exam.  

There are some limited opportunities to apply to switch streams but it will be granted based on places available and meeting the minimum requirements. Further details on the allocation process are available here.  

 

Q: Can I transfer to the five-year programme after completing one year of another degree?  

A: Need to be completed

Minimum Entry Requirements: 6 Year Programme 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry [joint] or Agricultural Science), and any other subject recognised for entry purposes. 

Minimum Entry Requirements: 5 Year Programme 

In addition to the 6-year requirements, H4 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics/Chemistry, Agricultural Science.  

 Minimum CAO Points Requirement  

Applicants are required to present 480 CAO points from the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination. Applicants must achieve both the required subjects and the points in the same sitting. 

HPAT 
CAO applicants must complete the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT).  

Additional Requirements 
Students must satisfy the Garda/Police vetting and Medical Clearance requirements. 

Minimum A-Level Grades 
A*A*A* (AS) or equivalent combination plus HPAT-Ireland Test results. 

Medial Degree and PhD: 8 Year Programme 

Students entering the medical programme have the opportunity also to engage in a PhD degree through a period of dedicated research, so that after successful completion of a period that is likely to be eight years, both the medical degree and PhD are conferred. Students of the medical programme who are interested in doing a PhD will undergo a selection process at the mid-point of their medical studies. 

 Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme 

 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students 
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

 

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.   

 

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Ireland Healthcare Scholarships 

Optum Ireland is part of United Health Group (UHG) and has a significant operation in Letterkenny, County Donegal. 

This regional scholarship programme is delivered by Optum Ireland in partnership with the University of Galway and aims to promote diversity in higher education and contribute to culturally competent care by supporting young people from Donegal who come from less advantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. 

The regional program provides two dedicated scholarship to the University of Galway at the value of €25,000 for the term of the undergraduate course. GY501 Medicine is one of the designated courses and applicants to the programme are eligible to apply for the scholarship (in their Leaving Cert year).  

Find out more: Ireland Healthcare Scholarships 

Application Process 

International (Non-EU/UK) applicants to Medicine should apply though our one of our partner agents. The first step is to get in touch with an agent in your region to discuss the entry criteria and eligibility. Please see link below for contact details of agents in your region. 

Find out more:  Details of Regional Agents