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Why Medicine at University of Galway?

Established in 1845, University of Galway has over 175 years’ experience of teaching and research across a wide range of academic disciplines. We are one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities. With over 19,000 students, today the University is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading research-led communities with a commitment to top-quality, world-class teaching. Our medical graduates are highly sought-after doctors, practicing medicine in healthcare facilities across the globe.

Unique opportunities

We offer a five and six-year Undergraduate Medicine Programme, with entry pathways for school leavers, matures applicants and entry pathways through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). Students who join our Undergraduate Medical Degree Programme, will have an additional opportunity to apply for and complete an eight-year PhD Programme, or a joint Undergraduate Degree in Medicine and Engineering.

Graduate attributes

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.

Early patient contact and simulation

Our modern curriculum has a strong focus on early patient contact, and we offer excellent opportunities in research and international electives. Our students learn through a fully integrated curriculum, modern learning technologies and hi-fidelity simulation, all of which enhance the strong emphasis on the clinical learning environment.

Global community

A student at NUI Galway will learn from the world’s best with access to a global community of teaching and research active staff. Our international colleagues represent 35% of the total NUI Galway staff, from 45 countries. Our staff are committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our local, national and global communities, through world class research and providing the healthcare leaders of the future. Students’ will learn from lecturers who are at the forefront of the latest medical research, and will have access to a strong international alumni network (100,000+), who are making waves across the world and having a demonstrable impact on education, industry and healthcare around the world.

Med-tech global research hub

We are a world leader and a global research hub for the Med-Tech industry, with 8 of the world’s top 10 med-tech companies based in Galway. Research at NUI Galway is changing the world, and we boast more of the world’s most influential scientific minds than any other Irish city. Our reputation for impactful research is growing internationally, and we have the highest success rate in Ireland for acquisition of European Union Research funding.

Student-Centred University

NUI Galway is a student-centred university, with a strong reputation for the provision of support services for international students. We are an institution that has places a strong focus on the student experience, and student well-being is a key priority. Our students enjoy a vibrant student life and you will have the opportunity to make new friends, learn a language, or start a new sport by joining one of our 85 student societies, including our award winning MedSoc, and over 40 sports clubs. NUI Galway are the only medical school to have an orchestra, and our members have performed internationally and premiered original works.

Volunteering and Mentoring

We encourage our students to actively participate in Volunteering and extracurricular activities both on and off campus, through the NUI Galway ALIVE Programme, to facilitate the development of professional and personal skills. The School of Medicine delivers a successful student Mentoring Programme, which provides support, both pastoral and professional, to all our students, as they progress through their medical education.

Study and Work Abroad

We offer our medical students the opportunity to Study and Work Abroad through exchange partnerships with global industry, university and research partners. Our ERASMUS Program, provides third year students with the opportunity to complete three months of Clinical Rotations at one of our seven partner medical schools in Germany, France, Switzerland, Sweden and Northern Ireland.

International Electives

Students also have the opportunity to participate in International Electives across the world. The School of Medicine has formal Elective Partnerships in the USA, Canada, Spain, China and Africa and have access to International Elective Portals, to help students facilitate their own Elective opportunities.

Undergraduate Summer Research Programme

As a research-led institution, our students also have the opportunity to participate in research, through our structured 12 week Undergraduate Summer Research Programme. Students who join the Programme will receive academic expertise and supervision from staff in the School of Medicine, Galway University Hospitals and Medical Academies. The Programme is an excellent opportunity for experienced or first time undergraduate researchers to undertake a summer project to enhance their knowledge and research skills in a particular subject area, or explore a new area of research. The Programme concludes with our Annual Research Day and Poster Symposium.