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If you have already completed a degree programme, you may wish to build upon your experience and training to date, and complete an additional degree in medicine. As long as you achieved a minimum of a 2.1 in any degree, you will be eligible to apply to a medical school which delivers a graduate-entry programme. It is your overall performance in your previous degree, which is counted. Many graduates who have entered graduate-entry programmes have benefitted from the broad skills of time-management, and familiarity with assessment and exams, which they have developed through their primary degree.

I already have a degree - can I still become a doctor?

Yes - there are four courses in Ireland specifically tailored for graduates and are of four years’ duration. These programmes are available in the following medical schools -

Does the subject of my primary degree matter?

No - If you already hold a degree, and achieved a minimum of a 2.1 in your degree, then you are eligible to apply. The subject of your primary degree does not matter as there is no evidence to suggest that holders of, for example science-related degrees perform any better than holders of non-science degrees. As part of the individual entry requirements to the four programmes listed above, you may be required to pass an additional test and/or meet with an interview panel. You should refer to each medical school’s prospectus for their specific requirements.

I am an international graduate – am I eligible to apply to a graduate entry programme?

Yes - you should refer to the medical schools for their specific entry requirements.

What medical programmes are accredited by the Medical Council?

The following Irish medical schools are accredited by the Medical Council:

  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) – Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin (RCSI Dublin) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD) - Direct Entry Programme
  • University College Cork (UCC) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • University College Dublin (UCD) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • University of Limerick (UL) - Graduate Entry Programme

The following overseas medical schools are accredited by the Medical Council:

  • Perdana University (RCSI Perdana) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Malaysia Campus (RCSI Malaysia) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) - Direct Entry Programme
  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) – Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin (RCSI Dublin) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD) - Direct Entry Programme
  • University College Cork (UCC) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • University College Dublin (UCD) - Direct Entry & Graduate Entry Programme
  • University of Limerick (UL) - Graduate Entry Programme

The following overseas medical schools are accredited by the Medical Council:

  • Perdana University (RCSI Perdana) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Malaysia Campus (RCSI Malaysia) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) - Direct Entry Programme

The following overseas medical schools are accredited by the Medical Council:

  • Perdana University (RCSI Perdana) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Malaysia Campus (RCSI Malaysia) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Perdana University (RCSI Perdana) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Malaysia Campus (RCSI Malaysia) - Direct Entry Programme
  • Royal College of Surgeons, Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) - Direct Entry Programme