Intercalating at Edinburgh Medical School

All undergraduate medicine students at Edinburgh Medical School undertake a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSci ) in Year 3 of the MBChB programme.  This intercalated year offers students the opportunity to research an area of interest to them, acquire valuable new skills, and gain experience in aspects of academic medicine.

We welcome applications from external medical students wishing to intercalate here at Edinburgh Medical School.

Please note: If you currently have an outstanding/unresolved Fitness to Practise case at your home institution, we cannot consider your application.

Honour programmes available to external applicants for 2026/27

Further information on each of our programmes can be found by clicking on the programme titles below.

How to apply

Applications for 2026 academic entry are now open. The deadline for submission is 1 February 2026.

External students who wish to apply are required to complete our online application form.

External applicants who are applying to intercalate after their second year in their parent programme will be required to provide evidence of their senior secondary school achievement, for example:  SQA Advanced Highers, A Levels, International Baccalaureate Higher Level, etc.

Please note that places are limited.  

MSc Physical Activity for Health

In addition to the above BMedSci programmes, we also have a one-year MSc available to external medicine students.

Are you passionate about promoting global health?

As a future doctor, you have the power to tackle one of the world's most pressing health challenges. Physical inactivity has reached pandemic levels, contributing to countless preventable deaths and chronic diseases worldwide. Our MSc Physical Activity for Health equips you with specialised expertise to become an expert in this critical field.

Why this MSc is perfect for medical students

Enhance your clinical practice: Gain evidence-based knowledge to confidently prescribe physical activity as medicine, helping your patients prevent and manage conditions from diabetes to depression.

Stand out in your career: Develop a unique specialisation that sets you apart in an increasingly competitive medical landscape. Physical activity promotion is a rapidly growing field with wide-ranging career opportunities.

Address root causes: Move beyond treating symptoms to tackling the underlying causes of non-communicable diseases that affect millions globally.

Leadership opportunities: Position yourself at the forefront of public health policy and community health initiatives, where doctors play an increasingly vital role.

What you'll gain

This intensive one-year programme provides advanced academic training that bridges the gap between clinical medicine and public health. You'll master the evidence behind physical activity interventions, understand global health policy frameworks, and develop practical skills to implement change at individual and population levels.

Ideal timing for your medical journey

Designed specifically for medical students ready to intercalate after at least three years of their MBChB/MBBS programme. This timing allows you to integrate your clinical knowledge with cutting-edge physical activity research, creating a powerful combination for your future practice.

Entry requirements

• Currently enrolled in a medical degree (MBChB/MBBS or equivalent)
• Completed at least 3 years of medical training
• Achieved minimum 2:1 honours degree equivalent at first attempt

Ready to apply?

Applications open October 2025 for 2026 entry. Apply through our degree finder webpage using code PTMSCPHACH1F for the 1-year full-time MSc option.the 

MSc Physical Activity for Health