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Postgraduate

MD in

Medical Sciences

The MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a higher research degree awarded to medical professionals.

Course length 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Start date October start recommended (Other options: January, April or July)
Location University of Hull or University of York (depending on your supervisor's employing university)

Introduction

About the MD

The MD (Doctor of Medicine) gives you the opportunity to conduct a substantial independent research project which will lead to an original contribution to knowledge. You can work in a wide range of areas – our current students are researching topics as diverse as treatment of lower limb varicose veins, HIV microbicides, and outcomes of bariatric surgery. Throughout your degree, you will be supervised by a leading expert in the field and supported by a Thesis Advisory Panel.

An MD project will draw upon your clinical experience and expertise and addresses issues of diagnosis or management in a clinical environment. If you have an idea for a research project that doesn't address these areas, you should consider doing a PhD instead.

The MD can be studied full-time or part-time. Many MD students have existing clinical commitments alongside their studies. The full-time MD is suitable if you can devote a significant amount of study time per week (at least 35 hours) alongside your clinical work.

If your clinical work is demanding or you have limited study time, you should consider studying part-time. If you have full-time clinical commitments, you must study part-time. Part-time study is at least 17.5 hours per week.

You will register at the university where your principal supervisor works, and you will have access to facilities and support at both our parent universities – Hull and York. All of our degrees are awarded by both the University of Hull and University of York.

Previously awarded research theses are available on the HYDRA digital repository.

Entry

Entry requirements

For entry to our MD programme, applicants must:

  • have obtained either an MB or BS degree from a UK medical school or equivalent or hold a medical degree from any other university that is recognised for registration by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom
  • have been practising medicine for a minimum of two years after graduation

English language requirements

If you're a non-native English speaking applicant you must provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept any of the following:

  • IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
  • CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
  • TOEFL: 87, with no less than 21 in each component
  • Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components

You do not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities if certain conditions apply. Check English language exceptions on the University of York website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Funding

Applying

How to apply

You might already have a specific supervisor or project in mind, or maybe you're thinking more about an area of study rather than a specific project. Whichever route you're considering, here are some starting points:

  • Find a supervisor: search our research centres and groups to find a supervisor who works in your field
  • Contact your potential supervisor: if you’re generating your own research project, seek guidance on its suitability

Applications are made on the University of York website:

Apply for the MD in Medical Sciences

We advise to apply at least 8 weeks before your intended start date (or earlier if you are an international student to allow for visa applications).

We recommend all prospective students to visit the University of York website for full details of how to apply.