Choosing between Oxford and Cambridge Medicine

Both Oxford and Cambridge Universities are top academic institutions which consistently perform highly in global league tables generally and specifically for Medicine. The course is very similar at both universities, with both adopting a traditional approach that emphasises the science underpinning medicine in the first few years. Teaching is delivered similarly at both medical schools.

Students’ personal preferences - i.e. the local amenities, city size and distance from home - often influence their decision on where to apply. Visiting the cities, even if virtually on Google Maps, is probably the best way to get a feel for where you would feel happiest for the next 6 years (or more!), but most students are very happy wherever they eventually end up.

One unique selling point of the Oxford course is the Final Honours School (FHS) component which allows students to conduct a lab project and potentially contribute to current scientific knowledge. Conversely, at Cambridge there is a much greater range of subjects available in the third year. Indeed many students choose to intercalate in something non-medical and greatly benefit from it.

Here are the main factors you may wish to consider before applying.