Barts and The London Medical School Review: Rankings, Entry Requirements, and Canadian Tips
🎓 Introduction
As a Canadian looking at UK medical schools, Barts and The London offers something unique: a world-class medical education with a slightly more balanced, less overwhelming feel than some of the bigger-name London programs. It’s still highly competitive — but for many Canadian students, it’s a great fit.
📚 What to Expect at Barts
The Barts course blends science and clinical work from the start — but it really ramps up in later years.
🧪 Years 1–2: Mix of lectures, lab work, and early clinical skills
🏥 Year 3: Hospital and GP placements become your full-time focus
👶 Year 4: Specialized placements like paediatrics, psychiatry, and obs/gyn
🧑⚕️ Year 5: Final clinical prep and electives, including potential placements abroad
It's a structured but flexible journey through medicine — and you’re in London the entire time.
🏆 Rankings & Reputation
Barts and The London is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the UK.
Ranked Top 15 in the UK for Medicine (Complete University Guide 2025)
Known for strong graduate employment outcomes and student satisfaction
Part of Queen Mary University of London, a member of the prestigious Russell Group
Its deep NHS ties and long-standing presence in East London give it a unique identity among London med schools.
📌 Entry Pathway for Canadians
If you're applying from Canada, here's what to know:
UCAT: Try to score at least 2600, but remember — Barts scores both your UCAT and your school grades
High School Grades: You’ll need high 80s or 90s in Chemistry, Biology, and one more subject
No personal statement ranking — just UCAT + academic performance
It’s a good option if you’re academically strong but want some flexibility with your UCAT.
🗣️ What Students Say
“I chose Barts because I wanted to attend a university in London for the culture and range of things to do… Barts is also the only university to offer intercalation into a Masters after 4th year rather than a BSc. The cohort is also much smaller at 70 students pre‑covid which gives me the opportunity to get to know my whole year.”
– Student quoted on 6med
“I found these fun, at least if you like the group you are in… Once every other Thursday you have a GP placement which I found quite interesting at times!”
– First‑year student on The Medic Portal
🧑🎓 Student Societies & Support at Barts
Barts is known for its tight-knit medical school culture and incredibly active student societies. Whether you're looking for cultural familiarity, spiritual support, or just a place to make friends, there’s a space for you.
Some standout groups include:
🌙 Faith-Based Societies
Barts Islamic Society – Daily congregational prayers, Jummah on campus, Islamic lectures, charity campaigns (including Ramadan iftars)
QMUL Christian Union – Weekly Bible studies, outreach events, and faith discussions
QMUL Jewish Society (JSoc) – Friday night dinners, cultural events, and interfaith collaboration
QMUL Hindu Society – Aarti nights, cultural showcases, and Diwali celebrations
QMUL Sikh Society – Gurmat classes, langar events, and awareness campaigns
QMUL Buddhist Society – Meditation sessions, philosophy discussions, and interfaith events
QMUL Catholic Society – Masses, socials, and retreats for Catholic students
QMUL Atheist, Secular & Humanist Society – Open discussion spaces for non-religious students
🌍 Cultural & Regional Societies
QMUL Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian Societies – Regular cultural nights, food socials, Eid & Diwali events
Afro-Caribbean Society (BLACS) – Supporting Black students with socials, mentoring, and career support
Arab Society – A hub for Middle Eastern students with language and culture events
Canadian Society (QMUL-wide) – Occasional socials for students from or interested in Canada
Afghan, Malaysian, Chinese, Somali, and Nigerian Societies – Representing even more student voices and backgrounds
🩺 Medical & Academic Societies
BLSA (Barts and The London Students' Association) – Runs everything from medic sports teams to academic help sessions and club nights
Surgical Society, Anatomy Society, and Women in Healthcare – Focused events for aspiring clinicians
Global Health, Radiology, and NeuroSoc – For students wanting to go deep into their interests
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ and Intersectional Support
QMUL LGBTQ+ Society – Safe spaces, pride celebrations, and advocacy work
Women’s Society – Promotes female empowerment, career development, and community
Decolonise QMUL & Liberation Campaigns – Focused on inclusion, equity, and amplifying underrepresented student voices
At Barts, your identity isn’t something you have to tuck away — it’s something you can connect with proudly. Whether you’re praying Dhuhr between classes or organizing a cultural showcase, there’s a place for you here.
🌆 Life in East London
Studying at Barts means you’ll be based in Whitechapel, a vibrant, multicultural part of East London.
Affordable eats and a strong South Asian community make it feel familiar to many international students
You’ll be close to markets, halal food spots, and cafes popular with students
The Central Line and District Line put you 20 minutes from anywhere in London
It’s busier and grittier than central London, but for many students, it feels more real — and more like home.
🇨🇦 Canadian Applicant Tip
Canadian applicants: aim for 2600+ on your UCAT, but don’t panic if you're not at the top of the leaderboard. Barts also values high academic performance in Grade 12 sciences. UCAS deadline is October 15, and there's no interview if your total score doesn’t meet the cut, so prepare early and know where you stand.
🧭 Final Thoughts
It might not get as much hype as some London schools, but Barts delivers where it counts. The teaching, the placements, the support — it’s all here. You just have to show up, stay focused, and put in the work.
– Malik Ulch
