Brunel Medical School: A Practical Pathway for Canadian Applicants
I’m a Canadian student researching UK medical schools, and Brunel stood out as a new, London-based option with a close-knit feel. This review covers what matters for us: how the course runs, what entry looks like from Canada, what students say so far, and whether West London feels like a good home base for five years.
🏥 Learning at Brunel
Brunel’s MBBS is built around small-group teaching, early clinical exposure, and a strong emphasis on communication and professional skills.
📅 Year 1 – Core biomedical sciences, anatomy, and clinical skills training, with community placements starting in the first term.
📅 Year 2 – Systems-based modules integrating pathology, pharmacology, and more advanced clinical skills, plus continued GP and hospital placements.
🏥 Year 3 – Full-time clinical rotations in hospital and primary care settings across West London and nearby NHS trusts.
🏥 Year 4 – Specialist rotations including paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics & gynaecology, and surgical sub-specialties, alongside a research or elective opportunity.
🎓 Year 5 – Preparation for practice with assistantships, shadowing foundation doctors, and final exams.
🌱 New Name, Growing Recognition
Brunel Medical School opened in 2022, so it isn’t yet listed in major UK medical school rankings like the Guardian or Complete University Guide. While its position in formal league tables is still to come, the school benefits from Brunel University London’s broader reputation for research and innovation. The MBBS has been designed to meet GMC requirements from day one, and early feedback from students points to strong facilities and supportive teaching.
📊 Canadian Entry Snapshot – Brunel MBBS
UCAT: Required – aim for 70th–75th percentile+
Grades: 85–90%+ average in Grade 12 Biology and Chemistry, plus strong GPA
English: IELTS 7.0 overall, no component below 7.0 (unless exempt)
Interview: MMI format, online available
Extras: Volunteering/shadowing in healthcare settings recommended
🗣️ Real Student Quotes
"The facilities are state-of-the-art—you can tell everything was designed with modern medical training in mind." – u/brunelmed2026, Reddit
"Being part of the first few cohorts means there are still things being fine-tuned, but the staff are responsive to feedback." – MedStudentLondon, The Student Room
"Placements in West London offer a really diverse patient mix, which is great for building communication skills." – brunelMBBSstudent, Reddit
🧑🎓 Student Societies & Support
Brunel University London’s Students’ Union offers an extensive range of societies to help you find your people beyond the lecture hall. Faith-based groups include the Islamic Society, Christian Union, Jewish Society, Hindu Society, Sikh Society, Buddhist Society, and Catholic Society. Cultural communities range from the Afro-Caribbean Society and South Asian Society to smaller regional clubs celebrating music, traditions, and food. Identity-based groups include the LGBTQ+ Society, Women in Medicine, and the Mature Students’ Network. On the academic side, you’ll find the Medical Society, Surgical Society, and other specialist medical interest groups.
As someone reviewing this as a Canadian Muslim student, I appreciate how Brunel creates spaces where students from all backgrounds can feel represented—whether you’re praying between lectures, attending a cultural showcase, or joining a medical society event.
🌆 City Life in West London
Living near Brunel means you’re in Uxbridge, a lively corner of West London with quick access to the capital’s best. The town centre has cafés, shopping, and cinemas, while halal food is easy to find—spots like Meat & Shake and Roosters Piri Piri are student favourites. With the Underground’s Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines, central London’s museums, theatres, and nightlife are under an hour away. You also have Heathrow Airport nearby for weekend getaways.
🇨🇦 Canadian Applicant Tip
Brunel expects a strong UCAT and solid academics—there’s no backdoor entry. If your UCAT is weak, your chances drop fast, so prioritise prep well before the application cycle.
✅ Pros
Modern facilities purpose-built for medical training
Small cohorts for personalised teaching and feedback
Diverse clinical placements across West London
Easy access to central London’s opportunities and resources
Location near Heathrow for travel flexibility
⚠️ Cons
New school without an established graduate track record
UCAT required with competitive score expectations
London living costs can be high compared to other UK cities
🧭 Final Thoughts
As a new medical school, Brunel offers Canadians the chance to be part of something growing and innovative. Pairing a strong UCAT with solid academics and relevant experience will set you up to take full advantage of its modern training environment and London-based placements.
– Malik Ulch
