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Employability and Young People

There are many different routes which enable people to start a career within the NHS. In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we aim to offer a variety of opportunities. Some will help individuals make career choices by providing an insight into the various roles within our organisation and others will support people to develop knowledge and skills that may assist them into future employment.

Get Ready For…

Medicine 2026 Programme – NEW DATES OPENED FOR APPLICATIONS

The programme of activity for Get Ready for Medicine will take place as follows:

January to March

  • S2- S4 – Online evening lecture events
  • S5, S6, gap year and access students and postgraduate applicants planning October applications – half day careers insight workshops.

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February to June

S2- S4 – NHSGGC will support delivery of Medic Insight Glasgow Programme (please make sure you are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms as we don’t administer this programme)

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NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde will be running Get Ready for Medicine events for senior phase school pupils, living or studying in our catchment area and planning to apply to medical school through UCAS in October 2026.  These events have been designed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and have replaced traditional “shadowing” for work experience. 

This will include:
– In-person workshop events at the NHS Scotland Skills and Simulation Centre in Glasgow.

            These will give experience of medical school style tutorials, ethics discussions and some practical sessions such as blood-taking on manikins and basic life support.

– An online lecture evening “Is medicine for me?” 

– Face-to-Face Work Experience Workshops: Get Ready for Medicine

This event open to senior phase pupils who are applying to medical school next October who hasn’t previously attended a GRfM workshop event. 

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GET READY FOR MEDICINE S5/S6/Adults apply to medical school Oct 2026

S5/6 week programme: applications now opened,

JANUARY – S5/S6/Adults workshops Get ready for medicine on the 30th January AM 9.00am – 12.00pm/ PM 13.00pm – 16.00pm 

FEBUARY – S5/S6/Adults workshops  Get ready for medicine on the 13th February AM 9.00am – 12.00pm/ PM 13.00pm – 16.00pm

Closing date will be Monday 19th Jan 2026

STEP INTO MEDICINE S2-S4

S2-S4

  • S2- S4 evening Step into Medicine – ‘Is medicine for me’.   7.00pm – 8.00pm

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Online information session

Thinking of a career as a doctor?

For S2-S4 pupils.

From choosing your Nat 5 subjects to sitting Nat 5s we can help.

Date: January 2026 (evening date TBC)

Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Please see the following new NHS guidance:

Your Med Future | NHSScotland Careers

We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms (i.e. Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students.

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This event is open to anyone who is applying to medical school next October who hasn’t previously attended a GRfM workshop event. 

We would also advise you to look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure you are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms ( ie Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students. See more details below:

Medic Insight Glasgow – YouTube

Other Resources

You can visit the Becoming a Doctor webpage and YouCanBeADoctor to view content that may help you gain insight and support your application to study medicine.

Read what the Medical Schools Council advises on the type of work experience needed to support your application to study Medicine. You should also visit the entry requirement pages of the university you wish to apply to for detailed information about the application process.

Please Click Here for more information regarding Get Ready For Medicine Programme.

Thinking about becoming a doctor in the NHS in Scotland?

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S2 – S4 Video for Get Ready for Medicine 

*** New Video for S2 – S4 Is Medicine for me ***

NHSGGC – How to get into Medical School and what help is available? 

*** New Video NHSGGC – How to get into Medical School and what help is available? ***

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***Please note that NHSGGC does not host “Shadowing” within a number of professions including Medicine. All requests for careers insight, to source placements or support self found placements for Medicine will be re directed to the Get Ready for Medicine Programme.***

Nursing 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed

The NHSGGC Get Ready for Nursing Programme is a 1 day face to face programme delivered by NHS and Educational Professionals to support your UCAS application to study Nursing or Midwifery.

This is only open to senior phase pupils (S5/S6) on track and with an intention to pursue a career in Nursing. Priority for places to those submitting an application via UCAS for enrolment in the next academic year.

This programme will run on 3 separate dates (16th, 17th & 19th June). Applicants are only required to attend one session and will be asked to select a preferred date.

The Get Ready for Nursing Programme has been postponed until later in the year. Any applications do not need to be resubmitted and we are still taking new applications. Further clarity of dates to follow.

The programme delivered by NHSGGC Nursing Staff and colleagues form Universities and Colleges. 

Activities include:

Discussion workshops hosted by Nursing and University/College Admissions teams:

  • the application process for Nursing and Midwifery
  • life as a Student
  • life as a Nurse or Midwife
  • Career Pathways within Nursing

Click here to find out more about Nursing Professions or visit https://www.careers.nhs.scot/careers/explore-our-careers/nursing/

Thinking of Studying Midwifery? 

Click here to find out more about Midwifery as a profession or visit https://www.careers.nhs.scot/careers/explore-our-careers/midwifery/

Physiotherapy 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed ( under review so running self found placements at present)

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are running Get Ready for Physiotherapy events for all school pupils, school leavers, gap year students and postgraduates living or studying in our catchment area and planning to apply to Physiotherapy courses through UCAS in 2026.  These events have been designed to replaced traditional “shadowing” for work experience. 

The intention is to deliver a meaningful programme of activity that will give participants more to speak about within your application and at interview.

The programme delivered by NHSGGC Newly Qualified and Experienced Physiotherapy staff.

Activities include:

Discussion workshops that include

  • the application process for Physiotherapy
  • life as a Student
  • life as a Physiotherapist
  • career pathways within Physiotherapy

Dates:

This will include 2 virtual sessions each year:

This has replaced the in person sessions. The content of these sessions will include advice on entry requirements and presentations from different areas of physiotherapy. This event open to anyone who is applying to study Physio in October 2025 who hasn’t previously attended a physio placement. We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below.

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Dates to be confirmed ( under review so running self found placements at present)

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Click Here to find out more about the profession or visit https://www.careers.nhs.scot/careers/explore-our-careers/allied-health-professions/physiotherapist/

Click Here to find out more about other careers in NHS Allied Health Professions or visit https://www.careers.nhs.scot/careers/explore-our-careers/allied-health-professions/

Podiatry 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Podiatry Programme 

Ready to consider the future? Could Podiatry be the career for you? 

Stay curious and join us on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Podiatry programme to find out more.    

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Podiatry programme is a timetabled opportunity delivered by the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Podiatry Service in collaboration with Higher Education Institutions and offers a hybrid experience to explore Podiatry as a profession. 

This programme will offer a unique work experience opportunity for all who are considering Podiatry as a career option whether this be as a qualified podiatrist returning to practice, a school leaver or mature student 

The programme will be delivered in 2 parts with the online element & the in-person element (successful candidates will be allocated a half day slot on one of the dates for the in-person session) 

Within this opportunity we will offer a virtual session to explore the following: 

         The podiatry profession 

         Podiatry in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

         Guidance on routes of access to Podiatry courses 

We will also offer in person work experience in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde including the following: 

         Experience of clinical environment 

         Observation of patient care delivery 

         Observation of the use of podiatric equipment  

Click here to find out more about the podiatry profession or visit https://www.careers.nhs.scot/careers/explore-our-careers/allied-health-professions/podiatrist/ 

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*** Applications for 2025 now Closed : Awaiting 2026 dates ***

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Dietetics 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Dietetics Programme 

Your Future Starts Here! NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, in collaboration with Scottish Higher Education Institutions, invites you to Get Ready for Dietetics – a virtual experience designed to ignite your passion and prepare you for a career in dietetics. Whether you’re a school pupil, school leaver, gap year student, or postgraduate planning to apply for a dietetic degree in Scotland via UCAS, this is your chance to explore the profession in a meaningful and accessible way.

What to expect:

A live online session (1.5–2.5 hours) via MS Teams A comprehensive overview of the dietetic profession and our services.

A glimpse into a ‘typical day’ in the life of a Dietitian Signposting to valuable resources and guidance

A chance to ask questions and hear from newly qualified and experienced Dietitians

A certificate of attendance to support your UCAS application Sessions are held twice per year, aligned with UCAS application and university clearing timelines.

Learn more about becoming a Dietitian:

Dietitian | NHSScotland Careers

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Useful Links

https://www.careers.nhs.scot/explore-careers/allied-health-professions/dietitian/

https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/dietetics/

https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/services-a-to-z/dietetics/dietetics-professional-development/

https://www.bda.uk.com/

https://www.bda.uk.com/about-dietetics.html

https://www.careers.nhs.scot/blog/ahps-behind-the-scenes-exploring-the-role-of-a-dietitian/

https://www.instagram.com/nhsggcdietitians/

https://www.facebook.com/nhsggcdietitians

https://x.com/NHSGGCDiet

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Orthotics 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Orthotics Programme 

***Details to follow***

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Useful Links

Orthotist | NHSScotland Careers

Orthotic technician | Health Careers

Speech and Language 2026 Programme – Dates to be confirmed

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Get Ready for Speech and Language Programme 

***Details to follow***

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Useful Links

Speech and language therapist | Health Careers

Medical Physics / Clinical Engineering 2026 Programme – NEW

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering will
be holding an open day on Saturday 24 January 2026 10:00 – 15:30 on the Gartnavel
Campus (1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN).

This open day will be aimed at anyone interested in learning more about the role that
medical physics and clinical engineering plays in healthcare
, but in particular those
thinking about a career in those areas. It will give you insight into the day-to-day workings of
a medical physics / clinical engineering department, as well as giving you an opportunity to
tour some of our facilities which aren’t usually open to the public.

To register your interest and be notified when tickets are available, please complete this
form. Tickets will be limited (maximum 60), and will be made available from Tuesday 5th
January.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST : Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Open Day Registration 2026

The purpose of this form is to collect data to populate a mailing list and allow NHS Greater
Glasgow & Clyde to notify you of upcoming career events. The data collected will be used
solely for this purpose. For information on your data rights please see our Privacy Notice
Data Protection & Privacy – NHSGGC. If you would like to withdraw your consent after
completing the form, please e-mail claire.tarbert@nhs.scot.

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Useful Links

Medical physicist | NHSScotland Careers

Clinical or medical technology in medical physics | Health Careers

Allied health professional (AHP) 2026 Programme – Still in development

AHP careers and recruitment

Find out more about AHP Careers
  • My World of Work – My World of Work | – information and job profiles on AHP careers as well as access to course searches
  • NHS Education for Scotland/NHS Careers Scotland have developed a series of careers resources to highlight the range of careers available as an Allied Health Professional which were launched on the 14th of October.
  • The below downloadable poster also includes a career routes infographic. 
Explore our Careers

Allied heath professions careers animation

Career Promotion Resources

Here are some other career promotion resources you might find helpful.                           

Speech and Language Therapy  

  • RCOT:  website  guides and presentations for people wanting to promote occupational therapy careers.

Dietetics  

Orthoptics

Occupational Therapy

You will find information about what Occupational Therapists do and how to become one, as well as stories and videos from Occupational Therapists about why they love their career. The Choose OT website is the resource that we share with people interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist, including school pupils.  

  •  Resources for careers talks  

RCOT: We also have resources on our website for people wanting to promote occupational therapy careers. These include guides and presentations for giving careers talks in schools and videos of  occupational therapists sharing their career stories.   

Therapeutic Radiography

 Podiatry 

Prosthetics and Orthotics 

Physiotherapy

Arts Therapy 

Music Therapy 

Drama Therapy 

Paramedics 

Dental 2026 Programme – Still in development

Dental careers and recruitment

  • My World of Work – My World of Work | – information and job profiles on Dental careers as well as access to course searches
  • NHS Education for Scotland/NHS Careers Scotland have developed a series of careers resources to highlight the range of careers available

How to become a dental nurse

Dental nurse | NHSScotland Careers

How to become a dental technician

Dental technician | NHSScotland Careers

How to become a dental therapist

Dental therapist | NHSScotland Careers

How to become a dentist

Dentist | NHSScotland Careers

Is your team interested is setting up a Careers insight programme if so please complete Careers insight Creation form 2026 – Fill in form and we will be in touch to support your team as best we can.

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Other Pathways

Senior Phase Pupils/Adults – Self Found if no Get Ready Programme

If there is no Get Ready Programme covering your field of interest then applicants are required to source placements by themselves i.e. we do not match applicants to host supervisors. A request for this type of placement should be made directly to the department of interest who will negotiate the content and length of the placement. If a placement can be accommodated the host department will contact the Learning and Education team to confirm the arrangements.

Once you have identified a department and host supervisor you should complete the Self-Found Placement Request

In order to access a placement within NHSGGC (even if you have identified a host department by yourself) pupils must complete the Self-Found Placement Request.

The NHS GGC supervisor will then confirm the placement by complete the Supervisor Confirmation Form. By completing these form you are agreeing that the placement will commence.

If you have any enquiries in relation to your request please contact us at email: ggc.earlycareers@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Visiting Electives Programme/Internships

Please note that medical students interested in applying for an elective placement should link directly with the University of Glasgow as follows:
 
University of Glasgow
Wolfson Medical School Building
University Avenue
Glasgow, G12 8QQ

Tel +44 (0) 141 330 8023 For the information on University of Glasgow the Visiting Electives Programme, please click here .
http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/medicine/mus/visitingelectives/#/generalapplicationinformation,howtoapply,conta

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Please note that the Early Careers Team does not deal with  

Please use the links for more information on these areas. 

Administration Career pathway Toolkit

The Career & Education Pathway Toolkit is a visual guide that help identify the relevant requirements for each admin post within PAT (Professional Administration Transformation) admin family. Covering from modern apprentice through each of the bandings up to senior management levels. It can help with career progression or upskilling in your current role.

Other Resources

If you are a school leaver, please visit the DYW Skills Academyopens a new window to see the offer of online events to support you moving into work.

The My World of Work websiteopens a new window has a range of resources and career learning opportunities for over 2000 young people.

NHS Scotland Careers

Explore the exciting, challenging and rewarding career opportunities in the NHS in Scotlandopens a new window

Young People’s Mental Health

With everything going on right now, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and carry on talking about mental health.

The Seeme Scotland websiteopens a new window has a range of resources you can access.

Young Scotopens a new window is Scotland’s National Youth Information Service and have a range of activities and resources you can access.

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Main workstreams

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Contact the Employability Team

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Further Information

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NHSGGC Get Ready for Medicine Programme

What is the “Get Ready for Medicine” Programme?

The Get Ready for Medicine programme, developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow Medical School, is a two-day programme that supports senior phase school pupils and adults applying for post-graduate or access programme entry schemes (eg SCOTGEMSWAP) to apply to medical school. The intention is to deliver a meaningful programme of activity that will give participants more to speak about within their medical school application and at interview.

The programme is delivered by NHSGGC Consultants, Junior Doctors and University of Glasgow Medical Students in an NHSGGC Hospital. 

Activities include:

Discussion workshops hosted by doctors, medical students and medical school staff:

  • On the application process for medicine
  • Life at medical school
  • Life as a doctor 
  • Career pathways within medicine. 

Hands on clinical skills workshops that include:

  • Giving experience of blood taking
  • Suturing (stitching)
  • Patient observations
  • Basic life support. 

Can’t I just do a week’s work experience instead?

Medical work experience used to simply refer to “shadowing” doctors in the workplace – either in hospital or in a GP practice.  It has now been recognised that far more important than “what you have done” is “what you have learned from it”. 

Within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde all medical work experience now takes place as part of an organised programme. 

Other Programmes

When can I apply for the Get Ready for Medicine Programme?

Get Ready for Medicine programmes will take place as follows:

August to September: Online evening lecture events & half day workshops for S6 pupils making applications in October

January to March: Online evening lecture events & half day work experience workshops for S5, gap year and access students and postgraduate applicants planning October applications

June to July: NHS GGC will support delivery of Medic Insight Glasgow Programme (please make sure you are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms)

Sept 2025 Programme Applications now CLOSED – 2026 dates still to be released

Get Ready for Medicine Work Experience Workshops. 

This even open to anyone who is applying to medical school next October who hasn’t previously attended a GRfM workshop event. 

We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms ( ie Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students. See more details below:

Please note that NHSGGC does not host “Shadowing” within a number of professions including Medicine. All requests for work experience, to source placements or support self found placements for Medicine will be re directed to the Get Ready for Medicine Programme.

Other Resources

We would also advise to make sure you have a look at the information below for the Reach Programme and Medic Insight Glasgow Programme. Also make sure are following Medic Insight Glasgow social media platforms (i.e. Facebook) for the Medic Insight Glasgow Programme and some Guidance for aspiring doctors from current medical students. See more details below:

You can visit the Becoming a Doctor webpage and YouCanBeADoctor to view content that may help you gain insight and support your application to study medicine.

Other Programmes
Reach Programme

Reach is a national project funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) which aims to support eligible S4-S6 pupils in local state secondary schools. who are considering pursuing degrees or careers in law, medicine or veterinary medicine. 

Pupils’ participation in the programme takes place over the three years of their senior phase (S4 to S6), and covers everything from introducing pupils to medicine in S4 to supporting their applications to University to study medicine in S6.

Scotland has five medical schools: Glasgow, EdinburghSt Andrews, Dundee and Aberdeen and all five take part in Reach,  specifically focused on widening access to medical degrees to students from Scotland’s poorest neighbourhoods. 

The Reach programme will offer you encouragement, and impartial advice on medicine as a career, as well as give you guidance on school subject choices.

They will also help you with all aspects of the UCAS application process.

Medic Insight

Medic Insight is a programme that offers week-long or day events to fourth and fifth-year school students in Scotland who are interested in becoming doctors. The programme allows the opportunity for these students to sit in on consultations, go to theatre and provide access to a wide range of specialities and levels of clinicians in a hospital setting.

There are programmes in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. If you would like more information or wish to apply, please visit the Medic Insight Facebook pages:

Medic Insight Edinburgh.Facebook Page

Medic Insight Glasgow Facebook page

Medic Insight Dundee Facebook Page

Work experience requirements when applying to study medicine

When applying to medical school the important thing is not so much what you have done for work experience but what you have learned from it and how that has given you a better understanding into the career. 

That means that someone who has never been into a hospital but has read lots, spoken to healthcare staff and maybe done some volunteering or worked a part-time job dealing with the public, and who can talk about these things widely, may perform much better at application and interview than someone who has spent many days shadowing doctors but who cannot describe what this taught them about being a doctor, working in the NHS and looking after patients.

Read what the Medical Schools Council advise on the type of work experience needed to support your application to study Medicine.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has launched a free online platform, Observe GP, designed to support aspiring medics in making informed career choices and in preparing their application for medical school.

The General Medical Council (GMC) also offer a number of online resources which will help you gain insight into role of a Doctor including a virtual reality Patient Journey in a GP Practice

Can I get work experience in a Hospital?

Rather than ad hoc work shadowing or work experience for medicine, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde delivers their Get Ready for Medicine Programme in collaboration with the University of Glasgow School of Medicine. 

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So you have decided to study Medicine…

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Main workstreams

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Contact the Employability Team

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Further Information

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While watching videos cannot fully replace real-world experience and conversations with health professionals, we have created some resources to guide your own reflections on what you are seeing. By working through these you will take away some important learning points about how the whole team interacts in a hospital environment and how both patients and staff may feel about certain scenarios.

How to use these resources

For each video we have set a number of questions in the documents attached.  We would encourage you to come up with your own answers first, and then to look through our thoughts beneath. Remember – there is rarely a “right” or a “wrong” answer but the truth normally lies somewhere in the middle. It is important to have a reason for any answer you give however so that you can back it up if challenged on it at interview. 

Remember also that our own “answers” here are far from complete and are simply designed to stimulate further thought and reading around the topics. For some of the videos we also suggest which supplementary “student interviews” are worth watching and are related to that particular scenario.

We hope you enjoy the videos and find these reflection materials useful and thought provoking.

Introduction to Virtual Ward Rounds
Chest Pain and Learning How to Perform Procedures
Leg Cellulitis and Taking a Patient Medical History
Wrist Fracture and Bedside Teaching
Drug Prescribing and Management of Errors
Acute Asthma and Simulation Training
Multi Disciplinary Team Work

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It is almost impossible to describe “life as a doctor”. After finishing medical school the potential career pathways are so varied that no two doctors follow the exact same route. 

There are obviously the roles which are well known and most commonly seen in the media – for example General Practice, Accident and Emergency, Surgery, Paediatrics, but there are also a huge number of other specialties which are equally important but less visible such as laboratory specialties (pathology, biochemistry, microbiology), radiology, and occupational health. Each role has its own necessary skills and so there really is a potential job for everyone within medicine.

Remember that no matter what specialty you pursue there will be further studying and exams and it often takes around 10 years after graduation from medical school before being a fully qualified specialist in your particular field.  

Below are a number of videos from doctors in a range of specialties to give a flavour of the career after medical school.

Sources – You Can Be A Doctor, NHS Education for Scotland, NHS Lothian, Golden Jubilee National Hospital and NHSGGC/MOGWAI

Being a Junior Doctor in Scotland
Roberta: Trainee General Practitioner (GP)
Andrew: Consultant Anaesthetist Critical Care
Accordion item1

Thom: Paediatrics Clinical Fellow/Clinical Research
https://youtu.be/bGpk1tLCTM8
Hazel: Consultant in Older Peoples Medicine
Colin: Consultant Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)
Kathleen: Trainee in Palliative (End of Life) Care
Adam: Consultant Anaesthetist Obstetrics
Nat and Thalia: Foundation Doctors in Acute Receiving
Dr Robot: Medicine and Technology
Surgical Robot – Colorectal Surgery
Surgical Robot – Orthopaedic Surgery

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So you have decided to study medicine

Currently there are around 10 applicants for every available place at Medical School and achieving the grades required for entry is not enough. Your personal qualities are just as important as your academic ability and medical schools want applicants to show evidence of commitment, ability to work effectively under pressure, team-working skills, leadership and compassion.

The following resourses are designed to support you in your journey to Medical School.

Do I have the right grades in the right subjects?

The entry requirements for entry to each university can vary but excellent grades in science subjects such as chemistry and biology are essential. 

Generally speaking you are aiming to achieve  at least 5 Highers, usually at AAAAB or AAABB grades in S5 and SQA Advanced Highers at AB or BBB in S6, however consideration will be given to factors which may affect you achieving these grades.

Scottish Medical Schools are committed to ensuring that a person’s background or life circumstances are not a barrier to them studying medicine.

This means that Medical Schools will consider all circumstances which may prevent you meeting their standard entry requirements and make adjusted offers of entry accordingly.

This process is called contextualised admission and consideration is given to potential barriers such as disability, care experience*, carer responsibilities, refugee status and challenging financial or family circumstances. View more about the Adjusted Entry Criteria for the University of Glasgow.

  • Care experienced applicants are people who live/have lived with foster parents/kinship carers or who live/have lived in a residential children’s setting/secure unit.
I’m not a school leaver and I don’t have these highers – can I still apply?

You can find out more about applying to study medicine and links to specific entry requirements for each university, including other accepted academic qualifications.

You may also apply to study medicine through the ScotGEMS Graduate Entry Programme.

If you are not a University Graduate you may also be able to apply via the Scottish Wider Access Programme here.

Aside from good grades what else do I need?

Having the right grades is just the start of the application process. Most Universities will need you to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). UCAT is designed to test your attitudes and identify the professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. You can try some sample tests here

I don’t think I can afford to study Medicine – is there funding available?

If you are resident in Scotland and study full-time in Scotland, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) should pay your tuition fees. For all enquiries relating to SAAS, please consult them directly.

SAAS student loans

If you are a Scottish student, you can apply for a SAAS student loan when you apply for tuition fee funding. Loan payments are paid monthly; and you should receive the first instalment within 3 or 4 days of registering as a student. Make sure you have enough money to support yourself for those first few days and please check whether the loan payment is in your account before spending money.

Grants

If you are eligible, SAAS can offer supplementary grants or a Young Student’s Bursary. Please consult SAAS for more information on grants.

Further information about SAAS eligibility, support available and how to apply can be found here:

Bursaries, Scholarships and Other Financial Support

You may also be able to apply for additional funding directly from your University. Use the links below to find our more about each universities arrangements:

Does a disability, Illness or mental health condition mean I can’t apply to study medicine?

A disability, chronic illness or mental health condition will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a doctor. The General Medical Council (independent regulator for doctors in the UK) states that “we firmly believe disabled people should be welcomed to the profession and valued for their contribution to patient care”. 

You can also find out more about support available to you here Disability Guidance | Disabled Doctors Network.

Before you submit an application for medical school via UCAS, you should contact medical schools to request advice about your individual circumstances. Each medical school has a disability support adviser who can help.

All Universities offer confidential support services for disabled students.

This includes students with physical and sensory impairments, mental health difficulties and dyslexia.

You can find out more about what support is available by clicking the links below:

Do I need to pass an interview?

Yes, but you will be given guidance and support in advance of your interview and it’s designed to be a conversation rather than an a question and answer session. 

While each medical school has its own interview process it is a vital part of the application and selection wherever you are applying. There are several sources of interview guidance online and it is worth practising with anyone you can – whether that is family, friends or teachers.

Remember that just like there is no “right” person for medicine, there is rarely a “right” answer in an interview.  It is a conversation and your score will depend much less on what you say but more on how you say it.  Try to have a reason behind any answer you give, make your answers as personal to your own experiences as you can and speak as clearly and confidently as you can. Enthusiasm and commitment are the key things an interviewer will be looking for.

The Royal College of Surgeons (England) has prepared a list of possible questions to help you prepare.

So why do you want to be a Doctor?

Source – Medic Insight Dundee

What’s it like being a medical student?

Once at university there are frequent assessments and you will have a more hectic schedule than most other students, but there is an immense camaraderie amongst fellow medical students and a sense of growing confidence in your own ability. 

Each Medical School has a slightly different structure to their course, but broadly speaking the first couple of years are spent learning the basic science behind human physiology and disease, and the later years are spent learning how to apply this clinically. As you progress through medical school you will not only learn the knowledge to become a doctor but also the skills and attitudes you will need.

You will be taught by doctors, nurses and a whole range of other healthcare professionals and each one is committed to making you the best doctor you can possibly be.

After medical school you will progress through the different grades before qualifying as a Consultant or a General Practitioner – with competitive entry to each grade and post-graduate exams. These things should not put you off but it is important to be aware that the challenges continue long after university.  

You can find out more about training to be a Doctor or visit the NHS Scottish Medical Training website.

Life as a Medical Student – Video Resources

Each student has their own experience of life at medical school but there are some things which are common to everyone.  There is a huge feeling of being “in it together” and although there are regular challenges the support of your colleagues is always there. Most doctors still consider their time at medical school to be the most enjoyable time of their life.

Here is a selection of interviews with current medical students at Glasgow University to see how they feel about certain aspects of medical school.

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Thinking of Studying Medicine?

Medicine is one of the most challenging but rewarding careers available. The combination of daily academic stimulation, technical procedural skills and working with patients, their families and the wider healthcare team is one which few other professions can offer. 

Medicine is a profession that is open to everyone. There is no “right” person to be a doctor but all doctors are united by a passion for patient care and a dedication to their profession.

Working as a Doctor means you will train in and probably spend the majority of your career working within the National Health Service (NHS).

The NHS is Scotland’s largest single employer and one of the largest healthcare employers in the world. The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland heads the directorates and is accountable to ministers for the efficiency and performance of the service and the work of the 14 NHS Boards and 8 Special Health Boards.

The life of a doctor is not for everyone – long hours and witnessing distressing illness in patients at times can be stressful and emotionally demanding. But for those who are passionate about the profession the job satisfaction cannot be beaten.  

If you are considering applying to study medicine we have created a number of resources you can access from the menu below to help you gain an insight into the career.  

Please note that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde supports a number of programmes but is not responsible for content of an external website or involved in the selection of candidates for programmes.

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So you have decided to study medicine…

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Main workstreams

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Further Information

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As part of our commitment to widening access to NHS employment we host a number of pre employment training programmes in partnership with the DWP and a number of employability agencies across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Our programmes provide training, work experience and application support to people experiencing barriers (real or perceived) to employment enabling them to become competitive job applicants.

Everyone who successfully completes our programmes will be guaranteed to be offered Job Interviews for suitable vacancies across our Health board area.

Healthcare Support Workers (Nursing Assistants) – Programme under review for 2026

This five week Sector Based Work Academy programme has been developed with support from our nursing leads and the NHSGGC Practice Education Team. 

This is an unpaid training programme however trainees registered with the DWP (Job Centre) or who are eligible to register with one of our Employability Partners will receive support for travel and other programme expenses for the duration of the programme. Job Centre Clients will not be required to attend their local Job Centre during the programme and will continue to receive their benefits.

This programme is designed to support candidates who have not previously worked in Healthcare Support Worker role to develop the skills and experience to help them begin their career as a Healthcare Support Worker.  

The programme includes Core induction sessions on NHS Policies and Procedures, Ward Skill sessions delivered by our Practice Education Nursing team in a simulated ward environment and a 3 week hospital based work placement followed by application support and interview preparation.

All training is delivered by NHS Professionals and placement activity takes place on NHSGGC Hospital locations.

In addition all participants complete the Statutory and Mandatory NHS training (Learnpro) and issued with certificates and will complete the training required and are issued with the NHS Scotland Manual Handling Passport.

All participants who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed interviews for Healthcare Support Worker vacancies across our Board area subject to satisfactory report from placement and attendance at all sessions.

Who can apply?

Candidates who are interested in applying for this programme must not be in employment or education,  be genuinely interested in training as a Healthcare Support Worker, available to be interviewed for vacancies at the end of the programme and take up employment if offered.

When do applications open?

We run programmes throughout the year and you can register your interest in applying by speaking with your Job Centre Work Coach or contacting one of our Employability Partners. We also advertise this programme at www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk.

East Dunbartonshire: East Dunbartonshire Employability Services

East Renfrewshire: Work EastRen

Glasgow: Jobs and Business Glasgow

Inverclyde The Trust

Renfrewshire Invest In Renfrewshire

Rutherglen and Cambuslang Routes to Work South

West Dunbartonshire Working4U 

Princes Trust Scotland The Prince’s Trust Wolfson Centre | The Prince’s Trust in Scotland (princes-trust.org.uk)

Project Search

The primary aim of Project SEARCH is to connect young people with learning disabilities and additional support needs with competitive employment. There are no formal entry requirements. However, applicants must participate in a selection process, where they may undertake assessments and interviews with a host business, and education partners, such as their school or local college to be accepted on Project SEARCH.

Interns are supported through placements within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. They get hands-on experience and are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities while learning new complex and varied, practical and vocational skills to help ready them for the world of work.

The NHSGGC programme is open to Glasgow  City Council area residents and runs for one year, delivered in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College. Other Project Search opportunities are offered by City of Glasgow College

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There is a lot of information available on line to support you in planning your career pathway. These are just some of the resources you can access.

You can also contact Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s National Skills Agency who offer specialist support to individuals to build their career management, work-based and employability skills, throughout their career journey, from school, into further learning opportunities and employment.

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Requests for Clinical Attachments

Applications for Clinical Attachments/Observer can be made at NHS Scotland | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career

International recruitment enquires

Please direct your enquires to the Workforce Supply Unit at ggc.workforcesupply@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Contact the Employability Team

  • Workforce Employability Officer – Mark Goldie
  • Workforce Employability Officer – Donna Lennie
  • Job Coach – Josh Thompson
  • Job Coach – John McAulay

All Career insights enquiries and requests should be submitted via email below

ggc.earlycareers@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

All Modern Apprentice enquiries and requests should be submitted via email below

ggc.modern.apprentice@nhs.scot

Main workstreams

Further Information

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