London is one of the world’s most exciting cities for studying medicine. Its history of medical innovation, combined with cutting-edge research and diverse patient populations, makes it a unique training ground. The city is home to some of the UK’s oldest medical schools (and some of its newest), meaning students can choose between centuries-old traditions and fresh, modern approaches.

But here’s the challenge: with so many great options, how do you decide which is best for you? Should you aim for the prestige of Imperial or UCL, or lean towards the strong hospital connections at King’s or Queen Mary? Would you thrive in the smaller, focused environment of St George’s, or be excited by Brunel’s new, international curriculum?
In this guide, we present each of London’s medical schools, compare their strengths, and answer students’ common questions. Finally, we’ll look at the most prestigious medical schools around the country, and give you a sense of what medical employers are really looking for.

Which London university is the best for medicine?

London has more medical schools than any other UK city, but they’re far from identical. Some emphasise science and research, others focus on patient care, and many strike a balance between the two. That’s why there isn’t a single “best” option. Each has its own style, strengths and appeal.

If league tables are your guide, Imperial College London often comes out top (currently 3rd nationally in the Complete University Guide). It’s closely followed by Queen Mary University (5th), UCL (9th) and King’s College London (18th). But rankings only tell part of the story. The real question is: which medical school matches your goals, learning style and ambitions?

• Imperial is often seen as the most academically rigorous, with a strong focus on science, research and producing future clinician-scientists.
• UCL is vast, diverse, and globally respected, offering placements across many of London’s leading hospitals.
• King’s has unrivalled clinical links through Guy’s, St Thomas’, and King’s College Hospital, making it a great choice for students keen on patient-focused learning.
• Queen Mary (Barts and The London) emphasises early patient contact and community healthcare, particularly in East London.
• St George’s provides a uniquely focused environment as the UK’s only university dedicated entirely to medicine and healthcare.
• Brunel, as a newcomer, offers smaller cohorts, modern facilities, and a forward-looking, international curriculum.

Each of these schools can lead you to a fulfilling medical career, but the journey will feel different depending on where you study.
To help you weigh up the options, here’s a quick comparison table:

Now, here’s each in more detail.

1. Imperial College London

Imperial’s Medicine course is one of the most respected in the world. It was formed through the merger of several historic London hospitals, meaning students are trained in settings that combine heritage with modern innovation.
The pros are its prestige and academic reputation, as well as research opportunities. But it’s also incredibly demanding with some students finding it more “science-first” than patient-focused.

• Style & Teaching: Imperial is known for being science-heavy. Students spend a lot of time in labs and lecture theatres, learning the theory behind medicine in depth. But clinical exposure also starts early (in the first few weeks), with placements in some of London’s most prestigious hospitals. The course is integrated, so you’ll balance science with patient interaction from the first year.
• Who it suits: If you love science and research, Imperial is ideal. Many students aiming for academic medicine or careers in research thrive here. But it’s demanding. Workloads are high and you’ll need to be disciplined.
• Specialities & Reputation: Imperial is particularly strong in cardiology, infectious diseases and surgery. It’s ranked consistently in the global top five for clinical medicine, which makes it an excellent choice if prestige is a factor for you.

2. University College London (UCL)

UCL is one of Europe’s largest medical schools, located in Bloomsbury in the heart of London. With more than 300 new medical students each year, it’s huge. But that also means access to a vast network of hospitals, researchers and alumni. Their goal is simple: to educate “The UCL Doctor”.

On the plus side are UCL’s massive variety in both students and modules, global prestige and unparalleled access to hospitals. However, its large size can feel overwhelming. This can be especially difficult if you’re also struggling with the notorious pressures of a medical degree.

• Style & Teaching: UCL blends lectures with small-group tutorials and early clinical placements. It’s known for flexibility and breadth. You’ll have the chance to study a wide range of modules, from global health to medical humanities. UCL also offers an integrated BSc, so every student graduates with both a medical degree and a science degree.
• Who it suits: If you enjoy variety, diversity, and want to be part of a large, dynamic community, UCL is a great fit. Students who thrive here are proactive and willing to carve out their own niche in a big environment.
• Specialities & Reputation: UCL is world-leading in neuroscience, cancer research and global health. Its reputation extends worldwide, and its alumni include Nobel Prize winners and pioneers in medical science. As a result, competition for places is fierce.

Weighing up Imperial vs UCL for Medicine?

Imperial is smaller, science-heavy and research-driven. UCL is larger, broader and more diverse. If you love science and see yourself pursuing research, Imperial is ideal. If you want variety, flexibility and a huge network, UCL may be a better fit.
Related reading: UCL vs Imperial: A London University Comparison

3. King’s College London (KCL)

King’s is one of the UK’s oldest and largest medical schools, with teaching spread across Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Denmark Hill campuses. It has one of the biggest cohorts of medical students in the country, with almost 3,000 students within its Life Sciences and Medicine faculty.

King’s boasts superb hospital connections, a supportive environment and early patient contact. However, similarly to UCL, its large student cohorts mean you need to be proactive to stand out.

• Style & Teaching: King’s focuses strongly on clinical experience. From the early years, you’ll have placements in hospitals and GP surgeries, working with patients from many backgrounds. Teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars and problem-based learning.
• Who it suits: King’s is ideal if you want to get hands-on quickly. It’s also a good fit for students who value a strong sense of community. King’s societies and support networks are active and welcoming.
• Specialities & Reputation: King’s is world-renowned in psychiatry, pharmacology and cancer research (to name just a few). Its hospital links are some of the strongest in the UK.

Weighing up UCL vs KCL for Medicine?

UCL is ranked slightly higher globally, with huge research opportunities. King’s is unmatched in hospital placements, with close ties to world-famous institutions. If you want breadth and prestige, UCL has the edge. If you want early patient contact and hospital experience, King’s is outstanding.

Related reading: UCL vs KCL Comparison: Which is better?

4. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Queen Mary combines two of London’s historic teaching hospitals: Barts in the City of London and The Royal London in Whitechapel. Together, they give students access to a huge patient population and a unique mix of cutting-edge facilities and centuries-old tradition.

One of the biggest draws is QMUL’s early patient contact, as well as a strong community focus and excellent clinical reputation. It also has a slightly more forgiving acceptance rate (15% from application to offer) than unis like Imperial (closer to 9%).
That said, the university isn’t as internationally famous. It may suit students more interested in hands-on medical practice rather than academic research.

• Style & Teaching: Queen Mary prides itself on community-focused, patient-centred education. Students often start seeing patients from year one, which helps build confidence and practical skills early.
• Who it suits: Students who learn best by doing often thrive here. If you’re motivated by early hands-on experience and want to make a difference in community health, Queen Mary is a strong choice.
• Specialities & Reputation: Particularly strong in primary care, population health and dentistry. It may not have the same global prestige as Imperial or UCL, but it’s highly respected in the NHS.

5. St George’s, University of London

St George’s is unique in the UK: it’s the only university dedicated entirely to medicine and healthcare. Students study alongside trainee nurses, paramedics and other health professionals, fostering a strong sense of teamwork.

This focused medical environment is a massive win for medical students. You’ll find practical training among a smaller community, which can help your career get off to a fantastic start. It’s also slightly less demanding in terms of entry requirements (AAA rather than A*AA).

That said, (similarly to QMUL), there are comparatively fewer research opportunities and it’s not as prestigious globally.

• Style & Teaching: Because it’s based inside St George’s Hospital in Tooting, students are immersed in a clinical environment from the start. The university is smaller than London’s giants, so teaching feels more personal.
• Who it suits: Students who want a practical, hands-on education in a smaller, supportive environment. St George’s often appeals to those who prefer a close-knit community over big, research-heavy institutions.
• Specialities & Reputation: Highly regarded for general medicine and surgery, with a strong track record of producing well-prepared junior doctors.

6. Brunel University London

Brunel’s medical school only welcomed its first intake in 2022, making it one of the newest in the UK. Based in Uxbridge, West London, it offers a modern curriculum designed to meet global healthcare challenges.

Its smaller cohorts and innovative teaching style create a more personalised learning environment than you’ll find at London’s larger, more traditional schools. Students also love the international outlook.

That said, it’s not as established as older London medical schools. So the alumni network is still developing.

• Style & Teaching: Problem-based learning is central to Brunel’s approach. Small groups work through real-life case studies, supported by lectures and lab work.
• Who it suits: Students who like smaller classes, a modern feel, and international connections. Brunel recruits heavily from overseas, so the student body is diverse and globally minded.
• Specialities & Reputation: Still building its reputation, but already gaining attention for innovation and a forward-looking curriculum.

If you’re keeping your options open, don’t miss our complete guide to the best universities in London.

Prestige and Reputation: UK Med Schools Compared

What’s the most prestigious medical school in the UK?

Oxford and Cambridge are still considered the most prestigious UK medical schools, thanks to their centuries-old reputations, tutorial systems and highly selective admissions. But in London, Imperial College London and UCL lead the way.
Imperial is famous for its research intensity and close links to science and technology, producing world-class clinician-scientists. UCL, on the other hand, is known for its scale, diversity, and global reach, with placements across some of London’s busiest teaching hospitals.

Both universities are consistently ranked among the top 10 for clinical medicine, which is why they attract global applicants. Interestingly, in the most recent league tables, Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London) actually ranked higher than UCL (5th compared with UCL’s 9th in the Complete University Guide). Yet when it comes to perception and prestige, UCL is still seen as more internationally renowned.

What’s the hardest medical school to get into in the UK?

Oxford and Cambridge top the list for difficulty. Their acceptance rates are often below 10%, and they expect close-to straight A*s at GCSE and A Level (a minimum of A*AA). Of course, you’ll also need outstanding UCAT results and interview performance.
In London, Imperial, UCL, and King’s are all extremely competitive, with thousands of applicants for only a few hundred places. Acceptance rates often fall below 15%, and the bar for UCAT scores is high.

Imperial in particular is often viewed as the hardest London school to get into—not just because of the academic standards (A*AA at A Level with Chemistry and Biology), but also because they’re looking for a particular type of student: one who thrives in a research-heavy, science-focused environment. Expect UCAT, UCAS and MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) before admission decisions are made.

Does it matter which university you go to for medicine in the UK?

In terms of the overall qualification, the answer is simple: no.

The GMC (General Medical Council) accredits all UK medical schools, meaning every graduate has the same licence to practise as a doctor. Whether you studied at Oxford, St George’s or Brunel, you’ll emerge qualified to start your foundation years.
But prestige matters in certain contexts. If you’re hoping to pursue an academic career, move into medical research, or apply for competitive specialisms later on, studying at a globally recognised Russell Group university such as Imperial or UCL may open more doors. Equally, some international employers may be more familiar with the “big names.”

That said, for most students, what matters far more is how you perform during medical school—your grades, your clinical experience, your ability to communicate with patients, and your performance in postgraduate training. Employers and hospitals want doctors who are capable, compassionate and resilient. No matter the uni, a First Class degree will always count more than a Second Class result.

So while prestige has its place, the best medical school is the one where you will succeed, stay motivated and develop into the kind of doctor you want to be.

Final Thoughts: Which London Medical School is Best for You?

London’s medical schools are among the best in the world, but they’re all different. Imperial offers prestige and rigorous science, while UCL provides scale, variety and global reputation. King’s is unbeatable for hospital placements, while QMUL emphasises early patient contact and community health. At St George’s, you’ll find a focused, healthcare-only environment, while Brunel brings a fresh, modern perspective.

The key is not to chase prestige alone, but to find the environment where you’ll thrive. Medicine is tough wherever you study, and success depends as much on your motivation and resilience as on your university choice.

Academic Coaching is here to guide you. Whether that’s boosting your grades, building a standout university application or providing early-career advice. Our tailored support ensures you’re prepared, focused, and ready to take on the challenges of medicine.