1st November 2025
Getting real experience in medicine is one of the most important — and sometimes most difficult — parts of preparing for medical school. Universities want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand what life as a doctor is really like, not just that you have good grades.
If you’re hoping to study medicine in the UK, this guide will show you exactly how to get medicine work experience in 2026, where to find opportunities, and how to make the most of every experience you have.
Medical schools use work experience to assess your motivation and suitability for a career in medicine. They want to know:
Work experience isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about developing insight into healthcare, patients and the NHS.
For most students, the best time to look for placements is 6–12 months before you apply.
That means if you plan to apply for medical school in October 2026, start your search now.
Hospitals, GP surgeries, and volunteer programmes often have long waiting lists — especially in large cities. The earlier you apply, the better your chances.
Not all work experience looks the same — and that’s a good thing. Medical schools value a mix of experiences that help you understand the wider world of healthcare.
Shadowing doctors or nurses on wards gives you a first-hand view of patient care. Opportunities are often limited, but many NHS Trusts run structured programmes for sixth form students.
If you can’t get into your local hospital, look beyond your area — or try Premed Projects’ London courses, which offer supervised hospital-based learning led by NHS doctors.
Primary care placements show how medicine looks outside hospital walls. You’ll see communication, diagnosis, and continuity of care — all key themes for UCAS interviews.
Medical schools love to see long-term commitment. Volunteering in a care home, hospice, pharmacy, or charity shop teaches empathy and responsibility — exactly what interviewers want to hear about.
If local opportunities are hard to find, virtual placements (like Premed Projects’ Virtual Medicine Work Experience Week) let you learn from real doctors online, practise clinical decision-making, and earn a certificate recognised by universities.
For students who want a structured experience, summer schools in London or abroad combine hands-on learning, workshops, and cultural activities — ideal for building global insight into medicine.
Most placements will ask for:
If you’re struggling to get replies, email the work experience coordinator or volunteer services department of your local NHS Trust. A polite, concise message explaining your interest and available dates often helps.
Wherever you go, remember that reflection is more important than the number of hours. Keep a notebook of:
This will give you powerful material for your personal statement and interviews later on.
Premed Projects offers several options to help you get experience that genuinely stands out:
All courses include certificates of completion that can be used for your UCAS portfolio.
Whether you’re shadowing in a hospital, volunteering locally, or joining a structured medical course, every bit of experience helps you understand what being a doctor really means.
Start planning early for 2026, record everything you learn, and remember — becoming a great doctor begins with curiosity, compassion, and the drive to keep learning.
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