Medical Sciences

Key information

• Medical Sciences students cannot apply for General Exchanges.
• Study exchanges are organised through the Study and Work Away Service (SWAY), which is part of Edinburgh Global.
• All exchanges take place in the third year and are for a full academic year.
• Anyone can apply, but the selection process is competitive based on your first-year performance as well as the personal statement provided in your application form.
• The appropriate courses have already been approved by the University of Edinburgh and you will take a set of pre-approved courses if you go to Karolinska or to Leiden University. There is no need to meet with the BMS Exchange Coordinator before submitting an application.
• Applications open for a limited time from 30 October 2024 (12 noon, GMT) and close on 13 November 2024 (12 noon, GMT).   

Studying at the Karolinska Institutet

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world’s leading medical universities.  It accounts for over 40% of the medical academic research conducted in Sweden and offers the country’s broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences. You will have the opportunity to engage with learning in a global biomedical research context.  Students will join the programme in Terms 3 and 4 and all courses are taught in English.

You will be able to take a range of courses within the Bachelor’s Programme in Biomedicine in the areas of:

• Biostatistics
• Tissue Biology
• Immunology and Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Pathology
• The Life Science Industry
• Pharmacology and Toxicology

You have the opportunity to do a Biomedical Sciences research project instead of Pharmacology and Toxicology for equivalent credit.

Visiting Karolinska

Biomedicine at Karolinska

Studying at the Leiden University

From 2025/26 Medical Sciences students are able to go on a Subject Specific Exchange at the Leiden University in the Netherlands. Leiden University offers one of the most prestigious Biomedical Sciences programmes in Europe, giving you the opportunity to become part of the next generation of pioneers in medical research and healthcare innovation. You will have the opportunity to engage with learning in a global biomedical research context which is also closely linked to the Leiden University Medical Centre.  The Biomedical Sciences programme at Leiden University is a 3-year programme, and Edinburgh exchange students will join the programme during the second year, which is equivalent to third year difficulty level at Biomedical Sciences in Edinburgh. All courses are taught in English.

You will be able to take a range of courses in the areas of:

• Immunology and Immunity
• Neurosciences
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Hormones and the Nervous System
• Science communication

Visiting Leiden University

Biomedical Sciences at Leiden University

How to apply

Applications open for a limited time on 30 October 2024 (12 noon, GMT) and close on 13 November 2024 (12 noon, GMT).  

Step 1

Attend a pre-application information session. These are hosted by Edinburgh Global and will provide more detail about the experience, the costs involved, and the application process.

Pre-application information sessions  

Step 2

Read the Application Guide that relates to your application, in full. This document will guide you through all the procedures and requirements specific to your preferred exchange programme.

Subject specific exchanges

Step 3

Apply on the Global Exchanges website.

Guidance and timelines for applying

Step 4

If you are successful, you will be notified by Edinburgh Global in December / January. Once you have formally accepted your place, Edinburgh Global will inform the partner institution of all nominated students.

You will then begin the application process to Karolinska or Leiden University. This is usually a formality but is absolutely necessary - your exchange place is normally provisional until you have successfully completed your host university's admission process. Failure to complete this fully and on time may result in your exchange place being forfeited.