- Elective. A placement of several weeks, often overseas, in a specialty or setting of your choice, usually in the final year.
- Intercalated degree. An extra year of study for a BSc/BMedSci or MSc in the middle of the course, adding research training.
- Student-selected components (SSCs). Short research, teaching or audit projects.
- Societies, teaching and leadership. Evidence of teamwork and initiative.
Specialty applications reward evidence of research, teaching, audit, leadership and quality improvement, but you do not need all of them. Foundation allocation itself no longer ranks you by a numerical score, so do these things because you value them, not to “collect points”.
Choosing an elective
- Pick a placement you will learn from, not just a destination. Check that the supervisor, indemnity cover and any health clearance are arranged by the school’s deadline.
- Budget early: flights, accommodation, vaccinations and insurance fall on you; many schools and charities offer elective bursaries.
- Keep a reflective log: it makes a good interview talking point later.
Is an intercalated degree worth it?
An extra year costs time and money. It is worthwhile if you want an academic career, enjoy research, or want a specific subject in depth. It is not required for any specialty, though some applicants score extra points for a degree and publications in portfolio-based selection. Ask the school how it counts the year in your degree classification and funding.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.