Pre-Medical programme

To complete the Pre-medical programme, students typically follow a progression from foundational biology to advanced medical sciences, supplemented with lab work and interdisciplinary electives.

Track Starter (Level 1) – from Biology

• UCSCIBIO11 – Molecular Cell Biology I
  Introduces cellular functions and origins; required for entry into 200-level Medical Science courses.
• UCSCIBIO13 – Human and Animal Biology
  Explores morphology, physiology, and evolutionary aspects of humans and animals.

Core Medical Sciences Courses

• UCSCIMEDL2 – Human Anatomy
• UCSCIMEDL3 – Human Anatomy and Pathology
• UCSCIEPIL1 – Introduction to Epidemiology

These courses provide hands-on exposure to gross and microscopic anatomy, disease pathology, and public health analysis.

Related Biology Courses

• UCSCIBIO23 - Human and Animal Physiology
• UCSCIBIO31 - Advanced Molecular Cell Biology
• UCSCIBIO32 - Advanced Biotechnology
• UCSCIBIO33 - Advanced Physiology

Interdisciplinary & Interdomain Courses

• UCINTLAS34 - Public Health
• UCSCIINT33 – Nature, Biodiversity and Health

• There is no separate admission to the pre-medical programme.
• Students are strongly advised to plan their course path early and consult their academic tutor.
• Off-campus courses (e.g., at UU or abroad during exchange) can be incorporated but require careful planning.
• Your thesis can be used to deepen focus in a specific area of Medical Sciences.

Graduates of UCU’s pre-med track have successfully entered a variety of selective and competitive master’s programmes in the Netherlands and abroad. These include both Medical Masters and Life Sciences-related MSc programmes.

Medical Masters in the Netherlands

• SUMMA (Selective Utrecht Medical Master) – Utrecht University
• Arts-Klinisch Onderzoeker – Maastricht University
• ZIGMA (Zij-instroom Geneeskunde) – VU Amsterdam
• Pre-master Geneeskunde – Leiden, Groningen, Nijmegen

Please note: Medical Masters are taught in Dutch. Non-native speakers must provide proof of language proficiency:

• NT2-II certificate
• Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (Educatief Startbekwaam or Professioneel)

📌 Start language preparations early if you intend to apply to a Dutch-taught program.

Selective International Programs (Rare & Competitive)

• Oxford / Cambridge (UK) – Graduate Medical Entry (high GPA and medical experience required)
• Full Medical Programs (e.g., USA) – Require tests like MCAT and additional entry procedures

🌐 More on zij-instroom Geneeskunde

Other Related MSc Programmes

Many students pursue alternatives in biomedical and health-related fields, including:

• UU Graduate School of Life Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences / Life Sciences MScs (Netherlands, EU, USA)
• Global/Public Health / Epidemiology
• Medical Humanities
• Healthcare Management
• Interdisciplinary MSc programs

There is no separate admission to the pre-medical programme. After entering UCU, students declare their major in Year 2. To pursue this track, high school students are recommended to have:

• Biology (preferably HL)
• Chemistry (preferably HL)
• Mathematics (at least SL)
• Physics is helpful, but not required

Additional math and physics (e.g., Calculus, Wave Phenomena) are encouraged for students interested in SUMMA-Tech.