Opportunities to Study Abroad in the UK
Studying abroad can be an exciting time. You’ll get to step outside your comfort zone, explore different healthcare systems and accumulate diverse clinical experiences.
30 January 2025
When you’re a part of NUMed, you’re not just obtaining a top-notch education. You’re also gaining opportunities to take your medical studies beyond the borders of Malaysia, thanks to the array of study abroad programmes here that allow you to gain international experience, broaden your medical knowledge, and build a global network.
Studying abroad can be an exciting time. You’ll get to step outside your comfort zone, explore different healthcare systems and accumulate diverse clinical experiences. Sounds interesting? Here’s a brief breakdown of four popular study abroad opportunities offered to our students.
Student Exchange Programme
This programme lets you spend an entire semester at our parent campus in the UK during the first semester of your second year of studies (mid-September to mid-December). This gives you three great months of exposure in different academic and clinical settings, with wonderful immersion opportunities in a whole different culture.
Two of our Year 4 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students who recently embarked on a student exchange programme share their experiences.
According to Rishira Fernando, “Being at the UK campus allowed me to meet world-ranking specialists in their fields as Newcastle is a part of the Russell group of universities that are centres of research excellence. This included listening to guest lecturers and being able to walk into a cafe at the right time to happen upon someone whose papers you have been reading.”
“I managed to experience the Western culture, learn together with the students there, and most importantly, get to know people during my time there. I am grateful that some of them have become my lifelong friends. They are really important because they are your support system and study partners,” Solomon Khit shared.
Student Selected Component (SSC)
An optional component in the medical undergraduate syllabus in the UK, the SSC at NUMed is offered to Year 4 students. Via the SSC, you can choose to focus on a specific topic of medical interest. It may be possible to embark on numerous SSC topics here in Malaysia, in the UK, or even your home country! The SSC is divided into two parts, each taking eight weeks.
Lavinashree Kumaran, a Year 5 MBBS student, did her SSC in maternal medicine at James Cook University Hospital in the UK, during which she had the opportunity to perform several assisted and supervised C-section procedures.
“I was afraid to ask for help from other healthcare workers in the beginning. However, I quickly realised that I was well-supported as a medical student. Everybody in James Cook was more than willing to teach me and accommodate and expand my learning experience. I felt more confident in continuing on my medical journey thereafter,” she said.
Our alumnus Jun Jie Lim chose to do his elective in plastic surgery in the UK and was part of a case that involved three different surgical specialities—an experience that allowed him to learn new techniques and understand the importance of teamwork for successful outcomes.
“The abdominal part of the procedure was done with the DaVinci Robot and I got the chance to sit in the robotic console and feel the controls. The final part of the procedure was a perineal defect reconstruction using a gluteal turnover flap which was performed by my supervisor, a plastic surgeon. I was able to scrub in and assist with this relatively new technique that involves less extensive incisions,” he enthused.
Intercalated Studies
Highly motivated and able MBBS students enrolled may step aside from their medical degree for one year to study for an additional degree or Master’s programme at Newcastle University, UK. Upon completion of your intercalated year, you will then be conferred the additional degree at either the UK or Malaysian campus.
"Intercalated studies offer a wealth of advantages. They allow students to dive deeper into an area of their own interest while offering a refreshing break from the routine of their medical training. By pursuing intercalation, you not only acquire specialised knowledge and skills but also earn an additional credential that enhances your professional profile, opening doors to further opportunities in your chosen field. This is especially valuable for those aiming for an extra degree to possess a competitive edge in a crowded job market,” explained our Dean of Clinical Affairs, Professor Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna.
Intercalation offers a chance to get a broader view of your field. It helps you figure out if you're really passionate about a specific area and where you see yourself going. Plus, studying at our UK campus gives you the perfect opportunity to meet new people, and grow your professional network in a vibrant, international setting.