Why Health and Medicine?
Are you one of those kids in childhood that would always write on your biodata that ‘my ambition is to become a doctor’? I was one of those kids who answered ‘Doctor!’ for every question thrown at for ambition.
There were no second thoughts. We had no idea about the amount of responsibilities, heartbreaks and difficult decisions and the years of study and training that go along with the title. But all we wanted was to be highly educated and save lives everyday. We did understand that the person in the white coat stood for the knowledge, professionalism and compassion.
One of the noblest professions, a doctor, treats, cures and comforts the patients. The joy and satisfaction one gets when the patients get their treatments and heal timely are priceless. The world always needs doctors.
If you possess the required qualities to be a doctor; being disciplined, persevered and passionate in whatever you do in my life and compassionate, then read on to know more. This field comes with its required specialities which would create much more career opportunities in the future which you can later on be interested with.
Why Ireland?
No fear for language barrier
There are a number of languages used in Ireland. Since the late nineteenth century, English has been the predominant first language, displaying Irish. Irish English could be a little in contrast with British English with the local accented slang. However, Irish English is primarily spoken in the country. Irish English could be gaped with filler words in between which would be eventually easier to catch up with later on.
The ideal weather
Not too cold, not too hot. The local weather is just right for you. If you have heard of the typically unsettled weather in England that could be extreme and distinct, then the weather in Ireland is far bearable with the better climate. Ireland’s climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean so it does not have the similar weather conditions like the countries in the same latitude would have.
Low cost of studying compared to the UK
Whether you are going to study in the UK or Ireland could depend on the certain criteria that you wish to focus. Ireland is known as one of the friendliest countries to pursue higher education for international students. The cost of living in Ireland is slightly cheaper than the UK especially in the outskirts of Ireland.
Plenty of student perks
If you are a student in Ireland you will be entitled to endless students perks such as free buses, special discounts on public transports and many more. Your student card will be worth a lot when you can also join plenty of clubs and have more fun.
Vibrant culture
Ireland is known for his vibrant culture. The local people are warm and active. Join local sports clubs and be an active member. Learn their local musical instruments. Commute daily using a second hand bike or bicycle.
Working with student visa
This is possibly the best privilege of studying in Ireland. The Irish government has allowed international students to stay back for 24 months after graduating to work locally. Students can also work part time on average of 20 hour/week or 40 hour/week during holidays or break. This is also a great opportunity to continue being employed there and become a permanent resident.
What is Health and Medicine study about?
Health and Medicine is a field of study of health and healing. It encompasses of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, medical research and other medical procedures.
Modern medicine involves the use of drugs, surgeries and counselling. Where else traditional medicine or homeopathy such as Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic, uses ancient methods using herbs and other traditional treatments.
What are the branches in Health and Medicine?
Health and Medicine branch out in the segments of the studies:
1. Anatomy – The study of physical structure of body
2. Biochemistry- The study of chemical components in the body
3. Biomechanics- The study of biological systems in the body and how they function mechanically.
4. Cytology- A pathological study on the cells
5. Embryology – The study on the formation of and development of organisms.
6. Neuroscience – The study of nervous system
7. Nutrition – The study on how food and drinks affect the health and how they treat, cure and prevent diseases
8. Pathology – The study of diseases
What are the important skills I need in this field?
To be in this field, one needs a number of skills to be compatible. Health and Medicine is a delicate and minute field which highly emphasizes human lives. Here are the three important skills to have in this field.
Attention to detail
Healthcare field is a detail-oriented field. From filling up forms to scanning to treating the real patients; one must be extremely detailed.
Problem solving skill
Patients come to the hospital or clinic to look for a solution to their discomfort or diseases. Hence, healthcare officers are problem solvers in nature. If you love taking up new challenges and be creative in solving them, you are selected!
Ability to work under pressure
To be honest, healthcare industry is one of the toughest industries due to its demand and importance. They function 24/7 and need officers who are able to work under pressure. If you are someone who can work under fast pace and able to solve issues under pressure, you can well cope up with.
How long will I be studying in this programme?
The study duration could vary from one institute to another. However, as a general estimate, we have compiled a general estimate of the duration according to the study levels and qualifications.
| Study Levels | Duration |
| Foundation/ A-Levels | 1 year |
| Diploma | 2 years |
| Undergraduate Degree | 5 years |
| Master's Degree/PhD | 2-4 years |
What are the entry requirements and qualifications?
To successfully get admission into an Irish degree or pathway programme, students must meet the minimum academic and entry level English language requirements.
However, requirements could vary according to institutions. We advise you to refer to the institutions directly for more details.
- Foundations / A levels in science
- SPM with minimum 5 Bs in relevant subjects,
- Pass 4 relevant subjects in STPM, including English
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medical or Health related fields
- Completed any relevant European Degree or any equivalent International Degree with minimum CGPA 2.5 , completed Masters Degree and/or PhD from a recognised Irish Institute or any equal International Institute.
English language requirements:
- TOEFL score 61
- IELTS score of 6.0 (no bands below 5.5)
- Kaplan iBT 61
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 53
How much are the average tuition fees?
The average tuition fees for Health and Medicine can vary from one institute to another according to different levels and qualifications. Here’s the average estimated tuition fees below:
| Programme | Estimated Fees |
| Foundation/ A-Levels | RM15,000 - RM30,000 |
| Bachelor's Degree | RM500,000 - RM800,000 |
| Master's/ PhD | RM150,000 - RM300,000 |
What are the job opportunities in Health and Medicine?
There are a number of job possibilities for the Health and Science professionals. The right job will be dependent on your personal skills, preference and personality.
Here are the career choices available Health and Science professionals:
- Medical Doctor
- Dentist
- Specialist Doctor
- Consultant Surgeon
- Pathologist
- Medical Microbiologist
- Nurse
Top Universities in Ireland that offer Health and Medicine programmes
Medical studies are one of the famous courses to study in Ireland and Ireland is infamous for their credible institutes that offer Health and Medical programmes. Below are the top Irish universities in the World’s Ranking offering courses in this field :
1. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin has been established in 1592, one of the oldest universities in Ireland. Their medical school as a strong international network and students have the opportunity to gain experience overseas as part of the electives programme. Trinity graduates and professors are recognised around the world for their advances in medicine and their state-of-the-art medical procedures.
2. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has been founded in 1784 by the Royal Charter from King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. It was initially established to educate surgeons as surgeons were trained separately from physicians. Later on both the training for surgeons and physicians merged and they established the school of medicine. Students of the college get to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities in the very heart of Ireland’s vibrant capital city.
3. University College Dublin (UCD)
University College Dublin (UCD) has been teaching medicine since the 19th century and is also one of the largest universities in Ireland with over 24,000 international students from 130 countries yearly. That is about 25% of the student body. The UCD has highly qualified academic staffs and their own medical library. The school is also internationally recognised and accredited across the globe.
4. University College Cork
This university has been functioning for about 1,200 years! And their medical school is said to be operating since 18th century. The Faculty of Health Science has launched their new state-of-the-art facilities such as Brookfield Health Science Complex, Pharmacy Building and expanded research centre.
5. National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI)
The Medical School was one of the original faculties when the institute was founded. National University of Ireland (NUI) emphasises both the basic science and the basis of modern healthcare delivery. Students will be later on go through a series of rotations at the affiliate hospitals in research and interdisciplinary collaboration with the university.