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What is intercalation?

An intercalated degree is a significant opportunity for self-development and an investment in your future career.

Intercalation offers you the chance to earn an additional degree by studying a year-long intercalated course during your time at University.

At Liverpool, we welcome both internal and external candidates for intercalation. This means that both existing medical students, as well as those from other universities and institutions, are able to benefit from the breadth and quality of intercalated degree courses we offer.

Intercalate during your MBChB programme at Liverpool and explore a subject of interest at an advanced level - this may be may be a course which supports and develops your skills as a student doctor, or may be a subject that complements your passion for medicine, but in a different sphere. 

Why you choose to intercalate is personal to each individual. 

Student Doctors at Liverpool School of Medicine will usually intercalate after your third year of study.

UG, PG, MBChB - what does it mean?

The first studies you undertake at university are usually referred to as undergraduate studies (UG), designed to introduce you to the specialist knowledge base within a specific discipline.

At the Liverpool School of Medicine we offer an undergraduate course called the MBChB programme, which usually encompasses five years of study. An MBChB is a combined Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, the two first professional degrees in medicine and surgery.

When you intercalate, you will have already been studying and training at an advanced level for at least three years - so if you choose an undergraduate course for your intercalation year, we know that you are ready to dive straight into the final year of your chosen programme.

The qualification earned from undergraduate study is called a Bachelors. Most intercalating student doctors who elect to study a specialist undergraduate programme will choose to undertake a Bachelors of Science (BSc) but you can choose a course from across all subject areas and faculties.

Postgraduate study (PG) refers to the range of courses available to students who have generally completed a minimum of three years undergraduate studies. It requires a higher level of understanding, greater independence and more specialised knowledge than undergraduate study. 

The first level of postgraduate study you can earn is called a Masters. A Masters degree is a level above Bachelors degrees but below PhDs. You can choose to intercalate with a Taught Masters course (MSc, LLM, MBA, MIM, MPH and more) or pursue a Research Masters (MRes, MPhil).

Although you have not yet graduated from the MBChB undergraduate programme, your three years experience of advanced study means you are more than prepared to pursue a Masters option when you intercalate.

Once you have completed your intercalation course, you will return to the MBChB programme to complete your medical studies.

Choosing the right course for you

Make sure you have done the research on your chosen course. These webpages, tailored to MBChB students wishing to intercalate, are a great introductory step.

Take the time to familiarise yourself with all the options available, including examples of intercalation routes other students have decided to take:

Please bear in mind that depending on your chosen course, the application processes and deadlines will differ. Each individual course page lays out the full detail you need to ensure you will get what you want and need from the course. View the full catalogue of what's on offer at Liverpool:

Deciding to intercalate

So you have done your research, chosen the course you are interested in, and decided that intercalating is for you - great! If you are a student at the Liverpool School of Medicine, you now need to declare your interest to the Intercalation team: 

If you are based at another institution, please ensure you contact your team in order to start the steps to suspend your studies in order to intercalate.

The application processes and deadlines will differ depending on your chosen course. Make sure you know the process for your chosen course.

Choosing to undertake an additional year of study is a big decision, but there is plenty of support available, including advice on finance, scholarships and even course specific bursaries.

At the School of Medicine, we will advertise suitable funding options to you throughout the year - so make sure you keep an eye on all your communications! Last year we actually had three students chosen for the prestigious Wolfson award, a £5000 grant aimed at supporting student research. 

To help make the most of the finance options available to you as a University of Liverpool student, please contact our University's Tuition Fees Office: feesenq@liverpool.ac.uk or 0151 794 6777. 

To insert or interpose something additional, exceptional, or out of the ordinary

Definition of Intercalate.