School of Medicine

The School of Medicine at the University of Galway, one of four schools within the College of Medicine & Health, has been educating future doctors since 1845. Our undergraduate and postgraduate curricula evolve to address modern healthcare challenges, incorporating themes such as population health, ageing, sustainable healthcare and AI and Digital Health.

Our integrated curriculum combines early patient contact, innovative learning technologies, high-fidelity simulation and research skills. Through strong partnerships with healthcare organisations across the West and North West of Ireland, students gain valuable clinical experience in hospital and community settings. A degree in Medicine from the University of Galway prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centred healthcare across diverse healthcare settings worldwide. We are committed to improving health and wellbeing through world-class research, innovative medical education and the development of future healthcare leaders.

Our school comprises of the disciplines of Applied Clinical Artificial Intelligence and Technologies, Advanced Cell Therapies, Anaesthesia, Anatomy, Bacteriology, Clinical Medicine and Population Health, General Practice, Medical Education, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Pathology, Psychiatry, Radiology and Surgery. Through these disciplines we deliver high quality evidence-based teaching and research programmes.

Medical education is delivered principally through our Direct Entry Programme, each year graduating approximately 200 students. In order to address medical workforce deficits in rural and underserved areas we are developing a Graduate Entry Medicine Programme (GEM Rural and Connected Health), which will start September 2027. We also deliver award-winning postgraduate taught programmes in our thematic areas of excellence, including Masters in Science programmes in Applied Clinical Data Analytics, Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy, Exercise Physiology & Application in Therapy and Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation, Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety, Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Clinical Research, Multidisciplinary Radiology, Regenerative Medicine, Obesity and Diabetes; a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Education; a Masters in Surgery (M.Ch.); programmes in Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Health, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Masters in Preventative Cardiology and Masters in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; and Continuing Professional Development Medicine.

University of Galway has an internationally renowned research reputation in the fields of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Device Technology, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular and Population Health. Our research-intensive school offers MD and PhD Postgraduate Research Programmes throughout our disciplines. Our school also hosts several research centres including the Institute for Clinical Trials and Institutes for Health Discovery and Innovation, the HRB Clinical Research Facility, CORRIB Research Centre for Advanced Imaging and Core laboratory, the Centre for Pain Research, and the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland. Our researchers are also members of Research Ireland Centres: RINN Medical Devices , RINN Advanced Therapies as well as the ARC Hub for HealthTech which builds on the strengths of our region in Med Tech and Digital Health innovation.

The School of Medicine attracts students and staff from all over the world making it a welcoming, vibrant, and diverse learning and working environment. Student wellbeing is our priority. Modern facilities combined with University and School supports including a successful student mentoring program, ensure a truly positive experience. Our graduates are noted for their provision of world-class clinical care in institutions worldwide. The success of our program is recognized by our excellent graduate employment rates and the performance of our students and graduates in ‘matching’ to international residency programs, particularly in North America.

We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Galway.

Professor Michelle Canavan - Head of School