Plastic surgeon

To become a plastic or cosmetic surgeon you'll need to complete:

• a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
• a 2-year foundation programme of general training
• core surgical training in a hospital which takes 2 years
• specialist training which can take up to 6 years

A medical degree normally takes 5 years to complete. Some courses have the option to include an extra year if you want to study a subject further. This is called an intercalated year.

You might be able to study a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances or if you have not studied enough sciences. Check with the admissions department where you want to study.

If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. There’s lots of competition and entry requirements vary, so check with the admissions department where you want to study.

Entry tests

When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).

It tests the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.

Work experience

Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements
• University Clinical Aptitude Test

You might be able to do a doctor degree apprenticeship which will take around 5 years to complete.

The apprenticeship is recognised by the General Medical Council.

You could then progress to the foundation course of general training before completing the specialist training.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can gain valuable caring skills from volunteering in education, health, charity or social care settings. You could:

• get work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training
• find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT

Registration

• you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Career tips

The General Medical Council has a guide on what it means to be a good doctor. You might find this useful when preparing for medical school interviews.

You can use online resources to find out more about the types of interviews you can expect to get into for medical school.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Medical Association for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a cosmetic or plastic surgeon from the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.