Intercalated Degrees: Are they for me?

When I first heard about intercalated degrees as a medical student, I wasn’t sure what they were! Another year of study? An extra qualification? A chance to take a break from medicine for a bit? The truth is, it’s all of these things, depending on who you ask.

An intercalated degree (often called an “iBSc” or “iMSc”) is when medical students step away from their usual curriculum for a year to study a different subject. This could be anything from neuroscience to global health, medical education, or even anthropology. It’s not compulsory at every medical school, but many offer it, and choosing whether or not to intercalate is one of those decisions that can feel surprisingly big.

To get a clearer picture, I asked a few fellow medics about their choices—some who intercalated, and some who didn’t. Their stories really highlighted how personal the decision can be.

A Year of Research and Discovery

One student I spoke to intercalated in Biomedical Sciences. For her, it was a chance to finally slow down and think, rather than just cram for the next OSCE. She loved the independence of running her own research project, and the cherry on top was that her work got published. It wasn’t just a degree for her, but a stepping stone into the field of academic medicine. It was also an opportunity to join another university for a year, gaining different experiences from all aspects.

Another friend chose Global Health. Instead of ward rounds and endless anatomy lists, she was debating health systems, ethics, and inequalities with students from all backgrounds. She even travelled abroad for a short placement. She reflected on how this year allowed her to revisit why she chose medicine as a career in the first place, and the impact it can have on the world.

Skipping the Extra Year

Of course, not everyone chooses to intercalate. One colleague explained his reasoning very simply: “I just wanted to qualify earlier.” For him, the idea of delaying his medical career by a year didn’t feel worth it and he was eager to move forward. This is a view that many share as medicine is a long degree already, or potentially there are courses that do not appeal to everyone. He has since graduated and has started his residency with no regrets!

So, Should You Intercalate?

That’s the big question. And honestly? There isn’t a right answer.

If you’re the kind of person who loves digging deeper into a subject, who wants a break from the treadmill of medical school, or who sees research in your future, then intercalating could be a brilliant opportunity.

But if you’re eager to keep moving, or if the thought of another year of studying feels draining, then skipping it is just as valid. You’ll still become a doctor, and you won’t be ‘behind’ in any sense.

The key is to think about what you want out of the year. Is it an investment in your career, or would it feel like an unnecessary detour?

At the end of the day, intercalating is less about what looks good on a CV, and more about what helps you grow, recharge, and shape your own journey in medicine.