AS global healthcare systems continue to converge on standards of excellence and mobility, the ability to practice medicine across borders is becoming increasingly desirable.
One initiative that exemplifies this shift is the introduction of the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) – a standardised exam required for all medical graduates wishing to practice in the UK.
Recognising its global relevance, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) has integrated the UKMLA into its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum.
Students are consistently exposed to the UKMLA format throughout their studies.
In early 2025, the university’s Year 5 students sat for the UKMLA exams, achieving a pass rate of almost 100%.
MBBS graduate Bhumika Jethnani noted that NUMed had prepared them well since the beginning.
“Our lecturers did a great job at ensuring we were ready for the two components of the UKMLA,” she shared.
Understanding the UKMLA
The UKMLA was officially implemented in the 2024/25 academic year by the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) to ensure that all doctors – no matter where they received their medical education – meet a consistent high standard of medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competency.
The exam consists of two segments. The first is the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) which uses a computer to evaluate the candidate’s ability to apply higher level thinking based on real-life scenarios.
The Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA), on the other hand, examines their clinical and communication skills with real and simulated patients.
Bhumika says NUMed lecturers prepared them well for both components of UKMLA.
Both components ensure that newly qualified doctors entering the UK healthcare system are well-prepared for practice, while also setting the benchmark for high-quality, outcome-based medical education across the world.
“When the UKMLA was introduced, we took proactive steps to adjust our curriculum, such as rearranging the courses to make sure that our students are thoroughly prepared for the assessment’s format and expectations,” explained NUMed’s clinical affairs dean Professor Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna.
Regional trailblazer
From the first year, students are introduced to the types of questions and scenarios they might face in the AKT and CPSA.
This allows them to build familiarity and confidence, reducing the pressure of high-stakes exams later on.
“Our students are consistently exposed to the single best answer (SBA) format required by the UKMLA, as our exam questions are carefully designed to align with this standard, featuring clear, straightforward lead-in statements.
“We are proud to be the first university in the region to play a direct role in the development of the assessment.
“Several of our academic staff are actively collaborating with the UK team to ensure the smooth delivery of the assessment, contributing their expertise to enhance its effectiveness and alignment with clinical education standards,” Prof Harinarayan elaborated.
“At NUMed, the UKMLA functions as the final examination for MBBS students. This means that by the time you graduate, you’ve already passed the UKMLA – giving you confidence that you are fully prepared to enter the global medical field,” he added.
To find out more go to http://www.newcastle.edu.my, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call +607-555 3800, or WhatsApp +6011-1231 5411/+6012-784 9456.
Additionally, explore NUMed’s campus and academic pathways during its Open Day on Aug 16. To register, visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/study-with-us/get-to-know-us/open-days/
