MD/MSc Dual Degree
Research with a patient-care perspective to make a world of difference
Program Overview
Program
Medical students can pursue a research-focused MD/MSc dual degree by adding a term and summer to complete thesis-based coursework and original research through WINDREF or approved labs.
Locations
Years 1-2: SGU’s campus in Grenada or Northumbria University campus in the UK
Years 3-4: US, UK, Canada or Grenada hospitals or clinics
Entry Terms
August, January, or April
Next Start Date:
August 2025 (Grenada)
September 2025 (UK)
View All SGU
Medical Programs
The MD/MSc dual-degree program is designed for medical students with a desire to become involved with original, thesis-oriented research. With the additional credential of a Master of Science (MSc) degree, you can pursue careers in specific areas of advanced medical research.
The curriculum for the dual MD/MSc degrees reflect the areas of applied investigative research. Medical students who wish to obtain a dual MD/MSc degree add a term and a summer to their Basic Sciences program to facilitate research activities that contribute to the MSc program. Depending on the concentration of the MSc degree, at least 10 appropriate credits of the MD degree contribute to the 34 credit MSc part of the dual degree.
Much of the dual-degree program’s research component is facilitated through the Research Institute of the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF). Studies may be conducted through community-based or field-based studies, or within WINDREF, in departmental laboratories, or in approved laboratories at other universities or institutes.
The MSc degree will be awarded upon the successful completion of the 10 required credits from the preclinical medical program and all prescribed graduate-level courses as outlined in the curriculum.
MD/MSc Concentrations
- Anatomy
- Bioethics
- Biomedical research
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Tropical medicine
Dual-Degree Program Admission
Dual degrees to give your medical training an even greater impact.
Candidates interested in our dual-degree program must submit an application for entry into St. George’s School of Medicine and include the Graduate Addendum.
Dual-degree candidates will be reviewed by the Committee on Admission for the Medical program first before consideration is given to the graduate degree requirements.
Upon acceptance, an interview will be conducted by an appropriate representative of the requested program of study, and the Dean of Graduate Studies and faculty members will review the request for the dual-degree program.
Academic Outcomes
Students from across the world come to St. George’s University for a rewarding education with global impact.
95%
US residency placement rate for US graduates over the last five years.1
1) Average of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of US students/graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of US students/graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of April 2025.
1,035+
US residencies in 2025. No other medical school in the world provides more new doctors to the US healthcare system.2
2) As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of April 2025.
84%
Pass rate of SGU students from the US taking the USMLE 1 for the first time 2019-2023.3
3) Total results from the five calendar years 2019-2023. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of SGU students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of SGU students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time within the given time range. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.
89%
Pass rate of SGU students from Canada taking the USMLE 1 for the first time 2018-2022.4
4) Total results from the five calendar years 2019-2023. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of Canadian students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of Canadian students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time within the given time range. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the dual MD/MSc degrees reflect the areas of applied investigative research. Medical students who wish to obtain a dual MD/MSc degree must decelerate the preclinical medical program by six months to facilitate research activities which contribute to the MSc program. Depending on the concentration of the MSc degree at least 10 appropriate credits of the MD degree contribute to the 34 credit MSc part of the dual degree.
Non-thesis dual degree options are also available. A Supervisory Committee oversees the MSc curriculum and research which culminates in the production of a thesis.
Academic Year 1
Term 1
BPM 500: Basic Principles of Medicine I
BPM 500: Basic Principles of Medicine I (BPM1)
- Foundation to Medicine (6 weeks)
- Musculoskeletal System (4 weeks)
- Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Renal Systems (7 weeks)
Term 2
BPM 501: Basic Principles of Medicine II
BPM 501: Basic Principles of Medicine II (BPM2)
- Endocrinology and Reproduction (3 weeks)
- Digestion and Metabolism (5 weeks)
- Nervous System and Behavioral Sciences (10 weeks)
Academic Year 2
Term 3
BPM 502: Basic Principles of Medicine III
BPM 502: Basic Principles of Medicine III (BPM3)
- Basics of Immunology and Microbiology
- Public Health Assessment Tools
- Culture and Societal Issues/Physician-Patient Relationship
- Ethics, Professionalism and Medical Jurisprudence
Term 4
PCM 500: Principles of Clinical Medicine I
PCM 500: Principles of Clinical Medicine I (PCM1)
- Foundations to Clinical Medicine
- Cardiovascular and Renal Systems
- Respiratory and Hematopoietic Systems
- Digestive, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems
Term 5
PCM 501: Principles of Clinical Medicine II
Academic Years 3-4
Core Rotations
42 Weeks
Internal Medicine
12 Weeks
Surgery
12 Weeks
Pediatrics
6 Weeks
Obstretics/Gynecology
6 Weeks
Psychiatry
6 Weeks
Sub-Internships and Electives
38 Weeks
Academic Years 3 and 4
Family Medicine
4-6 Weeks
Medicine Subinternship
4 Weeks
Medicine Elective
4 Weeks
Additional Electives
24-26 Weeks
Real Questions. Real Answers.
Hear directly from SGU students and grads as they share honest answers to the most common questions about studying medicine at SGU.
MD '08, MSc '20
Investing In Your Future
SGU’s medical school tuition compares favorably with other top medical schools — and we offer scholarships and other financial aid assistance.
Purpose-Built for Academic Excellence and Wellness
Our 42-acre campus in Grenada is built for academic success and personal well-being with modern classrooms, dedicated study space, a full fitness center, and many of the comforts of home.
From Dr.eam To Doctor
Learn more about our MD program and tracks
Every aspect of our MD program and tracks are intentionally designed to support you on your path to becoming a physician.
Flexible Start Dates: Choose from multiple entry terms in August, January, or April to begin your medical education at your convenience.
Average of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students/ graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students / graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of October 2024.
Program and Track Highlights
- Global Recognition: SGU’s School of Medicine has been continuously accredited for decades, enabling our students to be eligible to practice in the US.
- Clinical Training: 85+ hospitals and health systems in the US, UK, and Canada offer clinical and ambulatory training and support.
- Legacy of Excellence: Join the network of over 23K+ graduates* who have impacted healthcare worldwide.
*Based on the number of students who have completed the Doctor of Medicine program from 1981-2024.
Connect With Us.
- Learn more about our MD program and tracks
- Receive priority invitations to our prospective student events
We will be in touch soon, but if you have questions now, email us at admissions@sgu.edu