How do I plan my MRCP study schedule?

TL;DR

If you are wondering “how do I plan my MRCP study schedule?” the key is consistency and structure. Divide preparation into 10–12 weeks, cover high-yield clinical subjects daily, and use question banks for active recall. Incorporate weekly mocks, review mistakes thoroughly, and dedicate your final week to focused revision. With a clear plan, you’ll balance breadth and depth, while reducing last-minute stress.

Why this matters

MRCP Part 1 is a broad exam covering both clinical and basic sciences. Many candidates fail not due to lack of knowledge, but because they lack a structured approach. A proper schedule ensures you distribute time across subjects, revise effectively, and practise under exam conditions. Crack Medicine provides resources — from our MRCP Part 1 overview to Free MRCP MCQs — to help you stay organised.

Step-by-step: Planning your MRCP Part 1 schedule

1. Set your timeline – Most candidates need 10–12 focused weeks.

2. Identify high-yield topics – Cardiology, Respiratory, Neurology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology.

3. Block daily study time – Mix 2 clinical + 1 science subject.

4. Use a QBank early – Practise 40–60 questions/day, increase closer to exam.

5. Simulate exam timing – Do 50 questions in 60 minutes to build speed.

6. Take weekly mocks – Build exam stamina and track progress.

7. Keep an error log – Record mistakes and review twice weekly.

8. Apply spaced repetition – Cycle subjects every 2–3 weeks.

9. Reserve weekends – Revise the week’s work and error log.

10. Final 10 days – Focus on recall, timed mocks, and weak areas.

    
    

High-yield topics and quick tips

Clinical Medicine

• Cardiology: ECG patterns, murmurs, MI management. Tip: memorise lesion–murmur associations.

• Respiratory: Asthma, COPD, fibrosis, lung cancer. Tip: daily chest X-ray review.

• Neurology: Stroke syndromes, epilepsy, MS. Tip: use anatomical diagrams.

• Endocrinology: Thyroid disease, diabetes, adrenal pathology. Tip: link biochemistry with clinical findings.

• Gastroenterology: Cirrhosis, IBD, acute abdomen. Tip: map labs to likely diagnosis.

  
  

Basic sciences

• Pharmacology: Side effects and mechanisms. Tip: make flashcards.

• Statistics: Sensitivity, specificity, survival curves. Tip: practise MCQs weekly.

• Genetics & Immunology: Focus on commonly tested syndromes. Tip: use mnemonics sparingly.

Example 12-week plan

Week	Focus Area	Key Activities
1–2	Cardiology + Respiratory	40 Q/day, ECGs daily, weekend recap
3–4	Neurology + Endocrinology	50 Q/day, flashcards, 1 mock each week
5–6	Gastro + Renal	Case-based Qs, error log, mixed revision
7–8	Haematology + Infectious	60 Q/day, recall sessions, 1 mock/week
9–10	Psychiatry + Dermatology	60 Q/day timed, revise high-yield facts
11	Integrated revision	2 mocks, weak-spot review
12	Final prep	3 full mocks, light recall only

Practical example: Mini-case

Question: A 68-year-old man presents with chest pain radiating to the arm. ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF. Which artery is occluded?

• A. Left anterior descending

• B. Right coronary

• C. Left circumflex

• D. Posterior descending

Answer: B. Right coronary artery. Explanation: Inferior MI (ST elevation in II, III, aVF) is typically due to RCA occlusion. This reinforces the need for rapid ECG

interpretation practice.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Relying solely on notes, avoiding QBank practice.

• Delaying mock exams until the last fortnight.

• Ignoring statistics and pharmacology.

• Focusing only on “favourite” subjects.

• Repeating mistakes without maintaining an error log.

  
  

FAQs

1. How long do I need to prepare for MRCP Part 1?

On average, 10–16 weeks of structured study is sufficient for most candidates, depending on prior exposure.

2. Should I read textbooks or only question banks?

Question banks are most effective for recall and application. Standard texts such as Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine are useful for clarifying concepts.

3. How many questions should I do daily?

40–60 with full review initially; aim for 100 closer to the exam.

4. When should I start mocks?

By week 3–4, once you have covered some ground. Early mocks help identify weak areas.

5. Can I pass on the first attempt?

Yes, with disciplined scheduling, regular mocks, and consistent error review.

Ready to start?

A well-structured plan is your best ally for MRCP Part 1. Use Crack Medicine’s Free MRCP MCQs to guide your daily recall, join our high-yield lectures for conceptual clarity, and start a mock test to simulate real exam pressure. Structured preparation today means confidence on exam day.

Ready to start?

• MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Overview

• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries