Navigating MRCP Part 1 & Part 2: Study Strategies and Resources

Introduction

The Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) is a postgraduate qualification that doctors must obtain to progress into specialist training in internal medicine. MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 (written) are challenging exams that test clinical knowledge, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning.

A structured study plan, coupled with high‑quality resources, is essential to pass these exams. This guide breaks down what to expect in each part, highlights key topics, offers study strategies, and explains how an integrated question bank like Quesmed can streamline your preparation.

Overview of MRCP Part 1 and Part 2

MRCP Part 1 is typically taken after the first year of postgraduate training. It consists of two three‑hour papers with 100 best‑of‑five questions each. The exam assesses basic science applied to clinical practice, including:

Cardiology
Respiratory medicine
Neurology
Gastroenterology
Endocrinology
Haematology
Genetics
Clinical pharmacology

MRCP Part 2 follows successful completion of Part 1 and at least 12 months of clinical experience. It also includes two three‑hour papers with 100 best‑of‑five questions each, with a focus on:

Complex clinical scenarios
Differential diagnoses
Investigation interpretation
Management decisions

Topics include:

Acute medicine
Oncology
Rheumatology
Dermatology
Obstetrics and psychiatry

Passing both written parts is necessary to sit PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills), which tests examination and communication skills.

Key Topics in MRCP Part 1

Cardiology: arrhythmias, heart failure, valvular disorders, congenital anomalies
Respiratory: asthma, COPD, pulmonary embolism
Gastroenterology: liver disease, IBD, pancreatic disorders
Neurology: stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating diseases
Basic sciences: physiology, anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, immunology
Clinical pharmacology: mechanisms, side effects, interactions
Statistics and epidemiology
Endocrinology, renal medicine, infectious diseases

Understanding patterns and the rationale for investigations is key.

Key Topics in MRCP Part 2

Part 2 questions are longer and more clinically detailed.

Oncology: staging, treatment options, side effects
Haematology: leukaemias, clotting disorders, transfusion reactions
Rheumatology: connective tissue diseases, vasculitides
Dermatology: systemic clues from rashes
Neurology: management of emergencies like myasthenic crises
Obstetrics/psychiatry: integrated into general medicine scenarios

Candidates must interpret lab results, ECGs, imaging, and pathology slides.

Effective Study Techniques

Start with the Royal Colleges' blueprint to understand weightings
Use active learning: summarise, teach, apply through practice questions
Use case-based learning to connect theory and practice
Create mind maps for differential diagnoses
Attend study groups or revision courses for structure
Take timed mock exams and analyse explanations
Keep a notebook of errors for review before the exam

The Role of Question Banks and Past Papers

High-volume, exam-style question practice is essential
Helps familiarise you with format, themes, and distractors
Past papers highlight frequently tested topics

Quesmed offers:

MRCP Part 1: 7,200+ questions
MRCP Part 2: 2,100+ questions
Detailed explanations and continuous updates
Integrated knowledge library
Progress analytics to identify weak areas
Offline mobile app for flexible study

Combining Videos, Notes and Flashcards

Use video tutorials for visual learning (e.g., murmurs, ECGs)
Quesmed’s MRCP Part 1 video course enhances clinical reasoning
Use flashcards for pharmacology, criteria, scoring systems
Apply spaced repetition for better retention
Flashcards can include formulae (e.g. corrected calcium, anion gap)

Optimising Revision with Quesmed

Consolidating resources reduces cognitive load
Quesmed includes:
- MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 banks
- Video courses
- Knowledge library
- Progress dashboards
- Study group features
“Complete MRCP” membership includes access to PACES resources
Offline access supports learning during busy shifts

Conclusion

Passing MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 demands dedication, smart study strategies, and access to reliable resources. By:

Understanding the exam structure
Focusing on high‑yield topics
Practising with updated question banks
Using flashcards and videos

You can prepare with confidence. Quesmed supports you from your first revision session to your final exam with a complete, integrated platform.

Share this article