Abstract
The learning environment of teaching institutions is increasingly coming under scrutiny as an important determinant of educational process and outcome. This study examined medical students' perceptions of the learning environment of their medical schools. Substantial differences between the 25 participating schools in Britain and Ireland were found on some dimensions (e.g. vocational as opposed to ‘scientific˚s orientation; level of student involvement in curricular affairs; perceived intensiveness of the course). Slight differences only were noted as to schools' administrative flexibility, the extent to which concepts are emphasised rather than factual detail (they are not), and the enjoyability of courses (high). Profiles of medical schools as perceived by the students are described and the validity and consistency of the findings reviewed.