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Entry requirements for UK medical schools2021 entry
“Around the UK there are students who would make brilliantdoctors but who feel in the dark about what they need in order toapply. Some of these students may never have considered theirtalent for medicine, while others have had encouragement fromfamily or teachers.“Medical schools want to find the best candidates and believe theycan come from any background. With a resource like this, we hopethat a major part of the process – admissions criteria – can becomeclearer for everyone.”Paul GarrudHonorary Associate Professor, University of NottinghamChair, Medical Schools Council Selection Alliance
ContentsClick on a title to go to the pageWelcome6Course types7Admissions tests8About Access courses9Understanding the course tables10Standard Entry MedicineUniversity of Aberdeen12Anglia Ruskin University13Aston University14University of Birmingham15Brighton and Sussex Medical School16University of Bristol17University of Buckingham18University of Cambridge19Cardiff University20University of Dundee21Edge Hill University22University of East Anglia23University of Edinburgh24University of Exeter25University of Glasgow26Hull York Medical School27Imperial College London28Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk2
Keele University29Kent and Medway Medical School30King’s College London31Lancaster University32University of Leeds33University of Leicester34Lincoln Medical School35University of Liverpool36University of Manchester37Newcastle University38University of Nottingham39University of Oxford40Plymouth University41Queen Mary University of London42Queen’s University Belfast43University of Sheffield44University of Southampton45University of St Andrews46St George’s, University of London47University of Sunderland48University College London49University of Central Lancashire50Graduate Entry MedicineUniversity of Birmingham52University of Cambridge53Cardiff University54Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk3
King’s College London55University of Liverpool56Newcastle University57University of Nottingham58University of Oxford59Queen Mary University of London60University of Sheffield61University of Southampton62University of St Andrews and University of Dundee(ScotGEM)63St George’s, University of London64Swansea University65University of Warwick66Medicine with a PreliminaryYearCardiff University68University of Manchester69Medicine with a Gateway YearUniversity of Aberdeen71University of Bristol72University of Bradford73University of Dundee74Edge Hill University75University of East Anglia76University of Glasgow77Hull York Medical School78King’s College London79Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk4
Lancaster University80University of Leeds81University of Leicester82Lincoln Medical School83University of Liverpool84University of Nottingham85Plymouth University86University of Southampton87University of St Andrews88Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk5
WelcomeThis guide contains information on entry requirementsfor all of the UK’s bachelor’s degrees in medicine. It wascreated by the Medical Schools Council and is updatedyearly from information passed directly from themedical schools.Did you know.All the information in this bookletis available as an interactivewebpage so you can search byyour chosen criteria and makeeasy comparisons.“I’ve had to overcomesome major adversitiesin life in order to bewhere I am today.Although the gradesI achieved at A levelwouldn’t typically havebeen sufficient to beconsidered for medicine,I’m extremely happy tohave been given theopportunity.”Zephanai BraithwaiteYear 0 studentUniversity of SouthamptonThe purpose of the guide is to act as a point ofreference and easy comparison for entry requirements.It cannot contain the full details of each medical school’srequirements, so seeking confirmation and additionalinformation on individual medical school’s websites isessential.Diversity and widening participationThis guide will be useful to all who are considering anapplication to study medicine. It was, however, createdwith particular focus on widening participation. Thisterm refers to initiatives which provide opportunities forthose who would make excellent doctors but who facebarriers due to their educational and/or socioeconomiccircumstances.The Medical Schools Council believes that an applicant’schance of entering a medical degree programmeshould be dictated by factors such as academic ability,motivation and conscientiousness. Factors like wealth orcultural background should not present any barrier tostudying medicine. Removing barriers will help to builda medical profession which is diverse, highly capableand represents the communities it serves.Part of this is to present entry requirements informationin the clearest way. This is of particular benefit tostudents who are without good careers guidance. It willalso help careers advisers ensure that their knowledge iscorrect and up to date.Collating and publishing this information is part of themedical schools’ response to the demand for clearand accessible entry requirements for medicine, asrecommended in the Final Report of the Selecting forExcellence project.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk6
Course typesStandard Entry MedicineThis is usually five years long, but in some institutions itis six. It can have different abbreviations, such as MBBSor MBChB, but all result in the bachelor’s degree inmedicine.Graduate Entry MedicineThis is open to application from those who alreadyhave a bachelor’s degree. Many universities accept adegree in any subject, but some require the previousdegree to be science- or health-related. It is a fouryear accelerated degree in most cases, but in someuniversities it is a five-year course. It is also known asthe Graduate Entry Programme.Medicine with a Preliminary YearNote Sometimes this course iscalled a ‘foundation year’.It should not be confusedwith the FoundationProgramme, which is theperiod of practical trainingtaken after graduation.Note These courses have beendesigned specifically forwidening participation,but many of the StandardEntry Medicine courses usesimilar methods. See the'widening participation'box in each entry.This course takes the form of a five-year Standard EntryMedicine with an additional year at the start, making asix-year course.This course is designed for those who achieved highly atA level, or equivalent, but who did not take the requiredscience subjects. This extra year gives students thenecessary science training to catch up. It is not a meansof boosting the grades of those who do not meet theentry requirements of Standard Entry Medicine.Medicine with a Gateway YearThese medical degrees are designed for those who areof high ability but who may be coming from situationswhere they have had barriers to their learning.The courses can take this into account in differentways, for instance by using ‘adjusted criteria’ to changethe entry requirements for applicants from lowparticipation areas. Often these are six-year courses,with the first year being a foundation year. Someschools offer a stand alone foundation year, whichallows progression on to a standard medicine course.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk07
Admissions testsNearly all medical degrees use an admissions testas part of their entry requirements. There arethree admissions tests. Applicants may sit differentcombinations of these tests according to the medicalschools they intend to include in their application.UCATApplicants must register for the UCAT between Mayand late September. After the UCAS deadline, resultsare sent directly to the medical schools to which theapplicant has applied. Thirty medical schools use theUCAT. Covid-19 has affected how UCAT is delivered.You must visit the website to confirm deadlines.UCAT also administers the Situational Judgement Testfor Admission to Clinical Education (SJTace) which is anadmissions test used for entry to the Scottish GraduateEntry Medical Programme (ScotGEM).BMATThere are usually two BMAT test dates per year. Thefirst is in early September and applicants must registerfor this by early August. The second is in late October orearly November and students should aim to register forthis by the end of September, but late registrations arepossible until the UCAS application deadline. The scoresof those in the second sitting are sent directly to themedical schools to which they have have applied. Sevenmedical schools use the BMAT. Covid-19 has affectedhow BMAT is delivered. You must visit the website toconfirm deadlines.GAMSATThis test is used for a number of the Graduate EntryMedicine courses. It is also used for graduate applicantsto a small number of Standard Entry Medicine courses.Applicant must register for and sit the GAMSAT beforemaking the UCAS application. Seven medical schoolsuse the GAMSAT. Covid-19 has affected how GAMSATis delivered. You must visit the website to confirmdeadlines.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk08
About Access coursesIn medicine, Access courses are run by furthereducation colleges and not by universities. This meansthere are many different Access courses on offer. Oftenthey are designed for mature learners who may nothave A levels or equivalent. As is the case for Medicinewith a Preliminary Year, Access courses are not asubstitute for poor performance at A level.If you are thinking about applying for a specific Accesscourse, it will be useful to first check some things withmedical schools and with the institution offering theAccess course so you can feel comfortable with yourdecision.Questions for medical schools Do you accept the qualification offered by this Accesscourse as part of your entry requirements? If so, have you previously admitted students whohave been on this course?Questions for the Access courseprovider Have students who have taken the Access coursegone on to study medicine? If so, how many, and which medical schools did theygo to?Useful linksGuidance on relevant experience forapplying to medical schoolStatement on the core values andattributes needed to study medicineEntry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.ukMSC Interview Prep website09
Understanding the course tablesHome/European Economic AreaNumber of applicants per interviewNumber of applicants per placeInternational1InterviewApplicationUse in selectionPredicted A levels/ScottishHighersGCSEs/Scottish Nationals2International BaccalaureatePersonal statement3Admissions test4Interview method5Work experience6Widening participation71The numbers here are called ‘competition ratios’. They state the number of applicants per interview and the numberof applicants per place on the course. Where the ratio is not known, it is marked with ‘–’.2These are the minimum entry requirements which must be met for the application to proceed. It is at the followingstages, such as interview, where medical schools really start to differentiate the applicants.3This will tell you how the personal statement is used. Most medical schools do not score the personal statement (butmay still read it for background information). Some do score the personal statement.4This states the admissions test used by the medical school. See the previous page for more on these.5Interviews can take different forms, such as a single panel interview, or a series of short interviews called a ‘multiplemini-interview’. Different styles can focus on different attributes in the candidate.6Medical schools may specify what kind of experience they are looking for. Remember: it is not a checklist. The keyis the way in which an applicant discusses their experiences in the interview, not the places where they have gainedthem. For instance, if asked to provide an example of working with other people, having had a part-time job can bejust as valuable for answering this as having shadowed a doctor. See the Work experience guidelines for applicants tomedicine for more on this.7This box contains any information which relates to widening participation. This can take many forms, from statingparticular colleges that the medical school works with, to describing how the grade threshold may be loweredaccording to factors in the applicant’s circumstances.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk10
Standard EntryMedicineThis course type is usually five years long, but in someinstitutions it is six. It can have different abbreviations,such as MBBS or MBChB, but all result in a bachelor’sdegree in medicine.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk11
University of Aberdeen Medical SchoolMB ChB Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternational (non-EEA)Number of applicants per interview1.722.19Number of applicants per place9.6817.5ApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)A minimum of 2.1 in an undergraduate degree will enable application witha Chemistry grade B in SQA Higher or A level.AAA at A level including Chemistry and one from Biology/ Human Biology,Maths or Physics achieved at same time.Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersAAAAB at SQA Higher level including Chemistry and two from HumanBiology/Biology, maths or Physics and two further Highers in most subjects.S6: Three full academic courses in Advanced Highers or a mix of twoAdvanced Highers and one new Higher at BBB grade.InterviewGCSEs/Scottish NationalsGCSE Grade 5 in English and Maths and combination of grades 6–9especially in science subjects.SQA National 5 English and Maths at grade B and a combination of gradesA and B passes, especially in science subjects.International Baccalaureate36 points. Three subjects achieved at higher level at grade 6 or aboveincluding Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Maths. Threeappropriate subjects at standard level with average grade 6.Personal statementPersonal Statement is reviewed prior to interview for evidence ofpreparation for medicine. The personal statement is not scored but isassessed at interview.Admissions testUCATInterview methodMultiple mini-InterviewsWork experienceA range of experience in primary care or a hospital. Voluntary work in carehomes, hospices or special needs schools.Widening participationWork experience form completed and returned at interview.AAAB for Scottish widening participation applicants, and guaranteedinterview should applicant meet minimum academic requirements andachieve UCAT score within top 75% of all Aberdeen applicant scores.Widening participation criteria are SIMD20 postcode or attends a Reachschool or is Care experienced. See website for details.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: University of Aberdeen Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk12
Anglia Ruskin University School of MedicineMB ChB Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternational (non-EEA)Number of applicants per interview2N/ANumber of applicants per place12N/AApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersMinimum 2.1 honours degree awarded within the last five years. Thedegree must be in a biological, Biomedical, Chemistry or health sciencesubject.AAA at A level taken within two academic years prior to the time ofapplication, to include Chemistry or Biology and one of either Biology,Chemistry, Maths or Physics.AAB from Scottish Advanced Highers with grades AA to come from Biologyand/or Chemistry and another science subject. AAAAA at Higher Gradeincluding Biology and/or Chemistry and another science subject.GCSEs/Scottish NationalsA minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-6 (A*-B) or equivalent requiredincluding Maths, English Language and two science subjects.International BaccalaureateA minimum of 36 points is accepted. 6,6,6 at Higher Level in Biology and/orChemistry plus one other science subject.Personal statementThe personal statement is not taken into consideration when shortlistingfor interview, but candidates who are invited to interview can expect to beasked about their personal statement at that stage.Admissions testUCATInterview methodMultiple mini-interviewsWork experienceWork experience is not taken into consideration when shortlisting forinterview, but candidates who are invited to interview can expect to beasked about their work experience at that stage.Widening participationDepending on the circumstances, applicants eligible for the WideningAccess Scheme may be offered a lower conditional offer at A level of ABB.See website for details.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: Anglia Ruskin University Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk13
Aston University Medical SchoolMB ChB Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternational (non-EEA)Number of applicants per interview2.92.5Number of applicants per place10.610.4InterviewApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)For graduate applicants, a minimum of a 2:1 in any discipline, plus three ALevels at grades ABB, to include Chemistry and Biology, with either at gradeA or equivalent international qualification. GCSE requirements must also bemet.Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersAAA-AAB at A Level which must include Chemistry and Biology (includingpassing the practical elements).GCSEs/Scottish NationalsNormally applicants are required to have a minimum of five grade 6 (B)at GCSEs, or equivalent for international qualifications, including Maths,English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Double Science.International Baccalaureate35 overall. 6,6,5 in three subjects which must include Chemistry (HL6) andBiology (HL6).Personal statementWe read all personal statements and references. We do not score thepersonal statement but this may be taken into consideration for applicantswho are borderline.Admissions testUCATInterview methodMultiple mini-interviewsWork experienceWe recognise that not everyone will be able to secure medical workexperience, and that it is possible to get the same outlook, experience andqualities by doing work experience in a non-medical environment too. Forexample, working in a hospital shop will mean that you deal with all kindsof patients and people and allow you to develop your communication skills,teamwork skills, following instructions, and leadership skills.Widening participationWe aim to offer up to 40% of our UK/EU places each year to students whomeet specified widening participation criteria; preference will be given toour local students including those who are on the Sir Doug Ellis Pathway toHealthcare Programme.See website for details.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: Aston University Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk14
University of Birmingham Medical SchoolMB ChB Medicine and Surgery (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternationalNumber of applicants per interview2.24.5Number of applicants per place8.318.1ApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)Applicants with a 2:1 in any subject and have achieved ABB at A level(Chemistry and Biology) are ranked by total UCAT score.Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersAAA at A level including Biology and Chemistry.AA at Advanced Higher including Biology and Chemistry.Minimum of grade B in science, English and Maths.GCSEs/Scottish NationalsHome applicants: An application score is calculated based on GCSE andUCAT results as well as contextual factors. A total of seven GCSE results arescored, including English, maths and science. The contextual element isdescribed below.The website calculator allows prospective applicants to receive feedback onthe likelihood of success based on the academic factors used in selection.International Baccalaureate6,6,6 at Higher Level (including Biology and Chemistry; must be predicted6,6,5) plus total points score of 32.Personal statementPersonal statement is not scored. It is expected that the statement providesevidence of commitment to study medicine.Admissions testUCAT. For home applicants, a score is allocated based on ranking the totalof the scores for the four subtests. For international applicants, we rankthe total score in order to define a threshold. The result for the SituationalJudgment Test contributes to the scoring at the interview stage.Interview methodMultiple mini-interviewsWork experienceWork experience does not factor into the process of selection for interview.The understanding gained from work experience will be invaluable inenabling applicants to address the issues presented to them at interview.We recruit medicine students via a number of outreach schemes: Pathwaysto Birmingham. Birmingham also participates in the UKWPMED scheme.Widening participationContextual data is taken into account when selecting home applicants forinterview. We define a contextual school using performance data at GCSEand A level. We combine this with POLAR data to generate a contextualscore, which is an element of our algorithm for calculating an applicationscore. See website for details.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: University of Birmingham Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk15
Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolBMBS Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternationalNumber of applicants per interview––Number of applicants per place––InterviewApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)2:1 in a science subject with sufficienct Biology and Chemistry.Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersAAA at A level including Biology and Chemistry.GCSEs/Scottish NationalsGCSE Maths and English at grade 6 (B), or grade 5 (C) for WP applicants.International Baccalaureate36 points including Biology and Chemistry at Higher level at grade 6.Personal statementPersonal statement is not used in any part of selection process.Admissions testBMATInterview methodMultiple-mini interviewsWork experienceApplicants need an insight into medicine and the role of the doctor, thismay come from work experience.BSMS has a number of WP activities -Widening participation BrightMed BrightIdeas Virtual work experience GP work experienceBSMS aims to give 30% of its interviews and offer at least 50 places toapplicants who meet WP criteria.Applicants who meet WC criteria will receive an offer of AAB at A level (35points IB) along with GCSE maths and English at grade 5 (C).See website for details.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the courseitself, see its webpage: Brighton and Sussex Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk16
University of Bristol Medical SchoolMB ChB Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternationalNumber of applicants per interview––Number of applicants per place––InterviewApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (forgraduate applicants)Predicted A levels/ScottishHighers2:1 degree plus ABB at A level including A in Chemistry and B in eitherBiology, Physics or Maths.AAA at A level including in Chemistry and either Biology, Physics or Maths.AA at Advanced Higher in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathsand Standard Higher: AAAABGCSEs/Scottish NationalsMinimum of grade A in Maths and grade C in English Language.International Baccalaureate36 points overall with 18 at Higher level, including 6,6 at Higher level inChemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Maths.Personal statementThis is not assessed, but may be used to differentiate between applicantswho have achieved the same UCAT score.Admissions testUCATInterview methodMultiple mini-interviewsWork experienceThis will be discussed during interviewWidening participationSome applicants are eligible for a lower contextual offer of ABB/AACincluding A in Chemistry and A/B in one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics.Eligibility criteria is detailed here.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: University of Bristol Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk17
University of Buckingham Medical SchoolMB ChB Medicine (71A8)4.5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternational (non-EEA)Number of applicants per interview––Number of applicants per place––ApplicationUse in selectionDegree qualifications (graduateapplicants only)For applicants offering a degree – they should have a Bachelor degreein a subject cognate to Medicine, and have or be predicted a minimumclassification of 2.1.AAB at A level including Chemistry and Biology.Predicted A levels/ScottishHighersBBB at Advanced Highers to include Chemistry and Biology.InterviewAAABB at Highers at S5 level with 3.GCSEs/Scottish NationalsNo specific requirements.International BaccalaureateA minimum of 34 points overall, to include 3 Higher Level subjects. Mustachieve at least HL6 in Biology and Chemistry (please note the overallpoints score does not include your theory of knowledge or extended essay).Personal statementThe medical school may consider all the information provided withina candidates application including academic qualifications, personalstatement and references before a final decision is made to interview oroffer a place on the course.Admissions testNone.Interview methodMultiple mini-interviewsWork experienceNot considered.Additional informationThe University of Buckingham is a not-for-profit educational charity thatreceives no government subsidies. More information on fees.Please note the application deadline for this course is 31 August of eachyear. This course is 4.5 years and with the term start in January 2021.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn more about the course itself,see its webpage: University of Buckingham Medical School.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk18
University of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineMB BChir Medicine (A100)6 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternationalNumber of applicants per interview––Number of applicants per place617InterviewApplicationUse in selectionPredicted A levels/ScottishHighersTypical offers are A*A*A at A level, or A1A1A2 in Scottish Advanced Highers.On entry, applicants must have A level passes in Chemistry and at least oneof Biology, Physics, Maths (two required by some colleges).Please note that the success rate for students offering three or moreScience/Maths A levels has often been higher than for those without.GCSEs/Scottish NationalsNo specific requirements.International Baccalaureate40–42 points, with 7,7,6 at Higher Level. On entry, applicants must haveHigher Chemistry and at least one of Higher Biology, Physics, Maths (tworequired by some colleges).Personal statementPersonal statement is reviewed prior to interview but not scored.Admissions testBMATInterview methodPanel interview/s (usually two interviews lasting 25–30 minutes at onecollege).Work experienceTo develop understanding of what a career in medicine involves andsuitability for your intended profession, candidates are strongly advised(though not required) to undertake some relevant work experience (eitherpaid or voluntary) in a health or related area. The medical school is notprescriptive about how this is obtained and recognises the widely differingopportunities available.Widening participationContextual data is considered within the admissions process; relevantapplications receive contextual flags based on individual, socio-economicand educational disadvantage. This information is fully considered as partof a holistic admissions process to aid in the fair assessment of applicants,but does not result in systematic lower grade offers.The university delivers a Medicine Summer School with the Sutton Trust,alongside a number of other subject-specific outreach interventions.To confirm this information, see details on the course’s entry requirements, and learn about the course itself, see itswebpage: University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine.Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entrywww.medschools.ac.uk19
Cardiff University School of MedicineMB BCh Medicine (A100)5 yearsHome/European Economic AreaInternationalNumber of applicants per interview1.96Number of applicants per place9.119.2InterviewApplicationUse in selectionPredicted A levels/ScottishHighersAAA at A level which should include Chemistry and Biology. The WelshBaccalaureate is accepted in the place of a third A level. General Studies,Critical Thinking and Further Maths are not accepted.GCSEsEither grades 6,6 (BB) in Science and Additional Science or grades 6,6 (BB)in both Chemistry and Biology if taken as single sciences. Grade 6 (B) isrequired in Maths and English Language. If Welsh Language is offered, itmust also be supplemented with English Language at a minimum of a grade6 (B).International BaccalaureateIB Diploma with a minimum overall score of 36 and 766 in 3 Higher levelsubjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry AND grade 6 inone other HL science from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, orStatistics. Must also include grade 7 in SL Biology or Chemistry if not takenat HL. All offers exclude Theory of Knowl
Entry requirements for UK medical schools: 2021 entry 2 www.medschools.ac.uk Standard Entry Medicine University of Aberdeen 12 . It cannot contain the full details of each medical school's requirements, so seeking confirmation and additional information on individual medical school's websites is essential.
