For clear advice and helpful resources, visit our dedicated applicant website.
There are different types of medical degrees, and while their names might vary, they generally fall into four main categories. Use our Entry Requirements Tool to check out specific medical schools’ requirements and filter by course type.
The Standard Entry Medicine course usually takes 5 years to complete, though some universities offer a 6-year option. You’ll often see it called MBBS or MBChB, but they all lead to the same bachelor’s degree in medicine.
The Graduate Entry Medicine course is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree (usually requiring at least a 2.1, though some schools accept a 2.2). While a health-related degree is often preferred, it’s not always a requirement. This course is usually 4 years. It’s also called the Graduate Entry Programme, and some courses are only available to UK students.
This programme is for students who show potential but who might have faced barriers to their education due to personal circumstances. It often uses adjusted criteria to give applicants a better chance at meeting the entry requirements. Medicine with Gateway Year courses are only available to UK students.
Applications to medicine are made through UCAS.
The UCAS deadline for medicine is 15 October each year. Applications submitted after this date won’t be accepted, so make sure to get everything in on time.
You’ll have the option to add a fifth choice on your UCAS application that is separate to medicine. This is optional and won’t impact your medical school application.
The personal statement format has now changed from one longer piece of text to three separate sections.
Medical schools assess personal statements differently, and most don’t score them directly. However, they might use your statement as a starting point for interview discussions so it’s important to write about things you’re happy to talk about in more detail if asked.
Your personal statement is your chance to explain why you want to study medicine and highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Keep it personal and unique to you, avoid clichés and focus on what sets you apart.
How to write a personal statement
Most medical schools use an admissions test as part of their entry requirements. Results are automatically delivered to the schools you have applied for.
The majority of medical schools use the University Clinical Aptitude Test or UCAT (formerly UKCAT). It is a computer-based test. You can find a full list of medical schools on the UCAT website.
What it tests: Generic skills in problem solving and critical thinking, scientific knowledge and application
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: £75 for UK applicants. Bursaries are available to cover this cost for candidates from low income households.
Location: Applicants can book to sit the UCAT either at a local Pearson Vue Test Centre or remotely at home.
The Graduate Medical School Admissions test (GAMSAT) is used for the Graduate Entry Medicine courses and for a number of the Standard Entry Medicine courses where the applicant is a graduate. The GAMSAT test is offered twice a year, in March and September.
See the GAMSAT website for key dates including registration and test dates.
