Under UK law, a disability is defined as a long-term condition (lasting over a year) that affects your daily life, including your ability to study. This includes a wide range of conditions, such as:
If you have a disability, you should disclose it on your UCAS application by ticking the relevant box. This will not affect how your application is reviewed. If you receive an offer, the medical school will talk with you about any specific requirements and may seek advice from their Occupational Health Service or Disability Unit to ensure the support you need is in place.
Medical schools are required to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. These adjustments are made as long as the disability doesn’t prevent you from meeting the essential competencies needed to become a doctor and graduate.
If you’re not sure how your disability fits into the application process or what studying medicine might look like with your condition, reach out directly to the medical schools you’re interested in. They are there to help and will guide you through the process.
