By mutually recognising each other’s widening participation programmes, the scheme improves the chances of admission for eligible applicants across all participating institutions. If you’ve taken part in an eligible widening participation (WP) programme, this initiative could boost your chances of securing a place at medical school.
Guaranteed interview at participating medical schools.
Reduced offer of ABB (this is subject to change, always check individual medical school websites).
Application support through your WP programme.
Fair consideration across all participating schools – not just your host school.
Eligible candidates must have completed one of the following WP programmes:
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University of Birmingham Medical School |
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Brighton and Sussex Medical School |
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Hull York Medical School |
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Keele University School of Medicine |
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University of Manchester Medical School |
Manchester Access Programme |
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University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School |
Successful completion is defined by the WP programme itself. You can apply to one or more of the participating schools through UCAS in 2026.
To be considered for UKWPMED scheme, you must:
meet the GCSE and A-Level subject/grade requirements of each medical school
sit the UCAT and meet each school’s requirements
apply via UCAS during the 2026–2027 application cycle for 2027 or deferred 2028 entry
As part of your UCAS application, you must enter the relevant data in the Extra activities option of your application.
For your UKWPMED entry, we recommend the following steps in the UCAS “Extra Activities” section:
In Type of Activity, enter: Masterclass/subject insight
In Activity Provider, select: UKWPMED from the dropdown menu
In Name of the Activity/Programme, enter the name of your WP programme (e.g., Steps2Medicine)
By applying to UKWPMED through UCAS, you consent to each participating medical school verifying your eligibility by contacting the institution where you completed your WP programme.
The UKWPMED scheme is open only to Medicine applicants applying through the standard UCAS process in the 2026–2027 cycle, for entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028.
Only applicants eligible for Home (UK) fee status will be considered. Each medical school will apply its own criteria to determine fee status.
The scheme applies exclusively to Medicine A100 courses (or A106 at Manchester).
Applicants who have already completed Year 13 at the time of application may not be eligible. Please check with individual medical schools before applying.
Each participating medical school will use its own admissions procedures.
Receiving an interview at one medical school does not guarantee interviews at others.
While the scheme’s benefits are similar across institutions, there may be some differences.
At Birmingham and Hull York Medical School, scheme benefits apply only if the offer is firmly accepted.
Please contact your WP programme organisers—they’ll have the most up-to-date guidance and can answer any questions about the scheme.
These programmes are usually for local widening participation (WP) students. Use the links above to check which programmes are near you, see if you’re eligible, and find contact details.
No. All students applying through UKWPMED—regardless of their home programme—are considered equally.
Unfortunately, only students from participating medical schools or WP programmes are eligible. That said, check individual medical schools’ websites as some may offer separate WP benefits based on your background.
Yes—just apply for deferred entry, or request deferral if you receive an offer. Each medical school has its own policy on deferrals, so be sure to check with them directly.
No need! Your status will be flagged automatically via your UCAS application.
Start by speaking to your WP programme organiser. If they agree, they can help you contact the medical school to clarify the situation.
Every medical school has its own policy on resits. Contact the ones you’re applying to, and ask whether you’re still eligible for support through UKWPMED.
You won’t be eligible for UKWPMED benefits. However, the school may offer its own WP support—check its website for details.
The programme is reviewed annually and may evolve. The list of participating medical schools and WP programmes may also change.
Yes. All successful applicants must attend and pass an interview, places will not be offered without one.