medical schools council
 

Entry requirements for 2025 start

Select a course type above then use the filters below to learn about the courses. This information is provided directly by the medical schools but can change. Always confirm the information on medical schools’ websites. You can see when this information was last updated under the name of each course.

This information relates to entry requirements for entry into medical school in Autumn 2025, with UCAS applications to be submitted by 15 October 2024.

There is no PDF booklet accompanying this data for 2025 however we are working on introducing an option to be able to download and print this information, which is expected to be live in mid 2025.  

For more information on applying to medicine, visit our dedicated applicant website: www.studyinghealthcare.ac.uk

 


University of Aberdeen Medical School

Gateway2Medicine (A1A1)

1 year (allows progression to MBChB)

Last updated: May 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 2 

Number of applicants per place: Home: 3 

Graduates, non-Scottish domiciled applicants, international applicants, and those who have previously enrolled on a higher education programme are not eligible to apply for this programme.

A Levels and Scottish Highers

Highers - AABB

A minimum of 4 Highers at AABB over one or two sittings (over S4-S6). This must include any two sciences from Chemistry, Maths, Biology/Human Biology and Physics or;

National Certificate Level 6 Applied Sciences Group award, to be achieved with 18 credits plus a science Higher at grade A achieved over one academic session and accompanied by a suitable reference from course tutor.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

National 5s: English and Maths are required (Grade B minimum); Biology and Physics are recommended but not compulsory (Grade B minimum). A combination of Grade A & B passes at Standard Grade / National 5 is expected, especially in science subjects.

Personal statement

Personal statements are reviewed prior to interview but not scored. Applicants should be prepared to talk about their personal statement at interview.

Admissions test

N/A

Interview method

Multiple-mini interviews.

Work experience

Desirable but not required.

Widening participation

This course is only open to applicants that meet specific widening participation criteria. Applicants must meet both the academic and non-academic criteria to apply. Please see our website for our eligibility criteria.

Graduates, non-Scottish domiciled applicants, international applicants, and those who have previously enrolled on a higher education programme are not eligible to apply for this programme.

Contextual admissions

University of Bristol Medical School

MB ChB Gateway to Medicine (A108)

6 years

Last updated: May 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 4.76

Number of applicants per place: Home: 19.04

This course is open to applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A-Levels: BBC including B in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with AAB or above or A in Chemistry are not eligible for this course.

SQA: Advanced Highers: BB including Biology or Chemistry, and Standard Highers BBBBC.
Applicants with Advanced Highers AA or A in Chemistry are not eligible for this course.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

GCSEs: C in Maths and C in English

SQA National 5 Maths C and English C

Level 2 equivalencies:
www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/gcse/standard-numeracy/
www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/gcse/standard-literacy/

International Baccalaureate

29 points overall
14 at Higher Level including 5 in either Biology or Chemistry.
Applicants with 33 or above including 16 at Higher Level, or 6 in HL Chemistry are not eligible for this course.

Personal statement

Not assessed. 

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews (online)

Work experience

No work experience requirement.

Widening participation

Please note that the Gateway programme is a University of Bristol widening participation initiative open to applicants from specific state schools and colleges in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland only and/or to those who have spent 3 months or more in care. Further information and lists of the eligible schools and colleges is available at Contextual offers.

Guaranteed interviews - eligibility here: /www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/guaranteed-offers/

University of Dundee School of Medicine

MB ChB Gateway to Medicine (A104)

6 years

Last updated: May 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A-level: ABB
Higher / Advanced Higher, SQA: AABB (to be achieved by the end of S6)

Essential subjects: Chemistry and Biology plus National 5 Maths at B

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

GCSE Maths at B/6.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 6, 5, 5 at higher level.

Personal statement

Not scored.

Admissions test

None.

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

Applicants are advised to read the Medical Schools Council guidance on work experience. Remember that there are plenty of ways to develop useful skills which do not require attendance in a healthcare setting.

Widening participation

See contextual admissions: www.dundee.ac.uk/corporate-information/contextual-admissions-policy
Please note that the Gateway programme is only for students who have contextual admissions, so no further adjustments are made.


To apply for this course you need to be living in Scotland (Scottish domiciled) and either:
- living in an SIMD 20 postcode area
- be receiving free school meals
- be a looked after person
- be an unpaid carer
- be a refugee, asylum seeker, or granted humanitarian protection
- be estranged from your family

Edge Hill University Medical School

MBChB Medicine with Foundation Year (A110)

6 years

Last updated: May 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

Grades BBB at A Level are required. These must include Biology and Chemistry and one other subject.

While Biology and Chemistry are both required at Grade B or above, where Grade A or A* is achieved in either Biology or Chemistry (or both Biology and Chemistry), the third A Level subject will be accepted at Grade C or above.

A Levels in General Studies, Critical Reasoning, Citizenship and Key Skills will not be accepted.

Scottish Highers: BBBBB or above taken in a single sitting and including Biology, Chemistry and three other subjects.
Advanced Highers: BBB in Biology, Chemistry and one other subject.

Applications from mature students are welcomed. There is no requirement for the academic qualifications in the entry criteria to have been completed in the past two years.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

At least five GCSEs at grade B or grade 6 or above (or equivalent) are required at the time of application, including Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Maths. GCSE Double Science Awards, at grades 6,6 or BB or above, will also be accepted in lieu of separate GCSEs in Biology and Chemistry.

International Baccalaureate

32 points to include Chemistry and Biology at higher level, one other subject at higher level and three standard level subjects. Each subject must be passed with a minimum of 5 points. If you are studying International Baccalaureate Biology and/or International Baccalaureate Chemistry in combination with other A Level subjects, this can be accepted as long as 6 points at higher level are achieved in these subjects.

Personal statement

The personal statement is not routinely used in selection for interview and offer of a place. However, it may be used to differentiate between candidates if there are ties at ranking at cut points/thresholds for interview or selection.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

No specific work experience is required, but students are asked to draw on personal experience as part of the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). This could include work experience.

Widening participation

The MBChB with Foundation Year is a widening participation initiative for local students. To be eligible to apply, you must:

Have lived in the North West of England (Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria) for at least one year immediately prior to the point of application.
You must also meet one of the following requirements:

Have attended a non-selective state secondary school for GCSEs where the Attainment 8 score is below the English average. Data will be considered according to the latest relevant Department for Education performance tables.
Have attended a non-selective state secondary school for GCSEs and either live in an area with a postcode in quintile 1 or 2 in the POLAR4 young participation index or in a neighbourhood with a high level of multiple deprivation with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 or below. You can check your postcode against the POLAR4 young participation index and against the Index of Multiple Deprivation.


In addition, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Live in a low-income household with a combined income below £35,000.
Have parents who did not go to university or who do not have a higher education qualification.
Be, or have previously been, in local authority care.
Sole carer of a parent or sibling
Have refugee status.
Be a member of the travelling community.
Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES).
*Live in an area with a postcode in quintile 1 or 2 in the POLAR4 young participation index. Check your postcode.
*Live in a neighbourhood with a high level of multiple deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 or below. Check your postcode..
*Applicants who have used essential criteria number 2 above, may not tick these same criteria as their additional item.

Applicants should provide details regarding how any checked widening participation criteria are met and will be expected to provide evidence of this at a future date, prior to the offer of a place being made.

If your GCSEs were achieved at an educational institution which does not have Attainment 8 data, this will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact us in advance of applying to ensure you are eligible.

University of East Anglia, Norwich Medical School

MBBS Medicine with a Gateway Year (A104)

6 years

Last updated: May 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

BBB or ABC in any subjects, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. Science A levels must include a pass in the practical element (English Exam Boards only).

CCC/BCD Scottish Advanced Highers.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

Six GCSEs at grade B/5 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and either a single science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science.

International Baccalaureate

32 points including three subjects at Higher Level 5 in any subject.

Personal statement

Personal statement must be relevant. We do not score the personal statement.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

Examples of two work experiences will be required for discussion at interview.

Widening participation

This course is a ‘Widening Access’ programme for students who are in the 13th year of education or left school no more than three years prior to the course start date. Applicants must have completed their GCSE and Level 3 qualifications in the UK. It is designed for students whose circumstances or educational opportunities have prevented them from realising their academic potential.

All applicants must meet the academic criteria and the following contextual criteria:

Your secondary school (GCSE education) achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50 or less, in the year you sat your GCSEs, according to the Department for Education data (www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/) AND one of the following:

  • You live in an area with low progression to higher education with Polar Data 1 or 2 from Polar 4.

  • In receipt of the UCAT Bursary.

  • Your combined household income is under £35,000 per year, excluding Government benefits. We use the same criteria as the UCAT Bursary eligibility. We are unable to accept payslips or P60’s.

  • You currently live locally to UEA (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex or Lincolnshire).  Evidence taken from UCAS application.

OR meet the academic criteria and ONE of the following contextual criteria:

  • Successfully complete the UEA Medical Aspirations Programme

  • You have been in Local Authority care. Examples of evidence accepted: Letter from Social Worker/Local Council.

 

University of Glasgow School of Medicine

Glasgow Access Programme (GAP) (A900)

1 year (allows progression to MBChB)

Last updated: July 2023

A Levels and Scottish Highers

Minimum requirement of four Scottish Highers at AABB by S6.  We require three of these Highers to be sciences. Science Highers must include Biology and any two of Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Candidates in S6 will be expected to pass all courses undertaken in their S6 programme of study, with a minimum of grade C in any Advanced Highers taken.

Access to HE Diplomas

Completion of the SWAP Access to Medical Sciences at Glasgow Clyde College with the minimum result of a 'Merit'.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

N/A

International Baccalaureate

N/A

Personal statement

Not scored.

Admissions test

None

Interview method

Should a candidate be considered further, we will send an invitation to a panel interview. Candidates will be advised of the preparation they should undertake. 

Work experience

Not required.

Widening participation

As the programme is funded by the Scottish government as part of the national widening participation directive, candidates are required to be identified within one of the following categories:

  • Applicant is resident in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD0-20).
  • Applicant is a young person resident in Scotland who is care experienced (young person in care/ care leaver).
  • Applicant has completed the Reach Programme as a participant in the Remote and Rural Island Cluster.

See website for details.

Contextual admissions

This course offers contextual admissions. See website for details.

Hull York Medical School

MB BS Medicine with a Gateway Year (A101)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 3.6 | International: N/A

Number of applicants per place: Home: 9.9 | International: N/A

 

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A Level Entry

  • Applicants must meet the essential entry requirements for all applicants
  • Applicants must complete three A Levels, studied and awarded concurrently, to include both Biology and Chemistry. All third subjects are accepted excluding General Studies, Applied Science, Citizenship, and Critical Thinking, but must be distinct. We do not consider Biology and Human Biology to be distinct subjects.
  • A Levels must be achieved within a three year period*
  • Applicants may repeat or restart Year 12 or Year 13 a single time with no restrictions
  • Applicants applying with predicted grades should have a prediction of no lower than BBC, with B predicted in both Biology and Chemistry, and no higher than ABB.
  • Applicants predicted below BBC, or predicted a C in either Biology or Chemistry will be rejected.
  • Applicants predicted AAB or above will be rejected.
  • Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement

*There is no resit threshold for this entry point, but only one resit is permitted

A Level + Welsh Baccalaureate Entry

  • Applicants must meet the essential entry requirements for all applicants
  • We will accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to a third A Level
  • Applicants must complete three A Levels, or two A Levels plus the Welsh Baccalaureate, studied concurrently, to include both Biology and Chemistry at A Level#
  • All third subjects are accepted excluding General Studies, Applied Science, Citizenship, and Critical Thinking, but must be distinct. We do not consider Biology and Human Biology to be distinct subjects.
  • Applicants may repeat or restart Year 12 or Year 13 a single time with no restrictions
  • Applicants applying with predicted grades should have a prediction of no lower than BBC, with B predicted in both Biology and Chemistry, and no higher than ABB
  • Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement


*There is no resit threshold for this entry point

Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Entry

  • Applicants must meet the essential entry requirements for all applicants
  • Applicants must study Biology and Chemistry at Advanced Higher Level
  • Applicants must have achieved BBBCC at Higher Level if studying three Advanced Higher Levels, or BBBBC at Higher Level if studying two Advanced Higher Levels
  • Highers and Advanced Highers must be completed within a three year period
  • Applicants may repeat or restart S5 a single time with no restrictions
  • Applicants applying with predicted grades should have a prediction of no lower than CC in Biology and Chemistry
  • Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement

BTEC National Extended Diploma

  • Applicants must meet the essential entry requirements for all applicants
  • Applicants must be studying the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical Science) pathway
  • We are unable to accept any other BTEC pathway
  • Applicants applying with predicted grades should have a prediction of no lower than Distinction, Distinction, Distinction (DDD)
  • Applicants may repeat or restart Year 12 or Year 13 a single time with no restrictions
  • Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

  • Applicants must have achieved 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) in the grade range 9/A* - C/4 by the time of application*
  • Applicants must have achieved, or be working towards, grade 4/C or better in GCSE English Language (or equivalent)**
  • Applicants must have achieved, or be working towards, grade 4/C or better in GCSE Maths (or equivalent)**

*applicants whose education system does not include an equivalent to GCSEs will be scored for interview selection according to an upscaled UCAT.
**GCSE resits to achieve the entry requirement are accepted

International Baccalaureate

  • Applicants must meet the essential entry requirements for all applicants
  • Applicants must complete the International Baccalaureate with Biology and Chemistry at higher level. All third subjects are accepted.
  • Applicants who did not complete a GCSE equivalent will be required to achieve Grade 5 in English Language A or English Lang/Lit A, and Maths at either Standard or Higher Level
    The International Baccalaureate must be completed within a three year period
  • Applicants may repeat or restart Year 12 or Year 13 a single time with no restrictions
  • Applicants applying with predicted grades should have a prediction of no lower than 29 points overall (with 14 predicted at higher level, including 5 in both Biology and Chemistry) and no higher than 34 points overall
  • Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement

*There is no resit threshold for this entry point.

Personal statement

Personal statements are read but not scored within our standard selection processes. Personal statements may be taken into account during our selection decisions for borderline applications.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

We recommend that applicants have a range of relevant work experiences in health or social care settings or in areas that provide person facing interactions.

Work experience will allow you to demonstrate at interview that you have a realistic understanding of Medicine, including the challenges of a medical career, the importance of teamwork and will help you to better understand some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to becoming a doctor.

Widening participation

Our six-year Medicine with a Gateway Year programme is a widening access initiative designed to facilitate entry to Medicine for applicants from under-represented backgrounds. Applicants must meet our eligibility criteria to apply for this programme.

Applicants are eligible for this programme if you meet two or more of the following:

In receipt of UCAT bursary
Resident in POLAR 4 Young Participation Area Quintile 1 or 2 (check your postcode on the Office for Students website)
First in family to attend university
Attended a school with a Progress 8 score below the national average for GCSE (or equivalent) study. (Please see the below section, Devolved Nations Progress 8 equivalents, for equivalent information specific to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

OR, you meet one of the following:

Care experienced (see a definition of care leaver on the University of York website)
Refugee status
From a military background (see a definition of military background on the University of York website)
From a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller background

OR, you have completed one of the following widening participation programmes within the year of application:

Hull York Medical School Year 12 Summer School / Residential
York Experience Summer School

OR, you have completed one of the following widening participation programmes within two years of application:

Hull York Medical School Pathways to Medicine programme
Realising Opportunities programme
University of York Black Access programme
University of York Next Step York programme
University of York Yourway programme

Applicants must not currently be studying at an independent school, or have previously studied at an independent school

www.hyms.ac.uk/medicine/entry-requirements/entry-requirements-gateway

Contextual admissions

Keele University School of Medicine 

MBChB Medicine with Health Foundation Year (A104)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 4.5 | International: N/A

Number of applicants per place: Home: 24 | International: N/A

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A-Level BBC to include biology or chemistry. Practical endorsements must be achieved for biology, chemistry and physics A-Levels.


BTEC Level-3 Extended Diploma DDM in applied science, health & social care or sport & exercise science (smaller level-3 BTEC qualifications may be combined with A-Levels).


T-Level distinction in health, healthcare science or science, with a minimum of B in the core component and a minimum of merit in the occupational specialism.


Higher BBBBB plus Advanced Higher BB in two sciences (biology/chemistry/physics).

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

GCSE or Scottish National 5 minimum of five at grade 6/B or higher. English language (including spoken English), and maths must be achieved at a minimum of grade 5/C.

Personal statement

For 2025 entry, a grade for the personal statement is combined with a grade for UCAT to produce a ranking grade to select students for interview. The personal statement must address the specific criteria listed on the web site.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interview (online)

Work experience

Medical work experience is not required or expected. Experiences involving engagement with people, communication, taking on responsibility and balancing time commitments are essential; these may be paid or voluntary and undertaken in any setting.

Widening participation

This is a specifically widening-participation route. See course page for criteria.

King’s College London School of Medical Education

Extended Medical Degree Programme MBBS (A101)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

ABB
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must include grade A in either Biology or Chemistry and grade B in the other.

BBB at Higher in one sitting and AB at Advanced Higher

Must include grades AB in Chemistry and Biology (either order) at Advanced Higher.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

GCSE grade 6/B in both English Language and Mathematics is required.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 655 at Higher Level

Must include grade 6 in either Higher Level Biology or Higher Level Chemistry and grade 5 at Higher Level in the other.

Personal statement

It is not assessed in depth, but is checked for relevancy. Exception is for borderline competitive cases.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Online panel interview (2 interviewers)

Work experience

It is not required or specifically assessed, but applicants with work experience are more likely to perform well in interview as questions will draw on this.

Widening participation

This course is specifically for candidates from widening participation backgrounds. Prospective applicants who have taken part in widening participation programmes within King's, are part of Realising Opportunities, or who believe they meet any other widening participation criteria should contact the admissions team for advice before making an application.

Lancaster Medical School

Medicine & Surgery with a Gateway Year MBChB (A104)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 2 | International: N/A

Number of applicants per place: Home: 7 | International: N/A

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A Levels: BBB in three subjects taken at one sitting, after two years of study, including Biology and Chemistry.


Highers: ABBBB in 5 subjects, including Maths, English, Biology and Chemistry plus Advanced Highers: BB in Biology and Chemistry

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

GCSE requirements will vary depending on individual circumstance but all applicants must have achieved at least grade B (or grade 6) in combined science trilogy as two GCSE qualifications or Biology, Chemistry and Physics as individual subjects, plus Maths and English Language.


National 5 requirements will vary depending on individual circumstance but all applicants must have achieved at least grade B in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall, including at least 5,5,5 in three higher level subjects and at least 5 in three standard level subjects.  HL subjects must include both Biology and Chemistry.

Personal statement

Not considered as part of selection process; may be discussed at interview. After interview, we aim to verify work and voluntary experiences discussed in the applicant's personal statement.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

Applicants should be prepared to discuss their work experience at interview. Insight is more important than the specific work and voluntary experience undertaken. Placements in hospices, nursing and residential homes etc, where there is interaction with vulnerable people, is just as valuable as shadowing doctors. After interview, we aim to verify work and voluntary experiences discussed in the applicant's personal statement.

Widening participation

Lancaster Medical School run a range of activities to help widening participation students prepare to apply.

See website for details.

Contextual admissions

Applicants must meet our widening participation criteria to be eligible for this course. See website for details.