UK Medical School Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Medicine Entry Requirements
A UK Medicine program is typically five or six years long. Sometimes called an MBBS or MBChB, they both result in a bachelor’s degree in medicine. To apply to study Medicine in the UK, students will need either of the following:
- International Baccalaureate: Minimum of 32 points including Chemistry and Biology. Most universities require that Chemistry and Biology are taken at Higher Level (HL)
- Canadian high school diploma: 85% minimum in Biology and Chemistry and an average above 85% in 5 or 6 Grade 12 subjects (depending on the province).
Graduate Entry Medicine
Graduate Entry Medicine is a four-year accelerated degree, open to those who already have a bachelor’s degree. Many universities require the previous degree to be health-related, but not all. To apply to study Graduate Entry Medicine in the UK students will ideally need a four-year honors degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.2/4.0.
Medical School Admission Tests
The majority of UK Medical Schools require an admissions test as part of their application.
UCAT
Most of these schools require that students take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) at a student's local test centre. The UCAT is an online test designed to evaluate verbal reasoning skills, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision analysis and situational judgment.
SI-UK offers assistance in preparing students for the UCAT as part of our Medicine Service. Our students are given the opportunity to attend One-day Intensive Group Training sessions with our UK Medical School admission experts to better prepare them on how best to answer the UCAT.
BMAT
Select UK Medical Schools will require applicants to complete the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). The test lasts for two hours and is divided into three sections aptitude and skills, scientific knowledge and applications and writing.
Following the 2024 intake cycle the BMAT will no longer be used by UK Medical Schools. Speak to an SI-UK Consultant to learn more.
GAMSAT
The GAMSAT is used by some UK Medical Schools for their Graduate Entry Medicine programs. This test evaluates student ability and skill level in problem-solving, critical thinking and writing, focusing on their experience and knowledge of basic scientific principles.
Whilst a science degree is not always a prerequisite it must be stressed that success in GAMSAT is unlikely without knowledge and ability in the biological and physical sciences.
Speak to an SI-UK Consultant to learn more.
Medical Work Experience
Work experience in a healthcare field is an essential aspect of your application as it showcases the relevant skills and strength of character needed to become a doctor. Practical work experience also recognizes a student’s ability to work independently or in a team, as well as communication skills, enthusiasm and responsibility.
Many medicine programs require a student to have completed work experience, but if you missed out on a placement, there are still a number of medical schools which will accept your initial application.
Medicine Personal Statement
The personal statement is a crucial part of the application process when wishing to study in the UK and, because of the competitive nature and a limited number of medical school spaces, it is vital that the medicine personal statement is of an extremely high standard. Important topics to cover include:
- Why do you wish to become a doctor
- How your academic qualifications have prepared you for the Medicine program
- How your relevant work experience has developed the essential skills required in healthcare
- Your commitment to medicine and the NHS
- Why you will succeed on the course
Apply to study medicine in the UK
If you need help understanding if you are eligible to study medicine in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Our Medicine Service will help prepare you fully for being accepted at a UK medical school.
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