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We compile these profiles from each university's own published admissions pages and review them monthly. Entry requirements do change mid-cycle, and universities sometimes publish updates without announcing them.
Use this page to get oriented quickly, build your shortlist, and work out which questions to ask — then confirm the specifics that your application depends on (grades, admissions test, fees, eligibility) directly with the university before you apply. If you spot something that looks out of date, tell us and we will check it.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Entry year covered: 2027
Queen's Belfast gives significant priority to applicants who are domiciled in Northern Ireland. If you are not an NI resident, competition for the limited remaining places is substantially higher. This is an important factor when considering whether to include Queen's in your UCAS choices.
Considering Queen's Belfast Medicine? Here's a complete breakdown of entry requirements, admissions criteria, and the application process for 2026 entry.
Queen's University Belfast is Northern Ireland's only medical school, with a distinguished history of medical education dating back to 1849. The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences is part of a Russell Group university and consistently produces graduates who excel in postgraduate assessments and clinical practice.
Queen's offers a single 5-year undergraduate medicine programme (A100) that combines early clinical exposure with a strong foundation in biomedical sciences. The school benefits from close partnerships with NHS trusts across Northern Ireland, providing students with diverse clinical experiences in both urban and rural settings.
Considering Queen's University Belfast? Future Doc's Predictable Offer Protocol™ coordinates every element of your application as one interconnected system, from UCAT preparation to university selection to interview readiness. 93% of our students receive at least one offer. Find out how it works.
UCAS Code: A100 | 5 years
The standard 5-year undergraduate medicine programme combining biomedical sciences with clinical practice. Queen's only offers one entry route to medicine - there is no graduate entry or foundation year programme.
You are viewing this course| Route | UCAS Code | Length | Places for 2027 entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine MB BCh BAO | A100 | 5 years | 236 Home places and 36 international places, as published in Queen's 2027 admissions policy |
| Graduate entry or foundation year route | — | — | Does not exist. Queen's runs one entry route to medicine. Graduates apply to A100 and are scored on their A-level profile plus UCAT, with 36 academic points allocated for meeting the qualifying criteria. |
Place numbers verified October 2026 in the Queen's Admissions Policy Statement for Medicine (2027 entry). For 2027 entry Queen's is also in discussion with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science about continuing the agreement for medicine places funded by the Irish Government — applicants apply to the standard programme either way.
The following requirements apply to the 5-year Medicine MB BCh BAO programme (A100). Queen's Belfast does not offer graduate entry or foundation year medicine programmes.
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Normal Target Grades (2027 entry) | Queen's publishes three alternative routes to the same bar: • AAA at A-level plus grade A in a 4th AS-level, including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology/Human Biology, Maths or Physics • A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology • A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and either Maths or Physics, plus AS-level Biology/Human Biology at grade B |
| If Biology is not taken at A-level | Biology/Human Biology at grade A as a 4th AS-level, or grade B as a 5th AS-level |
| In lieu of the 4th AS-level | Grade A in the EPQ, the Advanced Diploma in the Welsh Baccalaureate, or grade B in a 4th A-level. This does not replace the requirement to have at least AS-level Biology. |
| Timing | All three A-levels must normally be completed within two years of your GCSEs. Only AS and A-levels taken in Years 13 and 14 (Years 12 and 13 in England and Wales) count towards the normal entrance requirements. |
All applicants must sit the UCAT in the same year they apply. Queen's does not publish a UCAT cut-off score. Instead it converts your UCAT into points based on your decile rank, adds those to your academic points, and shortlists on the combined total.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cut-off Score | Not published. There is no UCAT score threshold. What matters is your decile rank and the resulting combined points total. |
| How UCAT is Used (2027 entry) | Scored on the overall result across verbal reasoning, decision making and quantitative reasoning. You earn 0 to 9 points by decile: ≤10th centile = 0 points, rising one point per decile to >90th centile = 9 points. Those points are added to your academic score. |
| Combined Points Threshold | Varies each year with competition and interview capacity, and Queen's says it cannot be predicted in advance. Published history: 32 out of 45 (2026 entry, the first year with the new 45-point maximum), 30 out of 42 and above (2025), 38 out of 42 — and 37 with SJT bands 1 and 2 — (2024), 38/42 (2023), 37/42 (2022). |
| SJT Consideration | Used at two points only: on borderline applicants with a similar combined academic and UCAT score, and on borderline applicants with a similar interview score. Queen's 2027 policy does not publish an automatic rejection for any SJT band. |
| Exemptions | UCAT is compulsory. Queen's grants exemptions only in very exceptional circumstances with supporting evidence — contact UCAT-exemption@qub.ac.uk. |
"Queen's does not work the way most applicants assume. There is no UCAT cut-off here - your UCAT becomes a decile score worth up to nine points, which is then added to a GCSE points total out of 36. That means your GCSEs carry real weight at Queen's in a way they do not everywhere, and it is why the secondary-school shortlisting route matters so much: it takes the GCSE score out of the calculation entirely. Work out which of the two scoring routes you are on before you decide how hard to push the UCAT."
- Dr. Ash, Future Doc
Note: The UCAT format changed in July 2025 with the removal of Abstract Reasoning, reducing the maximum score from 3,600 to 2,700. Cut-off scores and statistics from previous years may not directly apply to the current format.
Queen's Belfast uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. This consists of several short stations, each assessing different competencies. No offers are made without an interview.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) |
| Number of Stations | Nine for Home fee applicants (in person, in Belfast). Seven for international fee applicants (online). |
| Station Duration | Not published in advance — Queen's tells candidates the number of stations and the format of the interview day later in the application process |
| Interview Period | December to March. Most decisions are released by the end of March, with final decisions due late April or early May. |
| What's Assessed | Communication, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, motivation, teamwork |
Important: The MMI format means that one poor station won't necessarily ruin your chances - performance is aggregated across all stations. However, consistent underperformance will be noted.
Preparing for your Queen's University Belfast interview? Future Doc's Think Like a Doctor™ module includes university-specific practice, high-pressure simulations, and an intensive In-Person Interview Day. Our near-100% interview-to-offer conversion rate reflects months of preparation across the full application, not just last-minute coaching. Learn more.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Home Places (2027 entry) | 236 — published in the Queen's 2027 admissions policy |
| International Places (2027 entry) | 36 — a fixed University quota |
| Annual Applications | Not published by Queen's — around 2,000–2,500 is a commonly quoted estimate |
| Interview Invitations | Not published as a number. Queen's states the numbers interviewed increased after 2016 and have remained similar since. |
| Shortlisting Points Threshold | 32 out of 45 for 2026 entry. Earlier years were scored out of 42: 30+ (2025), 38 (2024, or 37 with SJT bands 1–2), 38 (2023), 37 (2022), 32 (2021), 30 (2020). Queen's states it cannot be predicted in advance. |
Place numbers and thresholds verified October 2026 in the Queen's Admissions Policy Statement for Medicine, 2027 entry (PDF). Note that from 2019 grades B and C were scored for the first time, so thresholds before and after that are not directly comparable — and the maximum changed from 42 to 45 points for 2026 entry.
One of the most important factors to understand about Queen's Belfast is their domicile policy. Due to regional funding arrangements, the majority of places are reserved for Northern Ireland-domiciled applicants.
You are typically considered NI domiciled if you have been ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland for the three years preceding the start of your course. This includes time spent in Northern Ireland for education purposes. If you're unsure of your domicile status, contact Queen's admissions directly.
"I always have honest conversations with non-Northern Ireland students about Queen's Belfast. It's an excellent medical school, but you need to understand that the vast majority of places go to NI residents. If you're from England, Scotland, Wales, or overseas, you're competing for a much smaller pool of places. That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply - but you need to be realistic and ensure your other three choices are well-suited to your profile."
- Dr. Ash, Future Doc
Queen's Belfast expects applicants to have undertaken relevant experience that demonstrates their commitment to and understanding of medicine. While specific hours are not mandated, you should be able to evidence:
If direct clinical experience was not possible, Queen's will consider alternative evidence such as virtual work experience, healthcare-related volunteering, or other caring roles.
Yes
Queen's Belfast accepts applicants who have retaken their A-Levels or equivalent qualifications. However, applicants who have previously studied at another medical or dental school are not normally considered.
Yes
Re-applicants are welcome to apply again. You should demonstrate how your application has strengthened since your previous attempt and address any feedback received.
Limited places
| Applicant Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland Domiciled | Priority consideration |
| Rest of UK (England, Scotland, Wales) | Limited places available |
| Republic of Ireland | Limited places available |
| International | Very limited places |
Note: International applicants must meet the same academic requirements as UK applicants. English language requirements apply - typically IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 7.0 in each component.
A contextual offer is an adjustment a university makes for applicants whose circumstances have made their education harder than the grades alone suggest. Universities use them because they recognise that two students with the same predicted grades have not always had the same run at them. They are a formal, published part of the admissions process — not a favour, and not something you have to argue for.
What the adjustment actually is varies by school, and it matters more than most applicants realise. Depending on where you apply, qualifying can mean: a lower grade offer; being ranked against other widening participation applicants rather than the whole field; a guaranteed or prioritised interview; a lower admissions test threshold or extra shortlisting points; relaxed GCSE or subject requirements; or access to a separate gateway or foundation year route.
Queen's framework is distinctively Northern Irish, and it does not look like an English one. It does not use POLAR4, the English Index of Multiple Deprivation, or an aspiring-schools list as its published trigger. The triggers are school type, a BT postcode, free school meals, and time spent in care. Understand that before you go looking for a scheme that is not there.
For 2027 entry Queen's publishes five widening participation routes into Medicine. You may qualify if:
Depending on which route applies, Queen's will either shortlist you for interview outright, take the GCSE profile out of the shortlisting equation, or offer you one A-level grade below the normal target.
| How it helps | What that means for you |
|---|---|
| Free School Meals: you are shortlisted for interview | NI applicants with a BT postcode, educated at an NI school, sitting A-levels for the first time in 2027 and receiving Free School Meals will be shortlisted for interview, provided they are taking the required A-level subjects and meet the normal GCSE subject requirements. Queen's states this results in more students from this background reaching interview. You will be asked to submit evidence. |
| Care experience: you are shortlisted for interview | The same guarantee applies to NI applicants on the same basis who have spent a minimum of three months in care. Again, subject requirements still apply and evidence will be requested. |
| Secondary school route: your GCSEs come out of the equation | Queen's Stage 1 shortlisting is a GCSE points score plus UCAT ranking (full GCSEs score A*/9 = 4 points, A/7–8 = 3, B/6 = 2, C/4–5 = 1, across your best nine subjects). That structurally disadvantages pupils who could not sit nine GCSEs. If you did your GCSEs at an NI secondary school with a BT postcode and were there to at least Year 12, you are instead shortlisted on AS-level grades plus UCAT plus predicted A-level performance. This is the quiet but high-value one. |
| POP medicine pathway: guaranteed interview + a grade below | Successful completers of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences POP pathway receive a guaranteed interview and a possible offer of one A-level grade below the normal target. The pathway itself runs across Years 13 and 14 with structured events, admissions guidance and a one-week residential summer school, and you must complete assessed work successfully. |
| POP other pathways: guaranteed interview | Completing any other POP programme at Queen's, if you are academically eligible, gets you a guaranteed interview for Medicine — but no grade reduction. |
All five routes verified October 2026 in Queen's own Admissions Policy Statement for Medicine, 2027 entry (PDF). Queen's instructs applicants to read this document before applying.
For a side-by-side comparison, see every UK medical and dental school's widening participation scheme.
Northern Ireland runs its own fee system. The English £10,050 cap does not apply here, and the NI rate is substantially lower than the Great Britain one — while the international position is substantially higher than the headline tuition figure suggests, because of a separate clinical placement levy.
Queen's states: "The tuition fees quoted above for NI, ROI and GB are the 2026-27 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known." So 2027/28 is not yet set.
| Fee Status | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2027/28: TBC Latest published rate (2026/27): £4,985 |
| Republic of Ireland | 2027/28: TBC Latest published rate (2026/27): £4,985 — ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for the NI rate |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | 2027/28: TBC Latest published rate (2026/27): £9,790. ROI nationals resident in GB are charged the GB fee. |
| EU Other and International — tuition | £39,990 Published by Queen’s for 2027/28 (Fee Rate 3, pre-clinical) |
| EU Other and International — clinical placement levy | 2027/28: TBC. The levy payable in 2026/27 was £12,133. This is a mandatory Northern Ireland Department of Health charge, is not included in the tuition fee above, and is payable in addition, in each of the five years of study. |
What that actually costs an international student: on the 2026/27 figures, tuition plus levy came to roughly £52,100 a year. Budget on the combined figure, not the advertised tuition.
Verified October 2026 on the Queen's A100 Medicine course page. Queen's notes the clinical placement levy is reviewed regularly and is subject to change.
The MB BCh BAO programme at Queen's is structured to provide early clinical exposure while building a strong foundation in biomedical sciences.
Foundation in biomedical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Early clinical exposure through hospital and GP visits. Introduction to clinical and communication skills.
Systems-based learning integrating science with clinical medicine. Clinical placements across hospital specialties. Development of clinical reasoning and practical skills.
Clinical attachments in medicine, surgery, and general practice. Student Selected Components allow exploration of areas of interest. Preparation for Foundation Programme and working as a doctor.
Optional intercalation is available, typically taken between Years 2 and 3 or Years 4 and 5. Students can pursue a BSc in a range of biomedical subjects.
Students train at major hospitals and healthcare facilities across Northern Ireland:
"Queen's Belfast offers something unique - the chance to train in a smaller medical school environment where you're not just a number, combined with exposure to diverse clinical settings across Northern Ireland. The cost of living is lower than most UK cities, and the sense of community among students is strong. For NI residents, it's often the natural first choice. For others, it's worth considering carefully alongside your other options."
- Dr. Ash, Future Doc
Applying to medical school requires more than meeting the minimum entry requirements. Here are practical steps to strengthen your application:
For an overview of all UK medical schools and how they compare, see the UK Medical Schools hub page.
Queen's does not publish a UCAT cut-off score, because it does not use one. For 2027 entry your UCAT is turned into points by decile rank — 0 points at or below the 10th centile, rising one point per decile to 9 points above the 90th — and those are added to your academic points (your best nine GCSEs, scored out of 36) to give a combined total out of 45. Queen's then shortlists on that total. The threshold was 32 out of 45 for 2026 entry, but Queen's states it varies with competition and interview capacity and cannot be predicted in advance.
Queen's Belfast uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. This consists of several short stations (typically 6-8), each lasting around 5-7 minutes. Stations assess different competencies including communication, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, and motivation for medicine.
Yes, but be aware that the majority of places are reserved for Northern Ireland-domiciled applicants. If you're from the rest of the UK, Republic of Ireland, or overseas, you're competing for a limited number of places. Ensure your other UCAS choices are strong alternatives.
No, Queen's Belfast only offers the standard 5-year A100 programme. There is no accelerated graduate entry or foundation year programme. Graduates can apply through the standard route but must meet all A-Level requirements.
Queen's 2027 admissions policy does not publish an automatic rejection for any SJT band. It states the SJT can be used at two points only: to separate borderline applicants who have achieved a similar combined academic and UCAT score, and to separate borderline applicants who have achieved a similar score at interview. In 2024 entry, for example, applicants on 37 out of 42 points were shortlisted if they held SJT bands 1 or 2. So the SJT matters at the margins rather than as a gate — but at the margins is exactly where most applicants sit.
Yes, Belfast offers an excellent quality of life for medical students. The cost of living is lower than many UK cities, the city has a vibrant social scene, and the university campus is well-integrated into the city centre. The smaller cohort size means a strong sense of community among students.
Three things, in this order. First, understand which scoring route you are on: if you did your GCSEs at a Northern Ireland secondary school with a BT postcode, you are shortlisted on AS-levels plus UCAT plus predicted grades rather than on GCSE points, which changes your whole strategy. Second, meet the normal target grades (AAA plus A in a 4th AS-level, or A*AA with the right subject combination). Third, push the UCAT — each decile you climb is worth another point on a 45-point total. If you are not NI domiciled, note that you are competing for one of the Home places without access to any of the five widening participation routes, so your overall application needs to be particularly strong. Most applicants treat these as separate tasks, which is why the national success rate is just 16%. Future Doc's Predictable Offer Protocol coordinates every element as one interconnected system, which is why 93% of their students receive at least one offer.
Yes, Queen's Belfast is a highly respected medical school within the Russell Group. It offers excellent clinical training, a supportive learning environment, and graduates consistently perform well in postgraduate assessments. The smaller cohort size allows for more personalised education, and the relatively low cost of living makes it financially attractive.
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medicine admissions | admissions.med@qub.ac.uk (Admissions and Access Service — also the contact for alternative qualifications and repeat applicant guidance) |
| Medical education enquiries | medicaled@qub.ac.uk |
| UCAT exemptions | UCAT-exemption@qub.ac.uk |
| Course page | Medicine MB BCh BAO (A100) |
Most applicants treat the medical school application as a series of separate hurdles: the UCAT, personal statement, work experience, university selection, and interviews. They try to solve each one independently. This creates a fragmented approach where the pieces never add up.
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The result: 93% of our students receive at least one offer. If they don't, they come back next year for free.
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Last updated: February 2026. Information verified against Queen's University Belfast admissions pages and Medical Schools Council guidance.
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