Quick Facts
About UCL Medicine
This guide covers everything you need to know about UCL Medicine, including entry requirements, admissions tests, and the interview process for 2026 entry.
UCL Medical School (UCLMS) is one of the UK's most prestigious and research-intensive medical schools, located in the heart of London's Bloomsbury district. As part of University College London, the school benefits from world-class facilities and a rich academic tradition dating back to 1834.
UCL offers a single route into medicine: the 6-year MBBS BSc integrated programme. This distinctive course includes a compulsory intercalated BSc (iBSc) in Year 3, providing students with the opportunity to explore a specialist subject in depth before completing their clinical training. Graduates with a UK degree can complete the programme in 5 years as the iBSc is waived.
The school is known for its research excellence, early clinical exposure, and access to diverse patient populations across North London's major teaching hospitals.
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The Medicine Course at UCL
Medicine MBBS BSc
UCAS Code: A100 | 6 years (5 for graduates)
The integrated 6-year programme combining pre-clinical science, a compulsory intercalated BSc, and comprehensive clinical training. Open to UK and international applicants.
View official UCL pageNote: UCL does not offer a separate Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme or an Extended Medical Degree Programme. All applicants, including graduates, apply through the A100 route.
UCL Medicine Entry Requirements
A-Level Requirements
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-Level Grades | A*AA including Chemistry and Biology (either at A*) |
| Required Subjects | Chemistry and Biology required, with one at grade A* |
| Access UCL Offer | AAB including Biology and Chemistry at grade A |
| Not Accepted | General Studies, Critical Thinking |
| Science Practicals | Practical endorsement required |
GCSE Requirements
- Grade 6/B minimum in English Language
- Grade 6/B minimum in Mathematics
- Grade 5/C minimum in a Modern Foreign Language (UK-based students only)
GCSE resits are permitted to meet these requirements.
International Baccalaureate
- 39 points overall
- 19 points from three Higher Level subjects
- Higher Level Biology and Chemistry at grades 6 and 7 (in either order)
- No Higher Level score below 5 accepted
- Must also sit the UCAT
Graduate Applicants
- Minimum 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent)
- Pre-degree A-Levels of at least ABB (UCL benchmark)
- Any A-Levels taken after the degree must be at grade A* or A
- Must meet GCSE requirements and sit the UCAT
- Graduates complete the course in 5 years (iBSc year waived)
UCAT Requirements
All applicants must sit the UCAT in the same year they apply. UCL uses the total UCAT score to rank candidates for interview invitations, with SJT used as a tiebreaker where candidates have equal total scores.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| How UCAT is Used | Total score used to rank candidates for interview selection |
| SJT Consideration | Used as tiebreaker for candidates with equal total scores |
| 2025 Entry Cut-offs | Home: 2800 | Access UCL: 2600 | Overseas: 3060 (out of 3600) |
| 2026 Entry Format | New total of 2700 (Abstract Reasoning removed) |
Important: For 2026 entry, the UCAT format has changed with the removal of Abstract Reasoning, reducing the maximum total score from 3600 to 2700. This means previous cut-off scores are not directly comparable, and UCL will need to establish new thresholds.
"UCL is one of the medical schools where your UCAT score is absolutely critical for getting an interview. Unlike some schools that use a holistic approach, UCL primarily ranks applicants by UCAT total score once you meet the academic requirements. This means a strong UCAT can genuinely make or break your UCL application."
— Dr. Ash, Future Doc
Interview Process
UCL uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) to assess candidates. The format allows applicants to demonstrate multiple attributes across different stations and interviewers.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | MMI with up to 8 stations |
| Duration per Station | 5 minutes (plus 1 minute reading time) |
| Interview Period | December to end of March (rolling invitations) |
| Location - Home Students | In-person at Bloomsbury campus |
| Location - Overseas Students | Online |
| Annual Interview Invitations | Approximately 1,000 candidates |
What UCL Assesses at Interview
UCL emphasises both academic attainment and non-academic attributes:
- Integrity and ethical reasoning
- Empathy and communication skills
- Reasoning and problem-solving ability
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Motivation for medicine
- Ability to think on your feet
UCL's Interview Advice
UCL recommends candidates avoid over-preparing or memorising information. Instead, they advise reflecting on your own skills, attributes, and behaviours, and how you have developed these both in and outside of school. The ability to draw on genuine personal experiences is valued.
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Application Statistics
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Annual Applications | ~3,800 |
| Total Places | ~334-350 |
| Interview Invitations | ~1,000 |
| Offer Rate | ~12.7% |
| Average UCAT (2025 applicants) | 2859 (out of 3600) |
UCL attracts the greatest number of medical applicants among the G5 universities, making it one of the most competitive medical schools in the UK. Strong preparation across all aspects of the application is essential.
Work Experience Requirements
UCL does not require clinical work experience and does not specify a minimum duration. However, they expect applicants to have an understanding of what a career in healthcare involves.
What UCL Values
- Any experience working with other people (retail, hospitality, community work, volunteering)
- Evidence of developing relevant skills and attributes
- Reflection on what you've learned from your experiences
- Wider reading and engagement with medicine beyond the classroom
- Teamwork, leadership, and communication skills demonstrated through activities
UCL may request evidence of work experience from selected candidates, and your reflections on experiences may be assessed at interview. The senior admissions tutor has stated they look for "interesting" candidates with interests beyond just medicine.
"UCL is genuinely looking for well-rounded individuals. They want to see that you've engaged with the world, developed as a person, and can reflect meaningfully on your experiences. Clinical shadowing is not the be-all and end-all here. What matters is what you've learned about yourself, about working with others, and about what being a doctor really means."
— Dr. Ash, Future Doc
Special Applicant Categories
Do They Accept A-Level Resits?
Generally No
UCL does not accept A-Level resits for Medicine, including restarting Year 12. Exceptions are only considered with documented extenuating circumstances (serious illness, bereavement, or other unavoidable disruptions). Strong evidence must be submitted before or alongside your UCAS application.
Exceptions:
- GCSE resits are permitted
- Graduates who resat A-Levels before their degree may be considered
Do They Accept Re-applicants?
Yes
Re-applicants are welcome. You must resit the UCAT in the new application cycle as previous scores are not valid. Your application will be assessed on its current merits.
International Students
Accepted
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | International students accepted |
| UCAT Cut-off (2025) | 3060 (higher than Home applicants) |
| Interview Format | Online MMI |
| English Language | IELTS or equivalent required if English not first language |
| Deferral | Check with UCL for current policy |
Note: UCL uses different UCAT cut-offs for international applicants, which are typically higher than for Home students.
Fees (2025/26)
| Fee Status | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Home (UK) | £9,535 (2025-26) / £9,790 (2026-27)* |
| International | Variable - approximately £53,400 per year** |
*UK fees subject to parliamentary approval.
**International Medicine fees are excluded from UCL's cohort guarantee and are subject to annual increases of no more than RPI-X. Overseas students pay fees in 5 annual instalments that vary between pre-clinical and clinical years. Always verify current fees on the UCL website.
Course Structure
The UCL MBBS BSc is a 6-year integrated programme (5 years for graduates with a UK degree). The course is organised across three distinct phases with a compulsory intercalated BSc:
Years 1-2: Pre-Clinical Foundation
Foundational biomedical sciences with early clinical integration. Students study themed integrated modules covering the scientific basis of medicine while gaining exposure to clinical environments. Each year carries 120 credits with Clinical and Professional Practice modules running throughout.
Year 3: Intercalated BSc (iBSc)
A compulsory intercalated year where students complete a specialist BSc programme in an area of interest. The iBSc is taught across multiple UCL faculties and includes a research dissertation or laboratory project worth 30-45 credits. Upon successful completion, students are awarded a BSc (Hons) in their chosen programme.
Note: Graduates with a UK degree have the iBSc year waived, completing the course in 5 years.
Years 4-6: Clinical Training
Practice-oriented learning with rotations across medical and surgical specialties. Each clinical year carries 180 credits. Students gain experience across UCL's partner NHS trusts in North London and beyond, including elective opportunities.
Teaching Sites
Students train at major North London teaching hospitals, including:
- University College London Hospitals (UCLH) - Major academic health sciences centre
- Royal Free Hospital - Large teaching hospital in Hampstead
- Whittington Hospital - District general hospital in North London
- Great Ormond Street Hospital - World-renowned children's hospital
- GP Practices - Primary care placements across the region
Contact Hours
MBBS term dates extend over 191 weeks (excluding exam weeks and iBSc year), with 104 weeks spent on clinical placements. Total taught and placement hours exceed 5,500 hours. Students are required to attend timetabled activities from 9am-5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and 9am-12.50pm on Wednesdays.
UCL Medicine FAQ
What UCAT score do I need for UCL Medical School?
For 2025 entry, UCL's UCAT cut-off was 2800 for Home applicants and 3060 for Overseas applicants (out of 3600). For 2026 entry, the UCAT format has changed with Abstract Reasoning removed, reducing the total to 2700. Previous cut-offs are not directly comparable, so aim to score as highly as possible across all sections.
Does UCL use MMI or panel interviews?
UCL uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) with up to 8 stations, each lasting approximately 5 minutes with 1 minute reading time. Home students interview in-person at the Bloomsbury campus, while international students interview online.
Can I apply to UCL if I've resit my A-Levels?
Generally no. UCL does not accept A-Level resits for Medicine unless you have documented extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or bereavement. GCSE resits are permitted, and graduates who resat A-Levels before their degree may be considered.
Why is UCL Medicine a 6-year course?
UCL's MBBS includes a compulsory intercalated BSc (iBSc) in Year 3, making it a 6-year programme. This allows students to explore a specialist subject in depth and complete a research project. Graduates with a UK degree complete the course in 5 years as the iBSc is waived.
Is clinical work experience required for UCL?
No, UCL does not require clinical work experience and does not specify a minimum duration. However, they expect you to understand what a healthcare career involves and to have developed relevant skills through any experience working with people. Your reflections on experiences may be assessed at interview.
How competitive is UCL Medical School?
Very competitive. UCL receives approximately 3,800 applications for around 334-350 places annually, with an offer rate of around 12.7%. It attracts the most applicants among G5 universities, so strong preparation across all aspects of your application is essential.
Does UCL consider the personal statement?
UCL does not use the Personal Statement to select candidates for interview. However, Personal Statements may be used during the interview itself, so it remains important to write a thoughtful and reflective statement.
How can I improve my chances of getting into UCL Medical School?
Focus on three areas: achieve strong academics (A*AA with excellent GCSEs including a modern foreign language), prepare thoroughly for the UCAT to score above the cut-off threshold, and develop meaningful experiences you can reflect on articulately. Working with experienced admissions coaches like Future Doc can significantly improve your chances, their students consistently achieve a 90%+ success rate.
Official Resources
- UCL Medicine MBBS BSc Official Page
- UCL Entry Requirements
- UCL Interview Information
- Medical Schools Council
- UCAT Official Website
Need Help With Your UCL Application?
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Last updated: January 2026. Information verified against UCL Medical School admissions pages and Medical Schools Council guidance.
