For many applicants, the most important question after sitting the UCAT is simple: which medical schools will realistically invite me to interview with this score?
The answer depends heavily on how individual universities use the UCAT in their admissions process. Some medical schools rank applicants almost entirely by UCAT performance. Others combine the score with academic achievements such as GCSEs, predicted A-levels, or contextual admissions indicators.
Because of this variation, the UCAT cut-off required for interview differs significantly across UK medical schools.
This page presents historical data from 2019 to 2025 to help applicants understand these differences and make more informed choices when applying through UCAS.
The figures below represent typical shortlisting thresholds or lowest invited scores where data has been publicly available through admissions reports or Freedom of Information requests. In most cases, these numbers correspond to the lowest UCAT score that received an interview invitation in that application cycle.
It is important to interpret these numbers as guides rather than guarantees. Cut-offs change every year depending on the strength of the applicant pool.
UCAT Cut-Off Trends by University
Bristol Medical School
Bristol has historically used a UCAT ranking system where applicants are shortlisted purely by score.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2940 |
| 2024 | ~2910 |
| 2023 | ~2870 |
| 2022 | ~2830 |
| 2021 | ~2830 |
| 2020 | ~2730 |
Because of this approach, Bristol consistently ranks among the most competitive UCAT schools in the UK.
Newcastle University
Newcastle also relies heavily on UCAT ranking.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2850 |
| 2024 | ~2820 |
| 2023 | ~2800 |
| 2022 | ~2730 |
| 2021 | ~2700 |
| 2020 | ~2680 |
Applicants with strong UCAT scores often include Newcastle as a strategic choice.
Sheffield Medical School
Sheffield uses a UCAT threshold combined with academic screening.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2760 |
| 2024 | ~2730 |
| 2023 | ~2700 |
| 2022 | ~2680 |
| 2021 | ~2660 |
| 2020 | ~2640 |
This places Sheffield within the upper-middle UCAT competitiveness range.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow evaluates UCAT scores alongside academic achievements.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2690 |
| 2024 | ~2680 |
| 2023 | ~2660 |
| 2022 | ~2620 |
| 2021 | ~2600 |
| 2020 | ~2580 |
Applicants with scores in the mid-2600s range may still be competitive here depending on academic profile.
University of Manchester
Manchester uses a holistic selection process incorporating UCAT and academic criteria.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2650 |
| 2024 | ~2630 |
| 2023 | ~2600 |
| 2022 | ~2580 |
| 2021 | ~2570 |
| 2020 | ~2550 |
Because of this combined scoring system, Manchester is sometimes accessible to applicants with slightly lower UCAT scores if their academic record is strong.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham uses a weighted admissions score combining UCAT and GCSE results.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2620 |
| 2024 | ~2600 |
| 2023 | ~2580 |
| 2022 | ~2560 |
| 2021 | ~2550 |
| 2020 | ~2530 |
Strong GCSE profiles can significantly improve competitiveness here.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham uses a points-based system including UCAT and academic scoring.
| Year | UCAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~2590 |
| 2024 | ~2570 |
| 2023 | ~2550 |
| 2022 | ~2530 |
| 2021 | ~2520 |
| 2020 | ~2500 |
Applicants with balanced academic performance often perform well under this system.
Interpreting the Data
Several patterns emerge when comparing universities:
High UCAT emphasis universities
- Bristol
- Newcastle
These institutions tend to favour applicants scoring above 2800.
Moderate UCAT emphasis universities
- Sheffield
- Glasgow
Competitive applicants typically score between 2650 and 2750.
Balanced academic + UCAT schools
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Nottingham
Applicants may receive interviews with scores in the mid-2500s, particularly when academic performance is strong.
What UCAT Score Should You Aim For?
Based on recent admissions cycles:
| UCAT Score | Competitiveness |
|---|---|
| 2500–2600 | Competitive at some balanced-criteria universities |
| 2600–2700 | Competitive at many UK medical schools |
| 2700–2800 | Strong position across most institutions |
| 2800+ | Competitive at almost all UCAT-heavy universities |
However, these ranges should always be interpreted alongside:
- GCSE performance
- predicted A-level grades
- contextual eligibility
- interview performance
Why Strategic School Choice Matters
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is applying to universities that do not align with their UCAT score.
For example, a candidate scoring 2650 may struggle if applying exclusively to institutions that rank applicants purely by UCAT. The same candidate might receive multiple interview invitations when applying to universities that consider academic achievements more heavily.
The key is not simply achieving a high UCAT score but matching your application strategy to your strengths.
