UCL

How to Apply to Study Medicine at University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) is home to one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious medical schools. UCL Medical School trains more than 350 new doctors every year and is closely linked with world-leading hospitals such as University College Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital.

Applying to study Medicine at UCL is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants for just a few hundred places. Here’s everything you need to know about entry requirements, admissions tests, interviews, and how to make your application stand out.

1. Course Structure

UCL offers a six-year MBBS programme:

  • Years 1–2: Pre-clinical phase focusing on biomedical sciences, anatomy, and physiology, combined with early clinical and community placements.
  • Year 3: Integrated BSc year, allowing students to specialise in a scientific discipline or undertake research.
  • Years 4–6: Clinical training in hospitals and GP surgeries across London, covering all specialties.

The course is research-led, clinically integrated, and globally focused, preparing students to practise anywhere in the world.

2. Entry Requirements

  • A-levels:
    • Standard offer: A*AA, including Chemistry and Biology.
  • GCSEs:
    • At least grade 6 (B) in English and Mathematics.
    • High overall GCSE performance is expected; many applicants have mostly 8s/9s (A*).
  • IB:
    • 39 points overall, with 19 points at Higher Level, including 7,6,6 in Chemistry and Biology.
  • Other qualifications: UCL accepts a wide range of international qualifications (e.g. European Baccalaureate, US APs).

3. UCAT at UCL

With the BMAT discontinued after 2023, UCL now uses the UCAT for shortlisting applicants.

  • UCAT score is important but not the sole factor: UCL uses a holistic approach, considering academics, UCAT, and references together.
  • SJT Band 4 is not accepted.
  • High UCAT scores increase competitiveness but are balanced with GCSE and A-level performance.

4. UCAS Application

Applications are made through UCAS with the 15 October deadline.

  • Medicine applicants can only apply to four medical schools.
  • The fifth choice can be for another subject.
  • From 2026 entry onwards, UCAS uses structured questions instead of a single personal statement.

5. Personal Statement

UCL places more weight on the personal statement than some other UCAT-heavy schools. Admissions tutors look for evidence of:

  • Motivation for medicine: Why medicine, not another science?
  • Reflection on work experience: What you learned about teamwork, communication, and the realities of medicine.
  • Intellectual curiosity: Reading, research, or projects beyond the classroom.
  • Resilience and balance: Hobbies and extracurriculars that show time management and wellbeing.

Tip: Link every experience back to skills or insights relevant to medicine.

6. References

Your reference should:

  • Confirm predicted/achieved grades.
  • Provide evidence of commitment, maturity, and suitability for medicine.
  • Highlight academic potential and personal qualities.

7. Shortlisting

UCL shortlists applicants based on a holistic review, combining:

  • UCAT score.
  • GCSE and A-level (or equivalent) performance.
  • Personal statement and reference.

Unlike some universities, UCL does not rely solely on admissions test scores.

8. Interviews at UCL

  • Format: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).
  • Stations cover:
    • Ethical scenarios.
    • Communication skills (e.g. roleplay).
    • Problem-solving and data interpretation.
    • Reflection on personal statement and work experience.
    • Motivation for medicine.

Tips for UCL interviews:

  • Revise ethical principles from GMC Good Medical Practice.
  • Practise roleplay scenarios (e.g. explaining treatment to a patient).
  • Be ready to discuss your BSc year interests or scientific reading.

9. Offers

  • Typical conditional offer: A*AA at A-level (or equivalent).
  • Contextual offers may be available for widening participation applicants.

10. Why Choose UCL?

  • Prestige: Consistently ranked among the top 10 medical schools worldwide.
  • Research opportunities: Integrated BSc year and world-class academic environment.
  • London clinical exposure: Placements at some of the most renowned hospitals in the UK.
  • Global outlook: Opportunities for electives abroad and involvement in international projects.

11. Tips for Applicants

✅ Balance UCAT prep with academic excellence — UCL looks at the whole profile.
✅ Build a strong reflective personal statement — UCL places weight here.
✅ Practise MMI stations with roleplay and ethical scenarios.
✅ Develop insight into healthcare challenges in London (e.g. diversity, health inequalities).
✅ Read widely — demonstrate curiosity in science and medicine.

12. Resources

Conclusion

UCL Medical School is one of the most prestigious and competitive medical schools in the UK. Its holistic admissions process rewards applicants who combine academic excellence, strong UCAT performance, and reflective personal qualities.

If you can demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and commitment to patient care, UCL offers the opportunity to train in one of the most dynamic healthcare and research environments in the world.

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