Aston
Aston Medical School (AMS) is one of the newer UK Medical Schools, after accepting its first cohort as recently as 2018 and having its first cohort of graduating doctors in July 2023. Aston is based in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Aston is currently ranked 35th in the UK for medicine by the Guardian 2026 and 37th by the Complete University Guide 2026.
About The Course
AMS runs a five-year medicine course which is taught in an integrated style, utilising both group work, independent study, clinical placements, and lectures as its main teaching methods.
The course is split into Phase 1 and Phase 2, with Phase 1 focusing on academic clinical sciences and Phase 2 being more patient facing.
At Aston the Medicine curriculum takes a patient-centred approach, with the five years being split into two phases.
Structure Of The Course
Year 1-2
Phase 1 focuses on learning clinical sciences, particularly physiology, pharmacology, public and global health, and the musculoskeletal system. You will also begin to learn patient-doctor communication skills and history-taking. You will also have early clinical experience in a GP surgery.
Year 3-5
Phase 2 is largely based around clinical placements, with some lectures and group work running throughout. You also have some research opportunities in this phase in which you can complete a research project at Aston Medical Research Institute.
Academic Requirements
GCSEs: Minimum of six GCSEs/IGCSEs at grade B/grade 6 or above, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Double Science. Aston uses a scoring system for academic qualifications.
A-levels: A*AA including Chemistry and Biology plus any third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. The A* must be in Biology or Chemistry. There is no advantage of studying more than three A levels. Chemistry and Biology, plus any third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Scottish Higher: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. Contextual offer of AAB may be made if you meet widening participation criteria.
Scottish Advanced Higher: AAA Chemistry and Biology
International Baccalaureate: 37 overall (7,6,6 at Higher Level in three subjects which must include Chemistry and Biology and the rest from three subjects at Standard Level (SL) and Diploma Programme Core). Either Chemistry or Biology must be at Higher Level grade 7. Chemistry (HL6) and Biology (HL6)
IELTs (International applicants only): Score of 7.0 in all categories.
Bachelor's Degree (Graduates only): 2:1 in any subject plus ABB at A level including Chemistry and Biology. The A grade must be in Chemistry or Biology.
Mitigating Circumstances
Resits policy: Resits for GCSEs or A levels will be considered. The applicant’s referee must provide an explanation for the resit in the UCAS reference. A levels must be achieved within three years, meaning no more than one resit year is allowed.
Extenuating circumstances: Extenuating circumstances that lead to more than one resit year will be considered on a case by case basis.
Deferred entry: Applications for deferred entry can be made via UCAS. If deferred entry is requested after the UCAS deadline this will be considered on a case by case basis.
Transfers: Transfers are not considered.
Further Entry Requirements
Work experience: While there are no specific requirements regarding work experience for applying to Aston, they stress the value of gaining insight into real-life work environments which will be useful in the interview stage of your application. Their work experience page offers advice about how to gain work experience for example, working/ volunteering in a hospital in any capacity (e.g. hospitality) or caring for an unwell family member. They also provide alternative online resources for those unable to access in person experience.
Personal statement: Your personal statement will not be scored; however, it’ll be read prior to interview to ensure no concerns are raised by the statement or the references. Disability, extenuating circumstances, and behaviour concerns should be highlighted in the references.
Admissions Process
Application to Aston Medical School must be done via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Deadlines for submission are earlier for medical courses, typically mid-October. This application will include all of your academic history as well as your personal statement and other qualifications/achievements. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are ranked based on their academic achievement (usually GCSE grades) and UCAT score, then the top ranking applicants are invited to interview.
Admissions Tests:
UCAT ✅
Although Aston do not provide details on UCAT score requirements for their selection process and consider it alongside other entry requirements like academic achievement, in 2024 (most recent available data), the lowest overall score required to receive an interview was 2600 while the average was 2759. As the 2026 cohort is the first year to sit the UCAT without the Abstract Reasoning component, likely comparable scores are a minimum of around 1947 and an average of around 2106. Aston do not consider the SJT component of the UCAT in their selection process.
Interview Type: MMI
Interview Topics: Aston’s MMI’s will take place online between December and March. Aston interviews cover a wide range of topics. As per the Aston website, your interview will be assessing:
- Oral and written communication
- Listening
- Empathy, compassion, respect and dignity
- Emotional intelligence
- Problem solving
- Motivation
- Teamworking, including being able to lead as well as follow
- Knowing your limitations and knowing when to ask for help
The top ranking candidates based on MMi performance then receive an offer.
Admissions Statistics
| Total number of applicants: | 1742 |
| Total number of places: | 100 |
| Total number of entrants: | 100 |
| Acceptance rate: | 5.74% |
Fees
| Home students: | £9535 pa |
| Rest of UK: | TBC |
| International students: | £47000 pa |
Teaching Methods
Teaching style: Aston Medical School uses a variety of different methods to provide an integrated teaching style. These methods include lectures, group PBL sessions/ seminars, clinical skills sessions, tutorials, and clinical placements.
Students will also have a personal tutor to refer to should they need any help with their studies or have personal issues that they would like to discuss.
Intercalation mode: Following a successful completion of three or more years of your medical degree, the following programmes are available:
Graduate Prospects
In 2025, 100% of graduates from Aston Medical school were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, with 100% feeling they are using what they learnt during the course in their current work.
FAQs
Is Aston a private Medical School?
Aston Medical School was originally planned to be a private Medical School that would mostly comprise of international students. However, Aston now has Government funding for home students meaning the fees for UK students are the same as they would be at any other UK Medical school.
Is Aston University part of Russell Group?
No, Aston is not a Russell Group university.
Where is Aston University?
Aston University is located in Birmingham City Centre, a city in the West Midlands of England.
Is Aston Medical School accredited?
Aston has been given full General Medical Council (GMC) approval and produced their first qualified cohort of doctors in 2023.
School Details
School Details
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