UCL

Established in 1834, UCL Medical School is a prestigious and prominent institution among the major medical schools situated in the heart of London. It maintains a close relationship with 4 of the main London-based teaching hospitals and is currently ranked 6th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023.)

About The Course

UCL medical school runs a six-year integrated programme, where students are taught to become the ‘UCL Doctor’, a capable, professional, inclusive and patient-centred clinician. Undergraduates are required to undertake the integrated BSc in year 3, with a wide range of courses to decide between.

Although there is extensive clinical contact with patients and doctors throughout the course, the first two years are largely pre-clinical based, with opportunities to integrate this learning into clinical practice. Subsequently, following the integrated BSc in year 3, the course becomes much more clinically based, where students have the opportunity to learn about clinical presentation and patient pathways through hospital placements.

Additionally, there are many elements of choice within the course, where students can choose their 3rd-year integration and accompanying modules, as well as a medical elective worldwide in year six.

UCL prides itself on working closely with several major teaching hospitals where students will undertake their placements, including University College Hospital London, providing a world-class medical education.

UCL’s Medicine six-year degree equips students with the knowledge to practise patient-centred Medicine in a continuously modern world. Each year of this integrated degree will see students take on several compulsory core modules, assessed through each academic year, in either a formative or summative method.

Structure Of The Course

Year 1

In year 1, the focus is on the medical sciences underlying the field itself. The teaching is systems-based, with each module being based around a physiological system, as well as being sequential and integrated with previous modules.

In your first year, there will be opportunities for clinical contact, through meeting both doctors and patients, in order to help students begin to develop the skills needed to be a doctor.

In addition to the distinct modules in each year, you will also begin horizontal modules, such as Clinical and Professional Practice, that continue throughout all six years of the programme. In this horizontal module, students learn patient-facing skills that are essential for being a doctor.

Year 2

Teaching in year 2 follows on from what was taught in year 1. As in year 1, learning is presented as a series of integrated, systems-based modules. Teaching is also integrated with the Clinical and Professional Practice module and is sequential, therefore designed to build on previous skills and learning.

Year 3

The 1 year integrated BSc programme is compulsory for all undergraduates in the medical school. Due to the multi-faculty nature of UCL, the medical school is able to offer a wide range of integrated BSc programmes to choose from. The integrated BSc allows students to develop their scientific research ability or lab techniques, both valuable skills in the field. The extended research study requirement also allows students to delve further into a certain topic and gauge their enthusiasm for future research.

Year 4

The theme of year 4 is ‘integrated clinical care’, where students are given the opportunity to integrate their learning from the first 3 years into clinical practice.

Year 4 is divided into four parts including a ‘foundation of workplace-based and patient centred learning’ course as well as three long attachments based in one of the four UCL teaching hospitals.

Year 5

Year 5 is based largely around the life cycle where students will meet patients with medical conditions across all ages. Three modules are taught in this year, covering child health, male and female health, and health of the elderly. In addition to these three modules, students will undertake 12 weeks of clinical placement.

Year 6

Patient-based student-led learning is at the centre of the final year of the medical course, where students are encouraged to integrate their learning into clinical practice, with many opportunities to think and act like a doctor.

Students graduating from the 6-year medical course will be knowledgeable, capable and decisive doctors. Importantly, there is an emphasis on team work, communication and the knowledge of one’s own limitations in clinical practice.

Click here to discover more about the distinct focus’ of each year in the medical course at University College London.

Academic Requirements

GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

A-levels: A*AA. Biology and Chemistry are required, with either at a grade A*. The third subject is the student’s own choice and can be any subject other than General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Scottish Higher: AAA.

Scottish Advanced Higher: A1,A,A. Chemistry and Biology.

International Baccalaureate: 39 points, with a total of 19 in 3 higher level subjects. Must offer three subjects including Chemistry and Biology at Higher Level, plus three subjects at Standard Level. Candidates with a higher level score below a 5 will not be considered. If Mathematics and English Language are not offered as part of the diploma, they should be offered as GCSE or IGCSE at grade B/6.

IELTs (International applicants only): International applicants who do not speak English as their first language should ensure that they take one of the English Language Qualifications. The requirements for IELTs is an overall score of 7.5 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component.

Bachelor's Degree (Graduates only): 1. An upper second-class Honours degree (2.1) from a recognised UK university. 2. Chemistry and Biology at A-level, or equivalent. However, you can submit for consideration provided by the Academic Tutor if Biology or Chemistry modules were studied at undergraduate level. 3. ABB at A-level, or 34 in the IB. You will still be considered if you have re-sat your A-levels prior to beginning your undergraduate degree.

Mitigating Circumstances

Resits policy: You may re-sit GCSE subjects in order to meet entrance requirements. Graduates who re-sat A levels before their degree will be considered. Other than this no qualification re-sits are accepted, this includes re-starting year 12.

Extenuating circumstances: UCL specifies that any extenuating circumstances must be applied for by the Examination Board via the school. They should be taken into account at the time of the exam, as opposed to retrospectively by the university.

Deferred entry: Students may apply for deferred entry prior to receiving an offer. This will not affect the likelihood of receiving an offer from the medical school. Requests to defer made after receipt of an offer will be discussed on an individual basis. UCL reserve the right to not accept the request for deferred entry.

Transfers: Currently, no transfers into the MBBS programme are offered.

Further Entry Requirements

Work experience: Clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to medical school, although it can help in adding evidence to your personal statement and in interviews. Particularly following Covid-19, getting work experience has become more of a challenge. Read the Medical Schools Council guidance to gaining experience.

Personal statement: All personal statements will be read and will contribute towards which candidates are invited for interview. Make sure you know all aspects of your personal statement as it is likely to be discussed in interview.

Admissions Process

Admissions Tests:

UCAT ✅
After the 2024 cycle, the BMAT will no longer be offered and UCL will switch to requiring the UCAT.

Interview Type: MMI

Interview Topics: Interview topics: There will be 8 x 5 minute stations with 1 minute preparation time before each station. Stations will be based around:

Your reasons for wanting to study medicine
Your understanding of what it entails to be a doctor
Your understanding of the NHS
Current healthcare issues and topics
Components of your application such as aspects of your personal statement.

The interview is NHS values-based, ensuring that students understand core values underlying the NHS such as:

Commitment to quality and care
Compassion
Putting patients first
Respect and dignity
Improving health and wellbeing
Everyone counts

UCL-specific interview tips from the Medic Portal can be found here.

Admissions Statistics

Total number of applicants:	3800
Total number of places:	334
Total number of entrants:	333
Acceptance rate:	8.76%

Fees

Home students:	£9250 pa
Rest of UK:	TBC
International students:	£50300 pa

Teaching Methods

Teaching style: Students can expect varying teaching styles, including interactive lectures, small group tutorials, practical lab classes, and placement learning through interaction with doctors and patients.

Intercalation mode: MBBS students wanting to intercalate with a Master’s should intercalate in their 5th year of study – after they have completed their first four years of MBBS study.

The course for postgraduates is 5 years as there is no requirement to complete the intercalated BSc programme.

Graduate Prospects

Graduates from UCL Medical School are highly sought after. The majority of graduates go on to train within one of just over 60 medical specialities. Despite this, some graduates decide to work within an alternative career after having graduated. Graduates also have the option to pursue further postgraduate education or research opportunities in other areas within the medical field.

FAQs

What is the average BMAT score for successful UCL applicants?

This changes each year. In the latest cycle (2023), the average BMAT score for UCL applicants was 4.7, 4.8 and 3.0A, whilst the average BMAT score for UCL offer holders was 6.0, 5.9 and 3.3A. More information about BMAT scores can be found here.

How long is UCL’s medical course?

6 years.

Can I apply if I didn’t finish a different undergraduate course?

No, unfortunately, if you started a degree elsewhere but did not complete it you will not be considered for UCL Medical School.

Can I apply a second time to UCL Medical School after being unsuccessful in the first cycle?

Yes, you can reapply. You must take the BMAT again and update your UCAS. It would be advisable to use the time out to strengthen your application for the second cycle.