Top 10 Medical Schools in the UK: Rankings, UCAT Requirements, and Admission Guide for 2026 Entry
Embarking on a journey to become a doctor is both exciting and challenging. With numerous medical schools across the UK, selecting the right one is crucial. This guide delves into the top 10 medical schools for the 2026 entry, highlighting their rankings, admission requirements, and tips to bolster your application.
🏆 1. University of Cambridge
UCAT Requirement:
The University of Cambridge does not have a specific UCAT score cut-off. Instead, they use the UCAT score as part of their overall assessment. Candidates are shortlisted based on their UCAT score, alongside their academic achievements and personal statement. They do not disclose the weight given to the UCAT score in their final selection process. The UCAT score is one of several factors, including A-levels, personal statement, and interview performance, that contribute to a candidate’s overall score.
Additional Notes: Cambridge typically gives higher consideration to academic performance and the interview process. It's crucial to score highly in the UCAT, but the emphasis is mainly on strong academics and successful interview performance.
Source: Cambridge Medicine
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry is a must, and another science or mathematics is typically required. Biology is preferred but not mandatory.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: A personal statement should demonstrate a deep passion for medicine, evidence of work experience, and insight into why you want to study medicine at Cambridge. It’s important to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities that align with the demands of the medical profession.
Interview:
Format: Cambridge conducts traditional interviews that are focused on assessing intellectual ability, problem-solving skills, and your suitability for studying medicine. The interviews are highly academic and require a deep understanding of the sciences and an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Around 3,500 applicants each year.
Places: Approximately 290 places are available for 2026 entry.
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🥈 2. University of Oxford
UCAT Requirement:
Oxford does not have a specific UCAT cut-off but requires all applicants to take the UCAT. The scores are used to help decide which applicants will be invited to interview. As with Cambridge, Oxford’s medical school values UCAT scores as a part of the application, but does not weigh it as heavily as other factors, such as academic grades and performance during the interview. However, a higher UCAT score can improve your chances of being selected for an interview.
Additional Notes: The UCAT score is used alongside academic performance (A-levels or equivalent) to select candidates for interviews. There is no precise cut-off, but competitive applicants typically have a strong UCAT score (above the average score).
Source: Oxford Medicine
A-level Requirements:
Grades: A*AA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics are required.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: The personal statement should reflect your motivation for pursuing medicine, along with any relevant work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings. It should also demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a clear understanding of what a career in medicine entails.
Interview:
Format: Oxford uses a tutorial-based interview style that is academically challenging. It focuses on assessing your problem-solving abilities, scientific knowledge, and how you apply that knowledge to practical scenarios.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Approximately 3,200 applicants each year.
Places: Around 170 places available for 2026 entry.
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🥉 3. Imperial College London
UCAT Requirement:
Imperial College London uses UCAT scores as one of their key selection tools. Applicants are ranked based on their UCAT scores, with the highest-ranking applicants being invited for interview. While there is no explicit cut-off for the UCAT, applicants with a score below 2,500 will likely face significant competition. Imperial College typically uses UCAT scores in conjunction with academic qualifications to help decide who will be invited to interview.
Additional Notes: Applicants are expected to have strong academic credentials (AAA at A-levels, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject). The UCAT is used as an additional screening tool, and interview invitations are issued based on the combined strength of the application.
Source: Imperial College London
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: Your personal statement should demonstrate a genuine passion for medicine, highlighting your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities. It should also reflect an understanding of the demanding nature of the medical profession.
Interview:
Format: Imperial College conducts Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), designed to assess how applicants approach problem-solving in real-life medical situations. The MMIs test your communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Approximately 1,500 applicants each year.
Places: Around 350 places available for 2026 entry.
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🏅 4. Queen’s University Belfast
UCAT Requirement:
Queen’s University Belfast requires the UCAT as part of its selection process. There is no explicit UCAT score cut-off, but candidates are expected to have a competitive score. Queen’s uses the UCAT in conjunction with A-levels, the personal statement, and the interview to assess applicants. Applicants with a UCAT score in the range of 2,400-2,600 are considered competitive.
Additional Notes: The UCAT score plays a significant role in the shortlisting process. Queen’s University Belfast places importance on a combination of academic performance and UCAT score, with interview performance being the final factor in selection.
Source: Queen's University Belfast
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry is essential, and another science or mathematics is typically required.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: Your personal statement should reflect your interest in medicine, relevant healthcare work experience, and your personal qualities. Queen’s values commitment, empathy, and a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to become a doctor.
Interview:
Format: Queen’s University Belfast conducts traditional panel interviews that focus on assessing personal qualities, motivation, and academic readiness.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Around 2,000 applicants each year.
Places: 210 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 5. Queen Mary University of London
UCAT Requirement:
Queen Mary University does not specify a minimum UCAT score for entry, but a higher score is preferable. Their approach to UCAT is unique: applicants are ranked based on their overall UCAT score and are then invited to interview if they are in the top-ranking candidates. Generally, applicants with a score of 2,600 or above are considered competitive, but the specific ranking may vary each year depending on the applicant pool.
Additional Notes: The UCAT is one of several factors used in the selection process, including academic performance (A-levels or equivalent) and interview results. Queen Mary uses a holistic selection process, with the UCAT being a significant but not exclusive criterion.
Source: Queen Mary University of London
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry is required, along with another science or mathematics subject.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: Your personal statement should clearly articulate your motivation for studying medicine, relevant work experience, and an understanding of the challenges involved in the medical profession.
Interview:
Format: Queen Mary uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) to assess communication skills, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Approximately 3,000 applicants each year.
Places: 250 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 6. University of Glasgow
UCAT Requirement:
The University of Glasgow uses the UCAT as a key component of their selection process, but does not have a fixed cut-off. They rank applicants based on their UCAT performance, and candidates with higher UCAT scores (above 2,500) are more likely to be shortlisted for interviews. Glasgow uses the UCAT score alongside academic achievements, personal statements, and interview performance to make final decisions.
Additional Notes: The university places a strong emphasis on the UCAT, but candidates should also aim for excellent A-level grades (AAA). The UCAT is used to differentiate between candidates who meet the academic entry requirements.
Source: University of Glasgow
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and either Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: A strong personal statement should reflect your passion for medicine, highlighting academic excellence and evidence of relevant work experience. It should also reflect your communication skills and teamwork abilities.
Interview:
Format: Glasgow conducts traditional panel interviews, assessing your understanding of medical ethics, your commitment to the field, and your academic potential.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Approximately 1,800 applicants each year.
Places: 250 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 7. University of Dundee
UCAT Requirement:
The University of Dundee requires the UCAT, but does not set a fixed cut-off score. Their selection process includes a consideration of both academic performance and the UCAT score. Dundee does not publish the exact weight given to UCAT scores, but typically looks for scores in the 2,500 to 2,800 range to ensure competitiveness.
Additional Notes: Dundee uses UCAT scores as part of the shortlisting process. The interview is highly competitive and serves as a significant determining factor for final selection. The UCAT score helps decide who will be invited to the interview stage.
Source: University of Dundee
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and Biology or another science subject.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: Your UCAS personal statement should reflect your academic dedication and enthusiasm for a career in medicine. Dundee values applicants with strong ethical standards and a clear commitment to the profession.
Interview:
Format: Dundee conducts traditional interviews, assessing motivation, academic ability, and potential to succeed in a medical career.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Around 2,000 applicants each year.
Places: 200 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 8. University of Bristol
UCAT Requirement:
The University of Bristol considers the UCAT score as part of its selection process, but does not have a fixed minimum score. Applicants with a UCAT score of 2,500 or higher typically have a stronger chance of progressing to the interview stage. However, the UCAT score is just one component of their selection process, and other factors like academic performance and interview performance are also crucial.
Additional Notes: Bristol uses the UCAT to help shortlist applicants, and interview performance is a critical part of their decision-making process. Applicants who have a competitive UCAT score and strong academics are likely to succeed.
Source: University of Bristol
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and Biology or another science subject.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: The personal statement should highlight your dedication to the medical field, including relevant work experience and volunteer activities. Your academic achievements and interests in medicine should also be clearly articulated.
Interview:
Format: Bristol uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), which assess your communication skills, ethical reasoning, and ability to respond to clinical scenarios.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Around 2,800 applicants each year.
Places: 250 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 9. University College London (UCL)
UCAT Requirement:
UCL uses the UCAT as part of their admissions process, and while they do not specify an exact cut-off, applicants with a UCAT score of 2,600 or above are more likely to be invited to interview. UCL ranks candidates based on their UCAT scores and academic performance before extending interview invitations.
Additional Notes: UCL’s selection process is competitive, and the UCAT is one of the many factors considered. Applicants should ensure that their overall application, including their UCAT score, academic qualifications, and interview performance, is strong.
Source: UCL
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and Biology or another science.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: A strong personal statement should focus on your motivation for studying medicine, your work experience, and your understanding of the medical profession’s challenges. UCL values diversity in experiences and insight into the field.
Interview:
Format: UCL conducts Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) that focus on ethical decision-making, communication, and critical thinking.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Approximately 2,000 applicants each year.
Places: 300 places available for 2026 entry.
🏅 10. University of Edinburgh
UCAT Requirement:
The University of Edinburgh does not have a fixed UCAT score cut-off. However, the UCAT is used as part of the overall scoring system, with applicants generally expected to have scores of 2,500 or above. The UCAT score is used alongside academic performance and other criteria to select students for interviews.
Additional Notes: The UCAT score is one of the factors considered, but interview performance and academic achievement are just as crucial in Edinburgh’s selection process.
Source: University of Edinburgh
A-level Requirements:
Grades: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Subjects: Chemistry and Biology are typically required.
Personal Statement Requirements:
Content: Edinburgh looks for a clear understanding of the medical profession and strong motivation for studying medicine. Your UCAS personal statement should reflect your academic ability and relevant experiences, including work experience and extracurricular activities.
Interview:
Format: Edinburgh conducts traditional panel interviews assessing your suitability for the medical profession, your communication skills, and your understanding of medical ethics.
Number of Applicants/Places:
Applicants: Around 2,500 applicants each year.
Places: 280 places available for 2026 entry.
📋 Key Admission Requirements for 2026 Entry
UCAT: Most medical schools require the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Each school has its own method of using UCAT scores, including fixed cut-offs, ranking systems, and combined scoring with other application components.
A-levels: AAA, including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject, is the standard requirement.
Interviews: Interviews are a common part of the selection process, with formats varying between Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) and traditional panel interviews.
Work Experience: While not always mandatory, relevant work experience in healthcare settings can strengthen your application.
💡 Tips to Enhance Your Medical School Application
Achieve High Academic Standards: Aim for top grades in your A-levels, particularly in Chemistry and another science or mathematics subject.
Prepare for the UCAT: Familiarise yourself with the UCAT format and practise regularly. Consider utilising resources such as Blue Peanut's UCAT guide to understand how different medical schools use UCAT scores.
Gain Relevant Experience: Engage in healthcare-related work experience or volunteering to demonstrate your commitment to the medical profession.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your passion for medicine, relevant experiences, and personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
Practice Interview Techniques: Prepare for interviews by participating in mock sessions and familiarising yourself with common questions and scenarios.
✅ Conclusion
Securing a place in a UK medical school is highly competitive, but with diligent preparation and a strategic approach, it is achievable. By understanding the specific requirements and expectations of each institution, you can tailor your application to align with their criteria, thereby enhancing your chances of success.
For more detailed information on UCAT cut-off scores and how different medical schools utilise UCAT results, refer to Blue Peanut's comprehensive guide. Learn more here.
