The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the few UK medical schools with a strong focus on attracting talented students from around the world. Its MBBS Medicine programme is designed to prepare future doctors with not only the academic knowledge but also practical, patient-facing skills.
However, understanding the UCLan Medicine entry requirements is essential before you apply – particularly if you’re coming from an international education system where grading scales, subject choices, and application timelines differ from the UK. While most online sources outline the basic entry requirements, applicants often struggle with the finer details: Which qualifications are truly competitive? Do you need to sit an admissions test? What happens if you’re missing a requirement?
In this guide we’ll go beyond the official criteria to give you a full picture of what UCLan expects, how you can meet (and exceed) those expectations, and what to consider if you don’t fit the standard profile.
Why Study Medicine at UCLan?
Although UCLan’s Medicine programme is relatively new, it has rapidly built a strong reputation – attracting aspiring doctors from both the North West of the UK and across the globe. Here’s what sets this course apart from the rest.
A Fresh Programme and Close-Knit Environment
Studying Medicine at UCLan offers a distinctive experience compared to many other UK medical schools. The programme is relatively new, small and selective, which means students benefit from more personalised teaching and closer interaction with lecturers, clinical tutors, and fellow students. This can be a big advantage if you thrive in a supportive, close-knit learning environment rather than in large, anonymous cohorts.
Early Clinical Exposure and Flexible Curriculum
UCLan also has a strong focus on early clinical exposure. From your very first year, you’ll undertake one placement in a GP practice, and one in community clinics. This hands-on approach is paired with a spiral curriculum, meaning you’ll revisit core medical topics throughout your degree, building a deeper and more integrated understanding of medicine as your skills and knowledge grow.
Recognised by the GMC (General Medical Council)
The programme is also officially recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC). The School of Medicine has been added to the GMC’s list of approved bodies authorised to award UK primary medical qualifications – a crucial assurance for students that their degree meets the highest professional standards and is recognised across the UK.
Diverse Cohort
Another unique point is that UCLan welcomes a high proportion of international students on its MBBS course. This creates a diverse learning community where you’ll work alongside peers from a range of cultural and educational backgrounds – a great preparation for the realities of modern, multicultural healthcare.
Affordable & Well-Connected Location
The location of UCLan is another factor worth considering. Based in Preston, in the North West of England, UCLan offers a lower cost of living than many UK cities, while still being well-connected to Manchester, Liverpool, and the beautiful Lake District. This can make a significant difference if you are an international student budgeting for a five-year medical degree.
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UCLan Medicine Entry Requirements
Before you start your application, it’s important to understand exactly what UCLan is looking for – and how these requirements differ depending on whether you’re applying from within the UK or overseas. You should expect to be assessed against both academic and non-academic criteria.
Unlike many UK medical schools, UCLan does not require international students to sit the Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of its selection process, which can be a relief if admissions tests aren’t your strong point. However, UK applicants are still expected to take the UCAT, and for all applicants, competition is high – meeting the minimum criteria alone won’t guarantee you a place.
Minimum Entry Requirements for UK Applicants 🇬🇧
All UK applicants should meet a set of minimum academic requirements which will be assessed by UCLan’s admissions team during the initial assessment stage. These are:
- A-Levels
AAA at full A-Level (also referred to as A2), with at least two science subjects including Chemistry. All A-Levels must be taken in a single sitting.
- GCSEs
Maths and English at Grade B/5 or above.
- Honours Degree
A Science or Health-related Honours degree at 2:1 classification or higher as an alternative.
- UCAT
All UK applicants must sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Your UCAT score will be used as part of the selection process before interview offers are made.
Upon receipt of your application, UK applicants may also be asked to complete a Transferable Skills Statement. Guidance and instructions on how to complete this form are provided by UCLan to help you showcase relevant skills and experiences effectively.
Minimum Entry Requirements for International Applicants 🌍
UCLan also welcomes applications from international students, but the entry requirements and assessment process differ slightly from the UK route. International applicants do not need to take the UCAT, which may simplify the application process. However, competition remains high, and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee a place. Overall, international applicants are required to earn 144 UCAS Tariff Points, calculated from their qualification grades.
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma with 36 points overall, achieving 144 UCAS Tariff points from Chemistry and another science subject at Higher Level (H6), plus one other subject at H6.
- Sustained Academic Achievement
Evidence of a broad study of Science, English, and Maths up to 16.
- English Language Proficiency
IELTS 7.0 in all components (or an equivalent qualification) is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Additional Entry Requirements for All Applicants
If you meet the minimum academic requirements, your application will be assessed further, including:
- Personal Statement
Your personal statement should provide concrete examples that demonstrate the qualities needed for a career in medicine. Focus on what you learned or how you developed from health-related or caring experiences, rather than describing observations. Include your reasons for applying and your understanding of the role of a doctor, keeping it personal, specific and reflective.
- References
References should provide a well-rounded view of you as a person. Ideally, these come from your school head, principal, academic supervisor, or equivalent. Referees should comment on your commitment to medicine, perseverance, communication skills, humanity, intellectual potential, teamwork, and any mitigating circumstances.
- Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) interview. This helps assess communication skills, problem-solving, and suitability for a medical career. Our guide Brunel MMI Interview Questions explores questions asked during a very similar programme, so we highly recommend reading it as part of your preparation.
- DBS/Criminal Records Check
Successful applicants must provide a satisfactory criminal records declaration. UCLan will provide guidance on how to arrange this as part of your conditional offer.
UCLan Medicine Application Tips
Applying to study medicine at UCLan is competitive, whether you’re applying from the UK or overseas. Meeting the minimum requirements is essential, but to stand out, you’ll need to go further. Here are some practical tips to help you maximise your chances:
1. Understand the Selection Criteria Inside Out
Before you apply, make sure you’ve carefully reviewed the requirements for your applicant category (UK or International) and by reading this guide you’ve already taken the first step. Pay close attention to the specific A-Level, IB, or degree conditions, as well as English language requirements for international students. Any missing element will likely mean instant rejection at the initial stage.
2. Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity, in Your Personal Statement
UCLan looks for applicants who demonstrate reflection and personal growth – just like employers do from a personal statement. Instead of listing every achievement or work experience you’ve had, choose a few meaningful examples and explain exactly what you learned from them and how they’ve shaped your ambition to become a doctor.
3. Don’t Overlook the References
Your referee’s comments carry weight. Choose someone who knows you well and can speak convincingly about your suitability for and commitment to medicine specifically – both academically and personally. Provide them with your CV or achievements list to make it easier for them to write a detailed reference, including relevant personality traits like perseverance, humanity, team spirit, and responsibility.
4. Prepare Thoroughly for the MMI Interview
If invited, you’ll face multiple short interview stations testing a range of skills – from ethical reasoning to communication. Practising with realistic MMI mock stations can significantly improve your performance.
5. Apply Early and Stay Organised
With limited spaces for UK applicants and competitive demand from international students, getting your application in early and ensuring all documents are complete will help avoid last-minute stress. Keep track of deadlines for UCAS, supplementary documents, and interview invitations.
Seek Expert Support if You Need An Extra Push
Meeting UCLan’s medicine entry requirements is only the first hurdle – you’ll also need to stand out in one of the most competitive medical school application processes in the UK. UniAdmissions’ Standard Medicine Programme is designed to give you a competitive edge at every stage of the process, including personal statement, MMI interview, and UCAT preparation , all through expertly-crafted resources, interactive seminars, and one-to-one tuition.
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UCLan Medicine Fees
For 2025/26, the cost of studying medicine full-time at UCLan is as follows:
- UK applicants: £9,535 per year
- International applicants: £49,000 per year
All successful international students with either a conditional or unconditional offer will be expected to pay a deposit of £15,000.
How to Apply for UCLan Medicine
There are different pathways to applying for UCLan Medicine & Surgery (MBBS), depending on whether you’re a UK or international applicant.
UK Applicants
There’s no strict deadline for international applicants, however it’s strongly recommended to apply as early as possible to ensure your application is processed in good time.
If you’re based in the UK the only way to apply for the programme is through UCAS and the UCAS deadline for this course is usually the 15th of October the year before entry.
International Applicants
Applications from international applicants are accepted either via UCAS or directly through UCLans’ application portal.
Applications from international applicants are accepted either via UCAS or directly through UCLans’ application portal.
Application Timeline – Step-by-step Overview
Applying for UCLan Medicine is a staged process designed to assess your academic ability, personal qualities, and readiness for the demands of medical training. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1 – Initial Review
Applying for UCLan Medicine is a staged process designed to assess your academic ability, personal qualities, and readiness for the demands of medical training. Here’s what to expect:
Step 2 – Shortlisting for Interview
Your personal statement and academic reference are scored to decide whether you’ll be invited to interview. This is why providing concrete examples and relevant experiences is essential – generic claims won’t stand out in this competitive stage.
Step 3 – Interview Stage
Interviews typically run from December to April and take the form of a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), where you rotate through a series of short stations designed to assess skills such as communication, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving. If your interview is held at UCLan’s Preston campus, you’ll also get the chance to tour the School of Medicine facilities!
Step 4 – Offers and Pre-Enrolment Checks
Offers are made based on your interview performance. If you receive an offer, you’ll need to complete an occupational health screening, an enhanced DBS (or equivalent police) check, and provide any other required documentation.
Conclusion
Applying for Medicine at UCLan can feel daunting, especially for international applicants navigating the UK system for the first time. By understanding the entry requirements, focusing on meaningful personal statements, preparing thoroughly for the MMI interview, and securing strong references, you can maximise your chances of success. While competition is high, careful planning and early preparation make a significant difference.
If you’re exploring alternatives, Brunel University offers a similar Medicine programme with comparable entry requirements and opportunities. You can read more in our guide: Brunel Medicine Entry Requirements.
Remember, meeting the minimum criteria is only the first step – demonstrating your commitment, reflection, and understanding of a medical career will set you apart from other applicants.
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FAQs
1. What is MBBS, and how is it different from other medical qualifications?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is the standard undergraduate degree required to become a doctor in the UK and many other countries. Unlike postgraduate medical qualifications, MBBS is the first step toward full registration as a doctor.
2. Why study Medicine at UCLan?
UCLan offers a modern, hands-on curriculum with strong clinical exposure from early years. Students benefit from supportive teaching, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities to develop both academic knowledge and practical skills.
3. What A-Levels are required for UCLan Medicine?
Applicants must have AAA at A-Level, including Chemistry and another science subject (e.g. Biology, Physics, or Maths). GCSEs in English and Maths are also required at Grade B/5 or above.
4. Will I have to sit an exam as part of my application for UCLan Medicine?
UK applicants must take the UCAT. International students are usually exempt but should check specific requirements for their country.
5. Will I have to do a DBS check?
Yes. All successful applicants must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable patients.
6. Will I have to give an interview for UCLan Medicine?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), which assesses communication skills, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, and suitability for a medical career.
7. Are there special entry requirements for international applicants at UCLan?
Yes. International students must meet academic requirements (e.g., IB or equivalent), English language proficiency, and provide evidence of Chemistry and another science subject.
8. What if I don’t meet all the entry criteria?
Taking a foundation year first can help prepare students for the standard Medicine programme while developing necessary academic and practical skills.
9. When will my MMI interview for UCLan Medicine take place?
In the UK, interviews usually take place between January and June. International interview venues, such as Dubai, are likely in December, with additional locations and dates to be confirmed.
10. How much will it cost me to study Medicine at UCLan?
UK students currently pay £9,535 per year while international students pay £49,000 per year.
