Where Can I Apply With A Low UCAT Score?

Not All Direct Entry Medical Programmes Require the UCAT

Consider applying to the universities below which do not require the UCAT.

Two universities do not require any external admissions test:

• University of Buckingham
• University of Central Lancashire
  

Eight medical schools use the BMAT instead of the UCAT:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford Medical School
• Imperial College London
• University College London
• Leeds’ School of Medicine
• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• Lancaster University
• Keele University*

* International applicants only, home applicants are required to sit the UCAT

Medify’s Online BMAT Course provides everything you need to succeed in the BMAT, including in-depth tutorials, past paper grader and 1,400+ original practice questions.

Studying Medicine Overseas

Studying medicine overseas is an option if you do not receive any offers from UK medical schools. This includes not meeting your A-level requirements, as well as having a low UCAT score. 

As of 2020, all medical programmes offered in the Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are recognised by the GMC. European medical qualifications are recognised in the UK too. This means you can work as a doctor in the UK after completing medical study overseas.

Further information:

• Eastern Europe (e.g. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine)
• Republic of Ireland
• Australia and New Zealand

Taking A Gap Year

You can sit the UCAT again while taking a gap year. This also represents a fantastic opportunity to develop maturity and broaden your horizons.

During your gap year, it is crucial that you reflect on why you did not achieve the UCAT score that you had wanted this year. Was it due to lack of preparation? Poor timing? Concentration issues? Identify your weaknesses and take time to address them fully before the next year’s UCAT.

Articles on having a successful gap year:

• Formulating a plan
• Preparing for admission
• Making the most out of your gap year

Graduate Entry Medicine

If you wish to study another subject of interest while leaving the door open for medicine, consider the graduate entry route. This involves re-applying for a 4-year graduate medical programme after completing another degree.

While this takes longer than the direct entry route, it gives you an opportunity to explore other interests and to develop maturity before embarking on a demanding medical career.
Find out more about graduate entry medicine.

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If you are planning to take the BMAT in November or the UCAT in 2021, prepare fully for these exams with Medify’s Online BMAT Course and Online UCAT Course.

If you are interested in applying to medical schools in Eastern Europe, we recommend Medlink Students, a trusted and reputable consultancy that provides everything you need, from the pre-application process to post-acceptance care. You can get £200/AU$400 cashback from us if you apply to a university through them via Medify's exclusive deal.