Over 40 universities in the UK use the UCAT exam as a way of selecting candidates. This has increased from previous years, as the BMAT has now ceased to be used by medical schools, and schools previously using BMAT have now transferred to UCAT. Each medical/dentistry school, however, will use your UCAT results in slightly different ways. As you know your UCAT score before the UCAS closing date, you may wish to consider carefully where you apply, depending on the strengths of your UCAT results.

Some universities use UCAT results to decide who to interview, often having a specific score (a cut-off) below which they discard applications. Other universities apply a more holistic approach and consider your result alongside other aspects of your application.

This following table lays out all the different universities that use the UCAT, describing the way in which each uses your UCAT scores, and we advise aligning your application according to a ‘best fit’ approach. We advise you to assess your application analytically, identifying your stronger and weaker areas, and then use the information in the table below to focus your choices.

University	How the UCAT is used?	Is a cut-off applied?	Cambridge Clinical tips
Aberdeen	UCAT score is considered alongside other aspects of the application. All sections other than SJT are used unless decisions need to be made between candidates with similar scores. Historically, the UCAT score has accounted for 20% of your application, 30% on academic achievements and interview makes up the remaining 50%. The SJT is only used to separate two similar candidates	Their website states they do not use a cut off. For UK students who are school leavers, the average UCAT score invited to interview in 2024 was 2700 and the lowest was 2440. Scores were slightly lower for graduates and slightly higher for international students.	The SJT is used less at this university - possibly a good option if this was an area in which you didn't score as well.
Anglia Ruskin	For candidates meeting the entrance grade requirements in A-levels and GCSEs, their UCAT scores are ranked, with those ranking highest being invited to an interview. Hence, interviews can be considered as being offered solely on the basis of the UCAT score (assuming basic entrance requirements are met).	There is no cut off used at ARU from 2023. While there is no cut off, you can consider the lowest UCAT score which was invited to interview in 2024: - 2660 (UK) - 2660 (East) - 2480 (essex) Applicants with SJT band 4 have not been invited for interview since 2019.	A great UCAT score will boost your application! However, make sure you check you have scored above 4 on the SJT. If not, do not waste an application here. If you are local to ARU (East of England and specifically Essex) this will boost your application here.
Aston	UCAT score is ranked alongside A-level & GCSE grades. Those ranking highest get an interview. Points are allocated across your application: academics are worth 24 and UCAT 12. SJT is only considered in candidates considered ‘borderline’.	No pure UCAT cut-off score. In recent years, an overall point (academic and UCAT) of around 31.5 has acted as a cut-off. You can score up to 12 points for the UCAT. Your UCAT score equates to increments of points e.g. UCAT score 3100-3190 will get you 10 points. In 2024, UK average UCAT score for those invited to interview was 2765, with the lowest being 2600.	Scoring highly in the UCAT will help you get that interview where you can shine! A safer bet if your SJT score is lower than expected. Also, lower UCAT score accepted for WP and international students.
Bangor	Began using UCAT in 2024 as part of interview selection process..	No lower threshold is applied. No other information currently published.	International applications are not accepted here.
Birmingham	A weighting of 45% is placed on school grades and 40% on UCAT scores. 15% is ‘contextual’. This contextual element is said to replace the 20% of interview places previously given to contextual applicants (certain schools are considered contextual schools). There is then a ranking process and those with the highest scores get interviews. They allocate the scores of all applicants into deciles and then give a score to each decile, max. 4. School grades are similarly scored, with a maximum of 4.5. The SJT score is used at the interview stage to judge applications.	No cut–off score. You are ranked according to decile of all of those applying to this medical school. In 2024, the lowest UCAT score invited to interview was 2700, and for ‘contextual’ (WP) was 2450. International applicants had a minimum UCAT threshold of 2860 applied.	With more weight on school grades, this is a good option for those where academics are stronger than their UCAT score. However, without much in it, it’s worth really pushing to get that higher UCAT score if this is the university you wish to attend. Also, WP applications here are very much worth considering.
Brighton and Sussex	2024 was the first year the UCAT was used for this university. They have yet to state precisely how it will be used in the admissions process.	Not stated, although they have said that Situational Judgement results in Band 4 will be rejected.	As this medical school is still finding their feet regarding how the UCAT will be incorporated into their admissions process, this may be a gamble if you have not achieved as high a score as you’d hoped in your UCAT.
Bristol	The UCAT scores, from all sections other than the SJT, are collated together and those scoring above a certain mark will be given an interview. The UCAT is the key factor here as to whether you get an interview or not (not academics, assuming you meet requirements).	The cut-off score will vary each year depending on the overall performance of the cohort. In 2024 the lowest score invited to interview was 2940 for home students (2960 for international).	Scoring highly in your UCAT will help you secure an interview here, although the SJT is much less important.
Brunel	Brunel used the UCAT to aid their selection process for the first time for the 2024 entry.	While there is no lower threshold, students are ranked according to UCAT score, and invited to interview accordingly.	Getting band 4 on your SJT will mean you are automatically deselected, so don’t apply if this is you.
Cambridge	UCAT was used for the first time at Cambridge in 2024. The university says that your UCAT score will be considered alongside academic results and your application.	Unknown. Cambridge has announced, however, that for 2025 entry, Situational Judgement will not be taken into account.	It is fair to assume you will need to do well on your UCAT to be successful with your application here.
Cardiff	Cardiff is known to place little weight on the UCAT, instead focusing heavily on A-level and GCSE grades, ranking applicants accordingly. Cardiff claims to interview as many of the applicants meeting the qualifications as possible, only using UCAT if particularly oversubscribed.	No cut-off score, although anecdotal evidence suggests there was a cut-off of 2690 in 2024, due to over-application. Situational Judgement is not assessed, even when UCAT is used for selection purposes.	This is a good choice for an application where academic grades are your strong suit and possibly the UCAT didn't go as well as you had hoped.
Central Lancashire	UCAT used here for the first time in 2024.	No information published.	For 2025, UCLAN says it will have very limited places for home students.
Chester	UCAT used for the first time in 2024.	In 2024 the UCAT threshold score was 2540, with a minimum of 570 in the Verbal Reasoning section.	Chester currently only admits graduates and, for 2025, says it will only accept international students.
Dundee	Historically, there has been a 40:60 application weighting, with school grades making up 60% of the selection process and the composite score of the UCAT sections, excluding the SJT, making up the other 40%.	No cut-off score used. Lowest and average UK student UCAT scores invited to interview 2023 (2024 not yet available): 1900 (av. 2675) For graduate entry: 2130 (av. 2646.	We would advise considering Dundee if you are worried about your SJT score. With a 40:60 weighting towards academic results, this can help bolster a poor UCAT score. Lower UCAT scores required for Scottish and overseas students)
University of East Anglia (Norwich)	A mix of academic and UCAT scores are considered. SJT is included in your score here.	No cut-off. Lowest score given interview in 2024 was 2190 but the lowest given an offer was 2440.	A lower UCAT score will not automatically disqualify you from an interview, so if you have a strong academic profile, Norwich a good option.
Edge Hill	UCAT scores are used to rank those applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements. All those who meet the academic requirements and are above the UCAT threshold will get an interview. Band 4 on the SJT will result in rejection.	Cut-off fluctuates based on the cohort’s scores and number of interviews offered. In 2023 (2024 not yet available), 2610 was the lowest UCAT score invited to interview, with an In 2023/24average of 2748.	Would be best to apply here with a higher UCAT score. Those with lesser academic success would be advised to apply here if their UCAT score can make up for this. WP applicants are interviewed with lower UCAT score.
Edinburgh	25% weight towards academic grades, 17.5% UCAT score, 7.5% SJT, and 50% interview. All the UCAT scores are divided into deciles and then each is allocated a score. Separately, the SJT band you achieve is allocated a score. The points are then added to the score awarded for your academics. Those with a band 4 in SJT will not be considered. Those with widening access will be considered with any UCAT score and are given a 10% automatic uplift on their score, providing they didn’t achieve band 4 in the SJT section.	In 2023/24, the lowest UCAT score invited to interview was: 2800 (Scottish) 2990 (rest of UK) 3060 (overseas) For 2025 entry, a cut-off of 2450 will be used.	Typically, only those with a high UCAT (2900+) average score get an interview/place. If you are from a widening participation background, you might wish to consider this university, given the 10% uplift they give to UCAT scores.
Exeter	Academic grades are used in conjunction with UCAT scores to allocate interview places. 25% weighting is applied to the UCAT and 75% to academic grades.	No cut-off. Historically, the average score for an interview has 2800+, but lowest invited is around 1820.	Those with a great academic profile (A* A* A* prediction) will automatically get an interview, so this can be an option if your UCAT score is not as good as your academics.
Glasgow	A composite of UCAT, academics, personal statement and references are used to select those offered an interview.	No cut-off. The minimum score to be selected for an interview for 2024 entry was: 2450 (Scottish) 2500 (rest of UK) 2800 (overseas)	Historically, SJT has not been included in the assessment, so is good option if this was a weak section for you. It is not clear whether the same applied for 2025 entry.
University of Hertfordshire	Applicants meeting minimum academic requirements will be ranked according to UCAT score, and invited to interview accordingly.	No cut-off. Further details not yet known.	A new medical school opening for 2026 entry for international applicants only, with UK opening following later.
Hull York	UCAT scores and academic results are graded and ranked. Personal statements are not used for the scoring. Points for your SJT score are added to the overall score you are allocated. GCSE results can gain you up to 35 points, UCAT scores up to 35 points, with a separate 15 points available for scoring well in the SJT, and up to 15 for ‘contextual’ applications.	No cut-off. No information available on minimum/average scores.	If you achieve an SJT band of 4 you will be automatically rejected from here, so do not waste an application if this is you. 15 points for ‘contextual’ applicants makes Hull York worth considering if you are WP.
Imperial College London	Began using UCAT for 2024 entry as part of assessment process, alongside academics.	No published data.	Fair to assume you will need a high UCAT score. Only around the top one third of rankings will be invited for interview.
Keele	UCAT score is considered if minimum academic requirements are met.	UCAT score below 1700 and band 4 on the SJT will be automatically deselected. For overseas candidates, deselection cut-offs are 1950 and SJT band 3.	Don’t apply here if you don’t achieve these scores on your UCAT.
Kent and Medway	Academic grades and UCAT scores are used in conjunction.	In 2023/24 a threshold of 24500 and SJT band 3 was applied. This university specifies this is likely to change each year, but we recommend using this as a rough guide.	Slightly lower academic requirements (AAB). Credit for WP.
King’s College London	Academic grades, personal statements, and UCAT scores are all used. SJT is taken into account when shortlisting. Anecdotal evidence suggests that applicants are scored /170 according to the following ratio: UCAT 100 / GCSEs 40 / Situational Judgement 10/ ‘Contextual’ 20	No cut-off used.	A great place to apply if you have a good all-rounder application, showing aptitude in both academics and the UCAT.
Lancaster	First used in 2024, but no information available.	No published data.	Contextual offers include lower A-level grade requirements.
Leeds	First used for 2024 entry, but no information yet available.	No published data.	Contextual A-level offers can be ABB.
Leicester	50% weight on academics and 50% on the UCAT when selecting for interview. Personal statement, references and contextual applications taken into account for borderline students.	No cut-off.	Applying to Leicester with a strong academic record can bolster a lower UCAT score and vice versa.
Lincoln	Overall application score is calculated using both UCAT and academics. They specify that they do not accept applicants with a band 4 on the SJT.	No fixed cut off – it changes every year according to applications	A less competitive application process, but do not apply here with an SJT band 4. Verbal Reasoning score is doubled in the assessment process, so consider here is VR is your strength.
Liverpool	Scores are allocated according to how well you do on your UCAT. Those with the highest scores are given interviews. SJT band 4 equals immediate rejection. Personal statements are considered alongside the interview, but not in the initial part of the selection criteria.	No-cut off. A good score for being invited to interview in 2023/24 was advised as being 2580 (2810 for overseas applicants).	This would be a good medical school to apply to if you ace the UCAT.
Manchester	A cut-off is used, but changes every year according to the cohort. This tends to sit around 2600-2670. If this threshold is not reached, however, Manchester further assesses applications holistically based on academics and other achievements. If you achieve band 1 or 2 in SJT you will likely be invited for an interview. UCAT scores are compared across individuals of similar educational and socio-demographic backgrounds.	In 2023/24 the lowest UCAT score invited to interview was 2700, with an average of 2896. Notably, for widening participation, the cut-off is lowered, in 2023/24 to 2500.	SJT of band 3 or 4 is automatically rejected and those with scores of band 1 or 2 are prioritised. A good place to apply if this was a strong area for you.
Newcastle	For 2025 entry applicants this medical school will place more weight on achieved grades (not predicted). Invitation to interview is now made on the basis of a score out of 100, with up to 40 points awarded for actual GCSE grades, and 60 for UCAT score.	Automatically rejected with an SJT band 4. Cut-off will change every year depending on the cohort. Lowest invited to interview in 2023 was 2820 (2600 for international students).	You will need good GCSEs and a good UCAT score to be offered an interview here.
Nottingham	You will get a score according to your academic results and UCAT score, with the top-scoring individuals gaining an interview. Those with SJT band 4 are not considered. Average UCAT score for those given an offer in 2023 was 2858, with 95% of students also gaining SJT Band 1.	No cut-off but only the top-scoring candidates out of everyone who applies to this university will gain an interview.	This medical school places more weight on verbal reasoning (double the points) so this would be an excellent choice if that area is a strong point for you.
Oxford	Used for the first time for 2024 entry. Students are ranked for interview using a combination of GCSE results and UCAT score. Situational Judgement score is not included in the assessment.	Unknown.	Safe to assume you will need a high-scoring UCAT test to secure an interview here.
Pears Cumbria School of Medicine	UCAT score is used to rank applicants, with highest scorers offered interviews.	For 2026 entry, the cut-off is 2490 for home students and 2450 for WP.	Pears Cumbria only currently admits UK graduate students. WP graduates with a good UCAT score might consider here.
Plymouth	Both UCAT and academic scores are considered.	The cut off will change each year according to applicants. For 2023 entry the lowest score interviewed was 2680 (2460 for international students and 2330 for widening participants).	Holistic approach to ranking, so consider applying if you are an all- rounder. Lowest WP UCAT score invited to interview for 2024 entry was 2210, so worth considering here if this is you.
Queen Mary University of London	Historically, a 50:50 ratio was used for academic achievements and UCAS score. For this year, however, QMUL says that interviews will be offered based on UCAT ranking, but that UCAS tariff may also be included. Your UCAT must be in the top 60% of scores in your year to be successful in your application to Barts and Queen Mary. Getting a band 4 in your SJT will equate to immediate rejection here.	A cut-off of the third decile or above is used. The SJT band you achieve may gain you extra points at interview stage.	If you score below the third decile it is not worth applying to this university. However, if you score above this, make sure you are an all-rounder, as all factors are considered at interview stage.
Queen’s University Belfast	Academic and UCAT achievements are scored in the proportions of 87.5% for GCSE results and 12.5% for UCAT score. Maximum UCAT points are awarded to those scoring between 2900 and 3600. If candidates have the same rank due to scoring the same, the offer is made based on who has the highest SJT score.	No cut-off is used.	With the weighting that is used here, make sure your GCSE results are very good.
Sheffield	Academic grades are ranked, then combined with your UCAT score. Situational Judgement score is only used at interview stage.	A cut-off of 2430 was used for 2025 entry. For 2023 entry, the lowest UCAT score invited to interview was 2850 (av.2950) for UK students, and 2840 (av. 2930) for overseas.	Another university where all-rounders with particularly good UCAT scores do well int he initial assessment process.
Southampton	After meeting minimum academic criteria, UCAT scores are graded and ranked. SJT score is not used.	No cut-off, technically, but is dependent on the cohort. Lowest UCAT score interviewed in 2022 was 2750.	If you score highly on the UCAT, this can make up for academic grades.
St Andrews	Interview selection is based on UCAT score, with the top 500 or so applicants invited. Widening participation candidates are given an automatic 10% uplift on their UCAT score.	No official cut-off. For 2023 entry the lowest UCAT score offered an interview was 2260 (Scotland), 2570 (UK) and 2610 (overseas) with an over all average each year of around 2650.	A very competitive application process, here. We say only apply if you score highly on your UCAT.
St George's	Assuming a minimum of 500 in each section of your UCAT, the overall score is ranked, and this determines who gets an interview. SJT is not considered.	A cut-off of 500 in each section. For 2025 entry, the minimum UCAT score to be offered a place was 2600 for UK students and 2750 for overseas. For graduate entry, the minimum 2025 offer was made at 2600 and 2770 for overseas.	As long as you meet the minimum academic requirements, doing well in your UCAT will get you far in this application process. Your SJT won’t matter, so you can spend more time preparing for the other sections if this is the university you want to attend.
Sunderland	Interviews are offered according to an overall view of academic grades, UCAT score, numeracy test and completion of Sunderland’s Interview Selection Tool. SJT is not considered, but must be within band 1, 2 or 3.	Students must score in the top 8 deciles of their cohort. In 2024, the cut-off was therefore 2260.	An application with good academic grades and UCAT marks will be well placed here. Notably, it is unimportant to score well in your SJT.
Surrey	UCAT score used if no GAMSAT.	Unknown.	Surrey only accepts graduate applications.
Swansea	Either GAMSAT or UCAT must be sat. If UCAT, SJT is not included in the assessment.	Minimum cut-off of 2550 for 2025 entry.	Only offers places to graduate students.
University College London	Used for the first time at UCL in 2024. SJT is only taken into account for students with the same total score from the other UCAT components.	For 2025 entry interviews were offered to minimum UCAT scores of: 2800 (UK), 2600 (WP) and 3060 (overseas), with an average applicant score of 2859.	Although requiring a high combined VR/DM/QR score, UCL is worth considering if your SJT score is less strong.
Warwick	Warwick focuses heavily on the verbal reasoning score, using this to narrow down the first selection of candidates. They also consider the other aspects of the UCAT, though the SJT is not considered at any stage of the process. Notably, Warwick welcomes applications from candidates with special needs that were not accepted by UCAT. In some cases, Warwick will accept a candidate without a UCAT score.	If your Verbal Reasoning score is below the national mean, you are automatically rejected. In 2024, this meant that anyone scoring below 590 in this section was rejected. In 2024, the lowest interview invitation was made with a total score of 2450 and the average was 2750.	You need to score well in VR to be considered here. Academics are also taken into account when selecting for interview, so if you are an all-rounder, who is good at VR, this could be a good choice for you. Warwick also makes generous allowances for WP students.
Worcester	Used in combination with other elements of your application.	Most shortlisted applicants have a UCAT of 2500+	Graduate-only entry. Only apply if you achieve above 2500 on your UCAT to be safe. Preferential ranking given to students with geographical affiliation to the area, WP, working in the NHS or refugee status.

6 NOVEMBER 2024

Guide to the (UK) UCAT Universities