Frequently asked questions

How many places do you have for Medicine?

We have almost 397 funded places available for our courses – the majority for home students and 28 for international students.

How many applications do you receive?

Visit the application data page for full information.

When is the deadline for applications to Medicine?

The deadline for all applications through UCAS is the UCAS application deadline in October. An application can be made for entry to Medicine in the September of the following year or for a deferred place in September the year after that. We are not able to consider late applications.

Do you consider gap year students?

Yes. We consider applicants who are either on a gap year or wish to take one before they join the course. We don’t have any specific requirements for what you do on your gap year. Gap year applicants are considered in the same way as applicants applying straight from sixth form.

If I have started another degree course and I want to apply for Medicine, would I be considered?

No, we will only consider students who are in their final year, or have completed their degree course before they apply.

If I have completed my A-levels and have registered on a different degree, or I am in the first or second year of a degree course while applying for medicine, will you consider my application?

No, if you have registered to start a degree course in the year you make your application for medicine, or are on a degree course that will not be completed by the September of the year you want to start a medical degree, your application will not be considered.

You must be in your final year of a degree course, or have completed a first degree, before we will consider your application.

Our requirement for graduates is an achievement of a minimum Upper Second (2:1) degree and A-levels at a minimum of BBB at first attempt. Please see the MBChB course page or the Graduate Entry Medicine course page for full entry requirements.

Would you consider my application if I had previously been unsuccessful on a medicine course at another medical school?

No, we do not consider students who have started a medicine course elsewhere.

Do you accept transfers onto the Medicine course?

No. We don't accept transfers. If you are in the first year of another degree, you should wait until you are in your final year of the degree before applying.

I was interviewed at Manchester last year, but was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply?

You can usually re-apply, but please contact us at ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk to check. Please note that we will accept a maximum of two consecutive applications. Beyond this, future applications will not be considered.

I will be under 18 if I joined the Medicine course. Will I still be considered?

Yes, we accept students who are 17 years old or above onto the course. We do not consider applications from students who would be 16 on the start day of the course.

If you are under 18 on the start date of the course and have been successful in gaining an offer for the course after an interview, you will be contacted by the admissions office to provide parental contact details to ensure you have permission to participate in certain elements of the programme that require parental consent.

Can a parent, teacher or friend discuss my application with you?

We will only correspond directly with you about the status of your application (including the outcome of your application, your offer and your examination results).

This is because medical students and all applicants to medicine must demonstrate a number of core professional values and behaviours. We value traits such as resilience and the ability to engage in independent enquiry because these are essential qualities that doctors must possess.

We know that it can seem a bit daunting at first, but our admissions team is very friendly and we will always be willing to help where we can, so please do pick up the phone and speak to us in person or contact us directly by email rather than asking someone else to do it for you. We will not normally speak to anyone else about your application, other than to verify references qualifications and work experience.

Is there an advantage to studying four A-levels?

We warmly welcome applicants with four A-levels, but we only require three to satisfy our basic entry requirements. There is no advantage (or disadvantage) to studying four subjects.

Does it make any difference if I am predicted to obtain an A* at A-level?

No, it doesn't make any difference in terms of satisfying the basic entry requirements.

I have more A*/A grades at GCSE than you require. Do I have an advantage in your assessment?

This would not give you an advantage in terms of satisfying the basic entry requirements. 

Do you have a preference for the third subject taken?

No, provided it isn't one of the non-accepted subjects listed on our website, then we will accept any other subject. 

I completed three A-levels at A grade, but did not take Chemistry/Biology or a second science. Can I take the subjects a year later and still apply?

Yes, if you receive an offer of a place, you will be required to achieve a grade A in both, and they are to be taken in one year only.

Do you accept A-level re-sits?

We welcome applications from those re-sitting their A-levels, though you may only re-sit one of either Year 12 or Year 13.

Where A-levels have been attempted in Year 13, you are expected to have obtained a minimum of grades ABB in each subject at the first sitting for the re-sit grades to be considered.

All re-sitting applicants are required to achieve Grades A*A*A in the A-level subjects specified above, and the A*A* requirement is expected to be achieved in the final examinations in one of the dropped subjects, at the discretion of the school.

I've taken Maths A-level a year early. Will this affect my application?

No, it will not affect your application, but it would not be taken into account in any offer made. If you achieved a grade A in the Maths A-level, we would still expect you to offer three A2 subjects to include Chemistry or Biology, a second science plus a third subject at the end of Year 13. Our requirements from those subjects would be AAA.

Will it be acceptable if I take three years to complete my A-levels?

We are aware that some schools actively encourage their students to start studying for A-levels early, i.e. in Year 11. If a student started one A-level in Year 11 and completed it in Year 12, and then went on to complete three A-levels at the end of Year 13, this would be acceptable.

We would appreciate clarification from your school before we make a decision. Please contact ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk for guidance.

I do not have GCSE subjects, only equivalents. Would you accept my application taking A-levels?

Please contact the Admissions office at ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk to seek advice.

Do you accept GCSE resits?

Yes we do.

What are the relevant degrees for graduates applying to medicine?

Any degree within biomedical or biological sciences or professions allied to medicine would be relevant.

What is the UCAT and do I have to take it?

The UCAT is an aptitude test used by many medical schools to assist in their selection procedures. All applicants to Manchester must take the UCAT test in the year of application. The test is valid for a year.

Do you operate a threshold for UCAT?

See the UCAT page for further information.

Where I can find out more about UCAT?

You can visit the main UCAT website. You can also download an official guide from the website, which contains definitive information regarding the test and its content, as well as free practice tests and other practice tools.

What if I usually require extra time for exams?

Check the UCAT website for information on the extended test (UCATSEN). Please note that you will be required to provide the University with the appropriate evidence.

What work experience do you need?

We are not looking for a particular number of hours doing a specific type of work experience. We are trying to ascertain that you have a clear idea of what it is like to study medicine and what the role of a doctor entails.

We will look to see that you can demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to wanting to enter a caring profession, and you are able to reflect on what you have gained from the work experience you have undertaken.

Do I need to have done any shadowing?

No. Although shadowing is valuable experience, there is no substitute for participating rather than just observing. We are also aware that shadowing experience can be difficult to come by, particularly if you are under the age of 18.

Where and when will interviews take place?

Please see the interviews page for more information.

Can international students apply?

Yes. The UK government provides funding for up to 28 international students per year to study Medicine in Manchester. These students pay our standard international fee and are automatically eligible to apply to undertake Foundation Training in the NHS after graduation.

We also have a small number of additional places available (for example, on our Graduate Entry Programme and International Foundation Year) under an exemption for students who are sponsored by an overseas government agency or are fully self-funding. The fees for these students may be higher as the UK government does not contribute towards the cost of the course or placements.

International applications will be processed and assessed separately, but using the same processes as home applications.

What qualifications do I need as an international applicant?

We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the University website. However, this is for general information only, as specific entry requirements may be different for the Medicine course.

Please contact us at ug.medicine@manchester.ac.uk to check specific requirements for your country before you apply for the Medicine course.

If I am selected for interview, where will my interview be held?

Please visit the interviews page for more information.

What are your English language requirements?

If English is not your first language, we require a Secure English Language Test to demonstrate your English proficiency. See the entry requirements section of the MBChB course page or the Graduate Entry Medicine course page for more information.

Is the Medicine MBChB a team-based learning course?

See the teaching and learning page for more information.

What does a typical week look like?

See the teaching and learning page for an indicative Year 1 weekly timetable.