A Comprehensive guide to UCAT Success
UCAT Scores and Cut-Offs: How Medical Schools Use Your Score
How does your UCAT score affect your chances of getting into medical school? You're not alone. With many universities using the UCAT in various ways, it can be a daunting prospect. But don’t worry—understanding how each medical school uses the UCAT can make a big difference and help you choose the right four UCAS options strategically.
Some medical schools establish a UCAT cut-off score; if you score below this, you won’t be considered. Others rank applicants based on their UCAT performance and invite the highest scorers to interview. Many universities also evaluate your academic grades, such as GCSEs or predicted A-levels, alongside your UCAT. This suggests that a strong, all-round application can still be competitive, even if your UCAT score is not perfect.
Here are some of the key ways medical schools in the UK use UCAT scores:
Fixed Cut-Offs: Some universities publish a minimum UCAT score each year. Fall below this, and your application might not be considered.
Post-Application Cut-Offs: Other schools determine their cut-off after reviewing all applicant scores, depending on the number of interviews they can offer.
UCAT Ranking: Many universities rank all applicants by their total UCAT score and invite the top few hundred to interview.
Combined Scoring Systems: Some medical schools assign points for UCAT, GCSEs, personal statements, and other factors, then sum them together.
SJT Banding: Many universities won't accept applicants with a Band 4 in the Situational Judgement Test, and some are cautious with Band 3. A few are more flexible with international students.
Section Weighting: Certain universities put extra emphasis on the Verbal Reasoning section, so strong performance here can boost your chances.
Changes After BMAT: Since the BMAT has been phased out, some former BMAT universities (including some top London and Oxbridge alternatives) now use the UCAT instead.
In the past, UCAT deciles were commonly used to assess applicants; however, most schools now prefer clear raw score thresholds, making it easier to know where you stand. Thankfully, universities are also becoming more transparent about how they use your UCAT score, though it’s always smart to check each one carefully.
Choosing medical schools based on how they use the UCAT can massively improve your chances of getting an interview—and ultimately an offer. So let’s break down what each UCAT university is looking for.
We've put together this UCAT Universities Guide to help you make smarter, more informed choices when it comes to applying to medical schools. While we’ve done our best to keep everything accurate and up to date for 2025 (2026 entry), you must double-check the latest details on each university’s official website before making any final decision.
Final 2024 UCAT Exam Scores
Although the 2024 test included Abstract Reasoning, we have excluded this data from the page. In 2024, there were 37,913 UCAT test-takers, and the mean UCAT score was 2523. Omitting the average AR score would lead to a mean of 1870.
The mean scores for each subtest were:
Verbal Reasoning – 601
Decision Making – 620
Quantitative Reasoning – 649
The final deciles for the 2024 UCAT were:
1st decile – 2140 (1610 without AR)
2nd decile – 2260 (1690 without AR)
3rd decile – 2360 (1760 without AR)
4th decile – 2440 (1820 without AR)
5th decile – 2520 (1880 without AR)
6th decile – 2590 (1930 without AR)
7th decile – 2680 (1980 without AR)
8th decile – 2780 (2050 without AR)
9th decile – 2920 (2110 without AR)
Among the 2024 test-takers, 13% achieved Band 1 in Situational Judgement. 36% scored in Band 2, 38% in Band 3, and 13% in Band 4.
Complete List of UK UCAT Medical Schools & Their Selection Criteria
Below is a detailed breakdown of how UK medical schools assess UCAT scores, including cut-off scores, interview criteria, and additional selection factors. We have included historical information from previous years in a lighter colour, which can be utilised for a holistic approach.
✅ Aberdeen University – Your UCAT score will be considered alongside academic achievements during interview selection. There is no minimum UCAT cut-off score; your score is evaluated based on your overall UCAT performance in relation to other applicants.
Those with a Band 4 in UCAT SJT are typically not considered.
Historically, the UCAT cut-off for 2024 entry was 2,440.
✅ Anglia Ruskin University – You'll be ranked according to your UCAT score. A certain number of students will be invited for an interview, provided they meet the main academic entry requirements.
Applicants with an SJT score of Band 4 will not be invited for an interview.
Historically, candidates are ranked by UCAT score. The cut-off for 2023 entry was 2,640.
✅ Aston University – There are no specific score requirements for the UCAT, as the score will be assessed alongside all other entry requirements.
Historically, uses a point-based system: UCAT (12 points) + Academic Performance (24 points) = 36 points total.
✅ Bangor University – There is no minimum threshold score for either undergraduate or graduate entry. Your UCAT score will factor into the interview selection process.
Historically, no minimum threshold, but UCAT scores are used in the selection process.
✅ Birmingham University – There is no minimum UCAT cut-off score. Your total UCAT score from the three subtests (excluding the band result for SJT) will be ranked among all applicants. The scores will be divided into deciles, and an individual score will be assigned to each decile.
For instance, the top 10% of applicants’ scores will fall into the top decile and will receive a maximum score of 4.0 in this process. The band score for UCAT SJT will be applied during the interview stage.
Historically, 40% of the application score is based on the UCAT. No minimum cut-off, but the lowest UCAT interview score for 2023 was 2,670.
✅ Brighton & Sussex Medical School – Your UCAT score will be considered for interview selection and may also be used as a final discriminator if necessary.
Applicants with an SJT score of Band 4 will not be invited for an interview.
Historically, requires UCAT from 2025 onwards and may use it as a final deciding factor post-interview.
✅ Bristol University – Interview selection will be based on the combined scores from all UCAT subtests, barring SJT.
For 2025 entry, the final UCAT threshold score required to be invited for an interview was 3010. The threshold score for interview invitations may vary from year to year.
Historically, after meeting the academic entry requirements, candidates are ranked 100% based on their UCAT score. The 2024 interview threshold was 2,940.
✅ Brunel University – There is no minimum cut-off score, but applicants with a Band 4 in the SJT are automatically rejected.
Those with satisfactory personal statements and references will be ranked according to their total UCAT score. Applicants with the highest ranks will be invited for the interview.
Historically, ranks candidates by UCAT score and personal statement review. The highest-ranked applicants get interview invites.
✅ Cambridge University – There’s no minimum threshold score for both undergraduate and graduate entry.
For undergraduate entry, your overall UCAT score, excluding the Situational Judgement section, will be used in the selection process for interviews and offers. The Situational Judgement score is included for graduate entry.
Historically, UCAT is now required after the discontinuation of BMAT, and it is expected to have highly competitive entry requirements.
✅ Cardiff University – There’s no minimum threshold score for both undergraduate and graduate entry. However, your UCAT score may be part of the selection process.
Historically, uses UCAT as a tiebreaker when oversubscribed with high-achieving academic applicants.
✅ University of Central Lancashire - Your UCAT score will be employed to rank your application before the interview. The threshold score will be determined based on the scores of applicants in each cycle.
✅ University of Chester - The UCAT threshold changes each year, as it depends on the performance of all applicants.
✅ University of Cumbria - Applicants will be ranked and considered for interview based on their score.
✅ Dundee University – Selection for an interview will be based on academic achievements and UCAT scores, excluding the Situational Judgement section. There is no minimum cut-off score.
Historically, the UCAT has been used in conjunction with academic ability. The lowest UCAT score for 2023 interviews was 1,940, with an average of 2,691.
✅ University of East Anglia - UEA does not have a cut-off score. A high score is advantageous, but a low score will not disqualify you from consideration. The overall score is used to rank applicants for selection for an interview.
The overall score is utilised alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants. The SJT score is incorporated into the interview score.
Historically, also known as Norwich Medical School. Ranks applicants by UCAT for interview selection. The minimum UCAT score for 2024 entry was 2,190.
✅ Edge Hill University – If you meet the minimum academic requirements, you'll be ranked according to your UCAT score. A UCAT threshold will be established based on the number of interviews to be conducted. If you meet this threshold, you'll receive an invitation to interview.
The UCAT threshold may vary from year to year, as it depends on the scores achieved by applicants in each admissions cycle. Anyone with a Band 4 in the SJT will be disqualified.
Historically, Shortlist candidates are based on UCAT ranking. The average UCAT score for 2023 interview invites was 2,748.
✅ Edinburgh University - You must achieve a minimum UCAT score of 1650 for entry in 2026. Those scoring a Band 4 in the SJT will not be considered.
Once all scores are collected, they are ranked. The cohort is divided into deciles (ten equal groups) and then assigned a score. Edinburgh also assigns a score based on your Situational Judgement banding.
The points are added to your academic score to contribute to your final ranking for shortlisting and potential invitation to an assessment day. Your scores may be reviewed again when final decisions are made, particularly if there are applicants with the same ranked score but limited places.
Historically, the UCAT cut-off for 2024 entry was 2,470. Applicants with SJT Band 4 are automatically rejected.
✅ Exeter University – Applications will be weighted to produce an Exeter score: 25% from UCAT and 75% from academic attainment.
A threshold Exeter score will be determined each year – if you achieve above this score, you will be invited to interview.
Historically, 25% UCAT weighting, 75% academic performance for shortlisting.
✅ Glasgow University – If you meet all the entry requirements, your UCAT score will later be utilised in the admissions process to determine whether you receive an interview. The UCAT threshold varies each year due to differences in the performance of each admissions cohort.
Historically, allocates interviews based on UCAT ranking. The lowest interview score for 2024 entry was 2,450.
✅ Hull York Medical School – You are awarded points based on your total UCAT score and SJT band as part of the ranking process for interview selection.
Up to 35 points can be allocated based on your total UCAT decile, and up to 15 points depending on the SJT band achieved. Band 4 is not accepted.
Historically, Scores UCAT (40 points) + GCSEs (30 points) + SJT Banding (15 points). SJT Bands 1-3 required.
✅ Imperial College London – If you meet the academic threshold, your ranking will be based on your UCAT scores. Cut-off scores are set annually and depend on the ranked candidate UCAT scores in relation to the number of expected interview sessions each year.
A Band 4 in the SJT is discounted.
Historically, UCAT is now required for Medical admissions.
✅ Keele University – A total UCAT score of below 1700 for UK/home applicants or below 1950 for international applicants will not be considered. The SJT score must be Band 3 or higher.
Shortlisting for interviews is based on a combination of UCAT scores and the UCAS personal statement.
Historically, the Minimum UCAT cut-off is 2,280. Applicants must score above SJT Band 4 to be considered.
✅ Kent and Medway Medical School – The UCAT threshold can vary each year. High UCAT scorers will not automatically be selected over lower scorers who also meet the threshold.
Historically, the UCAT cut-off for 2024 was 2,500. SJT Band 3 or better required.
✅ King’s College London – King’s does not set a threshold UCAT score in any given year for either undergraduate or graduate entry.
The overall UCAT score averaged across the three subtests is given greater emphasis than the individual subtest scores. The Situational Judgement Test is also considered when shortlisting.
Historically, the UCAT score is calculated by averaging the scores across its subtests. The 2023 entry cut-off was 2,520.
✅ Lancaster University – Applicants who meet the academic requirements will be ranked by their UCAT score, with interview invitations based upon this ranking. Those with an SJT score of Band 4 will not be considered.
Historically, UCAT will be required from 2025 onwards.
✅ Leeds University – Your application will be assessed based on academic performance, including past and predicted grades, as well as your UCAT score.
Historically, the switch from BMAT to UCAT was introduced for 2024 entry.
✅ Leicester University – UCAT will constitute 50% of the pre-interview score (less for Access candidates). Applicants with a Band 4 in the SJT will be automatically rejected before the interview process. Points will be awarded based on the total UCAT score using a specific scoring system.
Applicants with a total score in the bottom two deciles will typically be rejected.
Historically, 50% UCAT weighting, 50% academic ability. The UCAT cut-off for 2023 was 2,250.
✅ Liverpool University – The overall UCAT score will be used (not individual subtest scores) to rank applicants. You will need to score within Band 1–3 in the Situational Judgement Test for your application to be processed.
Those with the most competitive admissions test scores will be assessed to determine which meet or exceed the minimum academic criteria. The highest-ranked applicants will subsequently be invited to an interview.
Historically, ranked by UCAT score. The competitive UCAT score for 2023 was 2,660.
✅ Manchester University – The UCAT threshold is based on the overall score distribution and varies each year. Applicants who achieve Band 3 or 4 in the SJT will not be considered. If you meet the UCAT threshold and achieve Band 1 or 2 in the SJT, you will likely be invited to an interview (provided you meet the minimum academic requirements).
If the number of highly scoring applicants exceeds the number of available interview slots, applicants will be ranked according to their total UCAT score and SJT band.
Historically, uses a threshold system (2,750 for 2023). SJT Band 1 or 2 required for interview.
✅ Newcastle University – The UCAT threshold depends on the number of applicants and the average score of those applying. Applicants with an SJT score of Band 4 will not be considered.
If you meet the minimum academic requirements, you will be ranked based on your UCAT score and educational results. Interview invitations will be offered to the top-scoring applicants.
Historically, ranks applicants by UCAT. 2023 threshold: 2,820.
✅ Nottingham University – There is no fixed score for interview selection. If you meet the academic entry requirements, each of your UCAT raw scores will be used in the scoring and selection process.
A combination of UCAT and GCSE scoring is then employed to select applicants for interview. The threshold for interviews varies year by year and cannot be predicted in advance. You will not be considered for an interview if you achieve Band 4 in the SJT section.
Historically, Scores UCAT with extra points for Verbal Reasoning. SJT is weighted equally to the cognitive UCAT sections.
✅ Nottingham University (Lincoln Pathway) - There is no fixed UCAT threshold score for interview selection. However, if you achieve Band 4 for the SJT, you will not be selected for an interview. Interviews are offered based on the university's scoring system; the percentage threshold varies from year to year.
✅ Oxford University – You will be ranked for interview selection based on your GCSE results and UCAT scores. Only the cognitive subtest score is considered, while the SJT score is excluded at this stage.
Historically, UCAT is now required after BMAT discontinuation.
✅ Plymouth University – UCAT results will be used alongside A-levels and GCSEs for interview selection.
The UCAT threshold is influenced by the overall performance of applicants in the UCAT, as well as the number and quality of applications received.
Historically, It Considers UCAT alongside GCSEs and A-Levels. The UCAT cut-off for 2024 was 2,210.
✅ Queen Mary University of London (Barts) – Interview selection is based on a weighted score compared to other applicants applying in the same year. This may consist of your UCAT score and academic performance (UCAS tariff of predicted or achieved qualifications for undergraduates, and weighted scoring of the degree for graduates).
You will not be offered an interview if your total UCAT score is below the fourth decile, and SJT Band 4 will not be considered.
Historically, 50% UCAT weighting, 50% UCAS tariff. 2024 interview cut-off: 2,620.
✅ Queen’s University Belfast – The UCAT will be scored and used in conjunction with a GCSE score to rank for interview.
The UCAT will be scored using your overall results from the VR, QR, and DM sections. Applicants can obtain a maximum of six additional points.
SJT results may be used to inform decisions on borderline applicants who have achieved a similar academic score or a similar score at interview.
Historically, UCAT is scored out of 6 and combined with GCSE scores.
✅ Sheffield University – In addition to the academic requirements, you must achieve a minimum UCAT score (1800 for both undergraduates and graduates) to be given further consideration. The SJT is only considered for those invited to attend a multiple mini-interview (MMI).
If you meet or exceed both the minimum academic requirements and the minimum UCAT requirement, you will be ranked based on your UCAT score to determine who is invited to attend an MMI.
Historically, Ranks UCAT for interviews. 2023 interview threshold: 2,850, cut-off: 2,440.
✅ Southampton University – For both undergraduate and graduate entry, applicants will be ranked according to their UCAT score to determine who should be invited to a selection day.
The score required for an interview varies from year to year, making it impossible to provide a definitive indication.
Historically, ranked by UCAT for Selection Day. Reviewed again post-selection for final offers.
✅ St Andrews University – If you meet the minimum requirements (strong academic record, positive reference, relevant medically related work experience), you will be ranked based on your global UCAT score.
Those ranked in the top 500 or so will be granted an interview. In cases where applicants have the same interview score, the global UCAT score will be used to differentiate between them.
Historically, ranks applicants by UCAT. The lowest score for interview invitees is typically around 2,400.
✅ St George’s University of London – Applicants must meet both the minimum UCAT section scores (at least 500 in each section) and the overall cut-off score (calculated annually) to be considered. UCAT results are utilised to select applicants invited to interview and may be used to rank a post-interview waiting list.
SJT banding scores will also be considered in the decision-making process.
Historically, a Minimum of 500 in each UCAT section. 2023 cut-off: 2,630.
✅ Sunderland University – Your UCAT score must be within the top eight deciles of the cohort, and your SJT must fall within Bands 1–3.
Shortlisting for interviews is based on academic requirements, an interview selection tool, a numeracy test, and your UCAT score.
Historically, must be in the top 8 deciles, SJT Band 3 or better. 2024 cut-off: 2,300.
✅ Surrey University – Applicants may complete the UCAT as an alternative to GAMSAT, provided they possess a relevant degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, or Natural Sciences. The UCAT score will be used to rank applicants meeting the academic requirements for an interview.
Historically, UCAT is used in Stage 2 of the selection process for interview shortlisting.
✅ University College London, UCL – Applicants who satisfy the minimum entry requirements will be selected for interviews based on their overall UCAT score.
Historically, UCAT is now required after BMAT discontinuation.
✅ Warwick University – The total UCAT score required varies from year to year and is contingent upon the UCAT performance of applicants. SJT bands are not used in the admissions process.
Applicants must achieve at least the overall mean score of all test-takers on the Verbal Reasoning subtest (which is likely to be around 600 points for entry in 2025). There isn't a minimum total UCAT score, as scores are combined with previous academic achievements during the selection process.
Historically, Verbal Reasoning must be at least the UCAT mean score. 2023 cut-off: 2,580.
✅ Worcester University – You will be required to pass the UCAT to a requisite level. If shortlisted, you will be invited to take the Casper Situational Judgement Test and attend two panel interviews.
Historically, no set UCAT cut-off, but most shortlisted applicants scored above 2,500.
Stay Updated on UCAT Universities
UCAT admissions policies may change, so always consult official university websites before applying. Use your UCAT score wisely to maximise your chances of securing a place in medical school!