Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 4 - Where to Apply with an Average UCAT Score
Posted: September 24, 2026 by Stan
In this blog series we are exploring how to use your UCAT scores when applying to medical school. Depending on the UCAT score that you have achieved, you should apply to universities which will maximise your chances of securing a place in medicine. Here, we will discuss the universities that you should consider applying to if you have achieved an average UCAT score.
Older figures are shown as originally published on the pre-2025 four-subtest scale (out of 3600). Unmarked figures are displayed on the current three-subtest scale (out of 2700).
What does my UCAT score mean?
An average UCAT score generally means placing around the 5th to 7th decile of that year's cohort. Decile and percentile boundaries are published after the UCAT testing period ends each cycle and shift slightly year to year. See Part 1 of this series for score thresholds by decile across recent years.
This is generally too low for the universities that place the heaviest emphasis on UCAT, covered in our high and good UCAT score blogs, but it should be sufficient for universities that take a more holistic approach.
Combined with a strong application, a UCAT score around the 5th to 7th decile can still be sufficient to secure an interview at UCAT-requiring universities that weigh academic performance and other factors alongside the test, so long as your choices are made strategically.
Where should I apply with an average UCAT score?
Here are some medical schools where you should consider applying with an average UCAT score. Tap a university to see its full breakdown:
Edge Hill University Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA |
| Required subjects |
Where an A* is achieved in Biology or Chemistry (or both), the third subject is accepted at grade 6/B or above (e.g. A*A*B or A*AB combinations). General Studies, Critical Reasoning, Citizenship and Key Skills are not accepted. |
| GCSE requirements | Five GCSEs at grade 6/B or above (or equivalent), already achieved by the time of application, including Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Mathematics. The Double Science Award, at grades 6-6/B-B or above, is accepted in place of Chemistry and Biology. |
| How UCAT is used | Applicants who meet the minimum academic criteria are ranked by UCAT score. A UCAT threshold is set each year based on the number of interview places available and the scores achieved by that cycle's applicants; those meeting it are invited to interview. |
| UCAT threshold |
Most recently available (as of 2026): 2023 entry, UCAT scores invited to interview
|
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
Aston University Medical School
| Typical grades |
A*AA AAB Widening Participation Contextual (AA in Chemistry and Biology) |
| Required subjects |
The A* must be in Chemistry or Biology. For students taking four A-Levels, Chemistry, Biology and the higher-scoring of the two remaining subjects are considered. Predicted grades are not used in scoring and are not considered at any stage of admissions. |
| GCSE requirements | Six GCSEs at grade 6/B or above to include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Double Science |
| How UCAT is used | Applicants are ranked by academic qualifications and total UCAT score to determine MMI invitations. Offers are then based on academic, UCAT and MMI scores together. No specific UCAT score requirement is published; it is considered alongside all other entry requirements, with no lower cut-off score. |
| UCAT threshold |
2026 entry, average UCAT of those accepted for interview:
2026 entry, average UCAT of interviewees given offers:
|
| Situational Judgement | Not scored. |
Lancaster Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA |
| Required subjects |
All three subjects must be taken in one sitting, after two years of study. |
| GCSE requirements |
If Biology or Chemistry isn't taken at A-Level, GCSE Biology and/or Chemistry must be at grade 7/A. |
| How UCAT is used | Applicants meeting the academic requirements are ranked by overall UCAT score, and invitations to interview are based on this ranking. Offers are then based on overall MMI score, combining individual station scores. |
| UCAT threshold |
2026 entry, interview cut-off:
|
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine
| Typical grades |
AAA ABB for Widening Access to Medicine Scheme (WAMS)-eligible applicants |
| Required subjects |
A-Levels must be taken within three academic years prior to application. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted as the third subject. A pass in the practical element is required for Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Levels. |
| GCSE requirements | Four GCSEs at grade 5/B or above including Mathematics, English Language and two science subjects |
| How UCAT is used |
There is no standard UCAT cut-off. Applicants are ranked by UCAT score, including any regional uplifts, with a set number invited to interview provided they meet the main academic entry requirements. Applicants living in the East of England (Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire) receive a 2.5% UCAT uplift; those living in Essex receive 5%. |
| UCAT threshold |
2026 entry, non-graduate UCAT cut-off:
|
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
University of Liverpool Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA (A*AB if the A* and A are in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics) |
| Required subjects |
For the A*AB alternative offer, A* and A must be in the two sciences, with the B in the third subject. All three subjects must be taken in one sitting, usually after two years of study. |
| GCSE requirements |
A minimum score of 15 points is calculated from the best nine GCSEs or equivalents (grade 7-9/A*-A worth 2 points, grade 6/B worth 1 point). Only one subject in the same area counts towards this (e.g. only one of Mathematics and Further Mathematics). At least seven full GCSEs are required; Level 2 BTECs or OCR awards can make up at most two of the nine, and can't replace English Language, Mathematics or Science. |
| How UCAT is used | Invitation to interview depends on both UCAT performance and academic success (achieved and predicted). |
| UCAT threshold |
UCAT cut-off for 2026 entry:
|
| Situational Judgement |
Home applicants: Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. International/EU applicants: any of the four bands accepted. |
University of East Anglia Norwich Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA |
| Required subjects |
A minimum of three A-Levels must be taken in Year 13. BTEC qualifications are not accepted, and only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics is accepted. Science A-Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element, and grades must be achieved over two consecutive years. A fourth AS/A-Level or EPQ can be listed but isn't subject to grade requirements; applicants without a fourth subject are still considered. |
| GCSE requirements |
GCSE short courses, BTEC Level 2, OCR Level 2 and Functional Skills are not accepted. |
| How UCAT is used |
There is no cut-off score; a high UCAT score is advantageous, but a low score does not disqualify an applicant. The overall UCAT score is used to rank applicants for interview selection. The overall UCAT score is then used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants for offers. |
| UCAT threshold |
2025 entry, home applicants invited to interview:
2025 entry, home applicants made an offer:
|
| Situational Judgement | No separate threshold. Scored as part of the interview. |
St George's, University of London Medical School (now City St George's, University of London)
| Typical grades | AAA minimum; actual offers can range from AAA to A*AA |
| Required subjects |
A-Levels must be completed in one sitting, across a maximum of two years. |
| GCSE requirements |
Resits are accepted. Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills are not accepted in place of GCSEs. |
| How UCAT is used |
Both the section scores and the overall UCAT score must meet the required minimum. Applicants meeting the entry criteria are ranked by UCAT score, with interview places allocated to the highest scorers until all places are filled. Thresholds are recalculated each year and cannot be predicted from previous years' data. After interviews, MMI and SJT scores are ranked, and the highest-performing applicants within each group are made an offer; UCAT score may also be considered again at this stage. |
| UCAT threshold |
Minimum 500 in each individual UCAT section. 2026 entry, minimum overall score for non-graduates (recalculated yearly):
|
| Situational Judgement | From 2027 entry, SJT banding is considered in decision-making. |
Hull York Medical School
| Typical grades |
AAA (predicted AAB minimum) AAB with an A in EPQ if Hull York is Firm choice (AA in Biology and Chemistry) Predicted ABB minimum for Widening Participation Alternative Offer |
| Required subjects |
All three subjects must be taken in one sitting. General Studies, Applied Science, Citizenship and Critical Thinking are not accepted as the third subject. Biology and Human Biology are not accepted together. |
| GCSE requirements | Six GCSEs at grade 4-9/A*-C (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics at grade 6/B or above |
| How UCAT is used |
Applicants are ranked on a points system: 35 for GCSEs (best six grades), 35 for UCAT (by total decile), 15 for SJT band and up to 15 for contextual data (UK school leavers only). The top scorers are invited to interview. Personal statements are not scored. Offers are then based on overall interview score. |
| UCAT threshold | No fixed threshold. |
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
University of Glasgow Medical School
| Typical grades |
SQA Highers: AAAAB in S5, plus BB at Advanced Higher in S6 A-Levels: AAA |
| Required subjects |
SQA Highers:
Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Mathematics or Physics. Highers taken in S4 do not count towards the S5 requirement. A-Levels:
Resits are not accepted. Grades must be achieved in one sitting, at the first attempt. |
| GCSE requirements |
National 5 (Highers route): English at grade B. GCSE (A-Level route): English Language or English Literature at grade 6/B. Biology at grade 6/B if not taken at A-Level. |
| How UCAT is used |
Applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements and pass screening of the personal statement and reference are ranked by UCAT score, with interviews allocated to the highest scorers. Scottish, Rest of UK and International applicants are considered separately, in line with Scottish Government targets, so the lowest score invited to interview differs by group. |
| UCAT threshold |
2026 entry, UCAT threshold for interview:
|
| Situational Judgement | Not used. |
Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
| Typical grades | AAA (AAB contextual) |
| Required subjects |
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. |
| GCSE requirements | English Language or Literature and Mathematics at grade 5/C or above. No other GCSEs are considered. |
| How UCAT is used |
Applicants are ranked by UCAT score, with the top-ranked candidates invited to interview. BSMS aims to reserve 30% of interviews for contextual applicants, who are ranked separately. Applicants studying at a sixth form or college in Sussex are guaranteed an interview if they meet the standard entry requirements. |
| UCAT threshold |
2025 entry, home applicants invited to interview:
|
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (Queen Mary University of London)
| Typical grades | A*AA, in one sitting within two years of study |
| Required subjects |
The A* can be in any of the three subjects. Further Mathematics is not counted if Mathematics is also taken in the same sitting. |
| GCSE requirements | Six GCSEs at grades 777666/AAABBB including Biology, Chemistry, English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics. The Science Double Award may substitute for all sciences. |
| How UCAT is used |
Selection happens in three stages. First shortlisting screens for the minimum academic entry requirements, having sat the UCAT in the year of application, and the UCAT/SJT bar below. Second shortlisting (interview selection) uses a weighted score combining UCAT, UCAS Tariff (predicted or achieved) or weighted degree score for graduates. Third shortlisting (offers) considers all factors together: interview score, SJT, UCAS Tariff or degree score, and UCAT score. |
| UCAT threshold | First shortlisting requires a total UCAT score at or above the 4th decile; scoring above this does not guarantee an interview. A minimum UCAS Tariff of 152 points (equivalent to A*AA) is also required. |
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. SJT is considered again at the offers stage. |
University of Leeds Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA (ABB via the Access to Leeds contextual scheme) |
| Required subjects |
An A* cannot compensate for a B in another subject (A*A*B is not accepted in place of AAA), and a fourth A2 subject provides no advantage over three. The following combinations are not accepted:
EPQ and Level 3 Core Maths are not considered in scoring. |
| GCSE requirements | Six GCSEs of grade 6/B or above to include Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Chemistry or Dual Science. Leeds states that candidates who only meet the minimum requirements are unlikely to be shortlisted, and scoring is based on 8 GCSEs. All Level 2 qualifications must already be achieved (not just predicted) by the time of application. |
| How UCAT is used |
Academic criteria (achieved and predicted grades) and UCAT score combine into a total score used to rank applicants for interview shortlisting; a strong academic score can compensate for a weaker UCAT score, and vice versa. There is no pre-determined cut-off. Final offers are based solely on interview performance. |
| UCAT threshold |
2026 entry:
|
| Situational Judgement | Not published. |
University of Leicester Medical School
| Typical grades |
A*AA (predicted AAB minimum, or ABB for Access Leicester applicants) AAA plus a B in the EPQ, a fourth AS-Level or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate AAAB if taking four full A-Levels |
| Required subjects |
A pass in the practical element is required for science A-Levels. General Studies, Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking and Global Perspectives are not accepted. Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics is counted. Three subjects must be taken in Year 13. |
| GCSE requirements | GCSE grade 6/B in English Language, Mathematics and two sciences (Chemistry and Biology, or Double Science) |
| How UCAT is used |
Applicants are ranked on a numerical score, with UCAT making up 50% and prior academic achievement the rest. The highest scorers are invited to interview. UCAT points are awarded in 50-point bands, from 48 points for a score of 2400 or above down to the start of the bottom two deciles. Applicants in their first gap year who have already achieved the minimum grades, with a UCAT score in the top five deciles (top three for international applicants), are automatically invited to interview. Offers are then based on interview score. |
| UCAT threshold | No fixed threshold. Applicants in the bottom two deciles are very unlikely to be invited to interview. |
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School
| Typical grades | A*AA-AAB (AAB for Widening Access applicants) |
| Required subjects |
General Studies is not accepted. Additional AS-Levels and the EPQ give no advantage. A-Levels must have been completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. |
| GCSE requirements | Seven GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two sciences (Double Award Science, or two of Chemistry, Biology or Physics) |
| How UCAT is used | UCAT is the main filter for interview shortlisting, used alongside A-Levels and GCSEs. No weighting is published. |
| UCAT threshold |
2025 entry, UCAT cut-off:
|
| Situational Judgement | No band requirement published, but all parts of the UCAT may be considered when shortlisting. |
Note: UCAT score thresholds do change year-to-year and are impossible to predict with certainty until after the UCAS October 15th deadline.
Check out other blogs in this series:
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 1 - Using Your UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 2 - Where to Apply with a High UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 3 - Where to Apply with a Good UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 5 - Where to apply with a Low UCAT Score
Last updated: September 2026
