Understanding UCAT

Understanding UCAT

Get all your questions answered about what is UCAT, essential tips to prepare and how UCAT fits into the overall timeline to apply for your degree.

medical professionals in surgery

Shortlisting for Interview: How we use UCAT scores

The UCAT threshold varies each year, based on the standard scores achieved. The table below provides a guide to the lowest scores shortlisted for interview for 2024 and 2025 entry. 

In our interview shortlisting process, we assess academic criteria, including achieved and predicted grades, alongside the UCAT score. These elements combine to form a total score, which we use to rank applicants. A high academic score can compensate for a lower UCAT score, and vice versa. There is no pre-determined ‘cut-off’ score, so please use the information below as a guide only.

UCAT

 

We currently have limited UCAT data, as we began using UCAT in 2024. Additional data will be incorporated as it becomes available. 

*WP stands for Widening Participation. If you fall into this category, the UCAT score accepted may be slightly different. 

What is UCAT?

If you’re applying for the Gateway Year to Medicine MBChB, Medicine and Surgery MBChB or Dental Surgery BChD at Leeds, you’ll need to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) exam as part of your application, before you apply to UCAS. 

We understand the application process can seem complicated and stressful. So, we’ve made things simple with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to UCAT. 

The UCAT is a computer-based admissions test, used by us – and other UK-based and partner universities – to help select applicants for medical and dental degree courses.  

It’s made up of: 

  • 3 cognitive subtests in Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning 
  • The Situational Judgement Test 

You need to take the test before you apply through UCAS. It must be completed within the same year of application

It takes 2 hours to complete.  

Find out all the essentials you need to know including: 

  • eligibility for the test 
  • how to book 
  • preparation tips 
  • what to expect on the day. 

Find out more on the UCAT website.  

What happens next?

UCAT Accessible Video Transcript

After you’ve successfully completed and passed the UCAT, you’ll need to apply for your course through UCAS. 

Check out our step-by-step guide video above to make the application process as simple as possible. 

Get prepared with some application tips!

Learn more > 

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Professor Mark Kearney
Staff | Executive Dean
Here at Leeds we pride ourselves on our dynamic and innovative clinical and academic educational portfolio. Leeds is a great place to study and we welcome students from across the globe to study with us.