Medicine at University of Lancaster Medical School: Entry Requirements & UCAT 2026

Teaching style

Lancaster Medical School uses a problem-based learning teaching style that values early clinical exposure. The first two years see students undertaking many different PBL modules before becoming more placement-based in the final three years.

Intercalated BSc

Yes, between Years 4 and 5 of the MBChB programme, you will have the option to take a year out from your studies to complete an intercalated degree. Intercalation provides you with an opportunity to study a subject related to medicine at greater depth or engage in academic research for a year.

A-Levels

The minimum A level requirement for Lancaster Medical School is AAA, including any two of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. The AAB plus EPQ or fourth subject alternative that applied for 2026 entry has been withdrawn for 2027 entry.

All three A levels must be taken at one sitting, after two years of study.

GCSEs

The minium GCSE grade requirement for Lancaster Medical School is 8 subjects - At least 13 points where A*-A or 7-9 = 2 points; B or 6 = 1 point

Grade 6 (B) in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (or Double Award Combined Science), Maths and English Language. If Biology or Chemistry is not studied at A-level, then the GCSE must be at least grade A/7.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

36 points.

To include: At Higher Level (HL): any two of Biology, Chemistry or Psychology and one other subject; all at a minimum of 6 points. At Standard Level (SL): three subjects, all at a minimum of 5 points. We will consider applications from applicants who have taken longer than 2 years to achieve the required grades in the International Baccalaureate.

Scottish Highers

At least five subjects taken at one sitting, after one year of study including Biology (A), Chemistry (A), plus at least three other subjects. Minimum grades required: AAAAB

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades AA in Biology and Chemistry, taken at one sitting after one year of study

Graduates (degree requirements)

A 2:1 Honours degree with a minimum transcript average of 65% is required.

Graduates with a degree in biological, biomedical or health sciences also need A levels at BBB including any two of Biology, Chemistry or Psychology; graduates from other fields need AAB including any two of Biology, Chemistry or Psychology.

English language requirements

IELTS (a minimum score of 7.0 with no component less than 7.0)

Deferred entry

No

Eligibility criteria

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• Required Subjects: A level Biology and Chemistry
• GCSE: requirements: will vary depending on individual circumstance but all applicants must have achieved grade B (or grade 6) in Core & Additional Science (or Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Maths and English Language.
• BMAT: Required
• Interview: Required (MMI)

Eligibility Criteria

We will use a range of indicators to determine whether you are eligible for entry to our Gateway year course. You may be eligible for the Gateway Year, and to be made a lower offer compared to those applying directly, if you fulfil certain widening participation criteria, such as living in an area where a low proportion of school leavers go onto higher education; being from a low income family or being the first in family to attend university.

The Actual Criteria:

You are a UK applicant. EU and International students are not eligible for Medicine and Surgery with a Gateway Year.

If you meet two or more of our widening participation criteria (see below), meet the academic entry requirements and are successful at interview, you may be considered for a contextually lowered offer (CLO) of ABB. Care leavers and care experienced applicants will automatically be considered for a CLO regardless of how many other criteria they meet.

• You live in a neighbourhood of low participation in higher education or live in an area that is less advantaged, as assessed by multiple factors. To find out if this applies to you please visit the Index of Multiple Deprivation, or if you live in Scotland, the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. A map of the UK, showing the areas that differ in terms of young people’s participation in higher education can be found on the Office for Students website.
• You live in a low income household. This can be demonstrated in any of three ways: (1) your parent or guardian is in receipt of a means-tested benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance); (2) you receive or are eligible for the 16-19 bursary or, if you live in Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland, Education Maintenance Allowance instead of 16-19 bursary; (3) you receive or are eligible for free school meals.
• The school where you completed your GCSEs is a non-selective state school and has a below-average Attainment 8 score. You can view your school’s Attainment 8 score from Compare School Performance.
• The school where you completed/are completing your A Levels (or equivalent) is a non-selective state school, whose examination results are below average for schools/colleges in England (C- or below). You can view your school’s average A Level results from Compare School Performance.
• Your parent(s) did not attend university or attain a higher education qualification, apart from as a mature student.
• You have been in local authority care for three months or more, or considered as Care Experienced , including residing within a secure or children’s care home, foster care and kinship care. You can find out more on our Care Leavers page.
• You are a young carer to a parent or sibling.
• You are a refugee.