Medicine · Medical School Profile

Medicine at UCLAN Medical School & Interview Questions 2026

MMI interviewUCAT requiredUpdated 24 June 2026

Reviewed by Dr Akash Gandhi, MBBS MA (Cantab) DGM DRCOG MBA MRCGP

Trusted UK medicine admissions specialists since 2012 · 2700+ students taught

University of Central Lancashire, Preston by Raymond Knapman
University of Central Lancashire, Preston by Raymond Knapman · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, cropped

At a glance

Location
Preston, England
Founded
1828
Degree awarded
MBBS (UCAS code A100)
Course length
5 years
Home fee
£9,790 per year (2026/27)
International fee
£49,950 (2026/27 entry)
Interview format
MMI
UCAT required
Yes
SJT Band 4 accepted
Yes - SJT not used
Foundation year
Yes
Intercalation
Optional
QS UK ranking
64

Overview of UCLAN Medical School

A limited number of places will be available for UK students. UCLAN School of Medicine and Dentistry will only accept UK applications from applicants resident in the North West of England or from students who are currently taking the UCLan BSc Medical Sciences Foundation Entry programme both at UCLan. The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) undergraduate medical degree for self-funded and sponsored international (non-EU) students as well as a small number of UK students, is an innovative approach to medical education, with a state-of-the-art curriculum, co-designed with local patients and National Health Service (NHS) leaders. UCLAN has a number of societies, with a great medical and dental society as well as hiking and trekking clubs.

Where does UCLAN rank for Medicine?

Complete University Guide 2027

39thof 40 UK medical schools
Top40th
Overall score
89%
Entry standards
64%
Student satisfaction
74%
Research quality
75%

Source: Complete University Guide 2027 medicine league table.

The Guardian University Guide 2026

36thof 36 UK medical schools
Top36th
Guardian score (/100)
36.4
Satisfied with teaching
82.4%
Satisfied with feedback
74%
Student to staff ratio
11.9

Source: The Guardian University Guide 2026 medicine league table.

Course Structure of UCLAN Medical School

During phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) of the MBBS, UCLan provide a strong foundation of scientific knowledge. In both years you will have community placements and will have a secondary care placement during Year 2. In Years 3 and 4 students will no longer be based in Preston but at one of our partner NHS Trusts in either East Lancashire or West Cumbria, where you will also spend one day per week at one of our regional campus sites for additional teaching. Between Years 4 and 5, you may have the opportunity to add a further period of study and undertake a master’s degree in research to enhance your CV and career opportunities.

Teaching style

UCLan Medical School offers a five-year MBBS programme based on an integrated, spiral curriculum. Teaching includes case-based group learning, clinical skills training, and simulation in realistic healthcare settings. Students gain early patient contact from the first year and undertake clinical placements in both urban and rural environments throughout the course. The programme focuses on developing communication, practical, and professional skills, with an emphasis on inter-professional learning and regular feedback to support clinical decision-making and teamwork.

Intercalated BSc

After Year 4, high performing students may be offered the opportunity to take an additional year and gain a master’s degree. This will be prior to completing their medical degree and could be in medical research or in a number of related subjects.

How we can help

Expert 1-1 support for your application

1-1 support from doctors and admissions experts across every stage of your medicine application.

Most popular
1-1 Mock Interview

1-1 Mock Interview

Marked on real criteria

UCLAN University of Lancashire Medicine Entry Requirements

A-Levels

The minimum A Level requirement for UCLAN Medical School is AAA at A2 with at least two science subjects including Chemistry. All A-Levels must be taken in one sitting.

UCLAN is now the University of Lancashire. The university had previously restricted applications from UK students to the North West of England, but with increased UK places it has now opened up to applications from across the UK.

GCSEs

Minimum GCSE grade requirements for UCLAN Medical School is GCSE Maths and English at Grade B/5

International Baccalaureate (IB)

36 points overall and 144 UCAS tariff points achieved from Chemistry and another science subject at Higher Level at H6, plus one other subject at H6.

Scottish Highers

AAAAB from Highers to include Chemistry and a second science.

Scottish Advanced Highers

AAA from Advanced Highers to include Chemistry and a second science; OR AA from Advanced Highers plus a Higher at grade A, with Chemistry and the second science taken at Advanced Higher.

Graduates (degree requirements)

2:1 or above or equivalent or, a recognised degree in a health care profession at 2:1or above or equivalent with at least one year’s professional work experience. (A masters qualification or higher degree does not compensate for these degree requirements).

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 in all components (or equivalent).

Resits

Resits are accepted, but all resit exams must be taken in the same academic year, and only one resit attempt is accepted for the same A2 subject.

Deferred entry

No

Minimum age requirements

The University of Lancashire (UCLan) publishes no minimum age for Medicine; its general admissions policy accommodates under-18s with a UK guardian. Confirm directly before relying on this as an under-18.

A-Level Requirements at UCLAN Medical School

Most useful

Admissions Tests for UCLAN Medical School

UCAT at UCLAN Medical School 2026

How Does UCLAN Medical School Look At The UCAT?

The UCAT will be used for the first time at UCLAN for 2023/2024 entry [NEW]

As this has not been used before for selection, there is no UCLAN UCAT Cut Off 2024 for 2025 Entry for the UCAT at UCLAN Medical School.

International applicants are not required to sit the UCAT.

UCLAN UCAT Cut Off in 2026 for 2027 Entry A100 Medicine

This data is likely from 2024 Entry (but could be 2023 Entry, it is unclear on the information supplied).

👉🏼 LOWEST UCAT Score INVITED TO INTERVIEW at UCLAN (ie UCLAN UCAT Cut Off)

  • 2024 Entry (/3600): 2331

👉🏼 AVERAGE UCAT Score INVITED TO INTERVIEW at UCLAN:

  • 2024 Entry (/3600): 2597

👉🏼 AVERAGE UCAT score GIVEN AN OFFER at UCLAN:

  • 2024 Entry (/3600): 2628

📝 PS - Have your PS checked - 5⭐ Rated

🎙️ Interviews - 1-1 Online Medicine Interview (Panel & MMI) Tutoring & Mocks tailored to UCLAN - 5⭐ Rated

GAMSAT

The GAMSAT is not used for entry to UCLAN Medical School. All UK applicants are required to sit the UCAT instead.

Work Experience for UCLAN Medicine

The UCLan admissions team thinks that it is beneficial for applicants to undertake hands-on work experience in a caring role, so that you are aware of what a career caring for people may involve. Work experience and/or volunteering can take many forms; from mentoring young children, helping elderly members of the community with shopping, through to helping in a hospice, or working with disadvantaged groups.

Personal Statement for UCLAN Medicine

The personal statement is scored alongside your academic reference to decide who is shortlisted for interview. Cover your reasons for studying medicine and understanding of a doctor's role; how your studies and skills have prepared you; and what else you have done, including health-related or caring work experience (shadowing or volunteering), teamwork and communication. Some applicants are also asked to complete a Transferable Skills Statement.

Note: from 2026 entry, UCAS replaced the single free-text personal statement with three structured questions — why you want to study the course, how your studies have prepared you, and what else you have done to prepare. Any guidance above still applies; it is simply spread across those questions. For worked examples and a review of your own statement, see our medicine personal statement examples and review service.

Interview preparation

1-1 Tutoring for UCLAN Medicine & 1-1 Mock Interviews 2026

Practise with our expert interview tutors: university-specific mock MMI and panel interviews with personalised feedback. Every session is tailored to UCLAN's interview format and marking criteria.

  • 1x Mock Interview (Panel/MMI Style) - OnlineBuy
  • Ultimate Medicine Interview Question & Answers GuideBuy
  • Interview Coaching - 10 hours + Ultimate Q&A Guide (Free)Buy
  • Interview Coaching - 20 hours + Ultimate Q&A Guide (Free)Buy
  • Interview Coaching - 30 hours + Ultimate Q&A Guide (Free)Buy

Not sure which option fits? Explore all interview coaching or book a free consultation.

Graduate entry at UCLAN

2:1 or above or equivalent or, a recognised degree in a health care profession at 2:1or above or equivalent with at least one year’s professional work experience. (A masters qualification or higher degree does not compensate for these degree requirements).

Does UCLAN have a gateway or foundation year?

Eligibility criteria

This course is for international applicants only

This course requires 128 UCAS tariff points unless stated, these points are calculated from your qualification grades.

  • A2: ABB at A2 in at least two science subjects including Chemistry
  • IB: 3 HL subjects to include Chemistry at grade H6, 1 other at H6 and 1 other science at no less than H5
  • Evidence of sustained academic achievement with a broad study of Science and Maths up to 16 and GCSE English Language
  • IELTS: 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0
  • Fees: £31,500

International Foundation Entry to Medicine - University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

UCLAN Medicine Foundation Year UCLAN offers a foundation year to give the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to be successful and automatically progress onto the 5 year MBBS Medicine Course. UCLAN Medicine Foundation programme requirements: BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (foundation entry) at UCLan (70% overall and IELTS 7.0 in each component) Cambridge Education Group (CEG) ONCampus Medicine Foundation Programme (70% overall with at least 65% in all individual subjects and IELTS 7.0 in each component or UCLan equivalent English language test)

UCLAN Medicine Interview Questions 2026

- UCLAN use a Multiple Mini Interview format (MMI) for their medicine interview

- 8 stations, each being 5 minutes long with 2 minutes to read the activity beforehand

Interview dates

UCLan Medicine Interview Dates:January to June

How are students selected after the interview?

- Offers will be based on performance at the interview alone.

- Candidates must pass at least 6 out of the 8 MMI stations.

- These candidates will then be ranked, with the highest-scoring candidates being offered a place to study. No other factors will be considered.

UCLan anticipates that decisions will be made around 2-3 weeks after the interview date.

🎓 UCLAN Medicine Interview Questions & Topics for 2026

Assessment at Interview

At the University of Central Lancashire Medicine Interview, topics will include amongst others communication skills, ethics and professionalism, logic and reasoning and team working. These tasks will not require any knowledge or skills that are outside of the scope of a candidate who has met the selection panel criteria, but rather are designed to evaluate the wider abilities expected of MBBS students.

❓ UCLAN Medical Interview Questions 2026 & Likely Topics

These are suggested practice questions based on publicly available information and past trends. They are not official questions from the University and may not appear in your interview. Use them as part of a broader preparation strategy.

Motivation to study medicine

  1. Why medicine?
  2. Why UCLAN? Why have you applied here?
  3. What did you learn from your work experience?
  4. Your best friend has lost her pet dog and she is heartbroken - have a conversation with her.
  5. What makes you suited to Medicine?
  6. Have you ever doubted whether you want to do medicine?
  7. What qualities of a doctor did you see from your work experience?
  8. What do you know about the UCLAN Medicine course? How is it taught?
  9. Why do you think you will be well suited to this course?
  10. Why medicine and not dentistry or nursing?
  11. Tell us about your volunteering
  12. What are your hobbies?
  13. What do you understand about what a career in medicine entails? How will the UCLAN course help you towards this?
  14. What are the negatives of a career in medicine? How did you overcome these thoughts?

Personal Insight

  1. Why should patients trust you?
  2. What are your best qualities?
  3. When have you displayed great teamwork skills?
  4. What are good qualities of a junior doctor?
  5. Have you ever been in charge of a group of people?
  6. How do you manage stress?
  7. What are the qualities of a good doctor?
  8. Can you provide us with an example of a time when you demonstrated resilience?
  9. Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated teamwork.
  10. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  11. How would your friends describe you?
  12. Tell us about an article that you have recently read.
  13. Are you a good teacher?
  14. Are you good at taking on advice?

NHS & Local Area

  1. What changes would you make to the NHS if you could?
  2. What are the NHS values and why are they important?
  3. What is it like to be a doctor?
  4. How do you deal with overpopulation?
  5. What do you know about the local area here in UCLAN?
  6. Why is it important to be aware of cultural differences when treating patients?
  7. What are the main challenges that face the NHS?
  8. Would you approve a new drug that costs £100000 per patient to use?
  9. How has COVID changed the way the NHS operates?
  10. What do you think are going to be the long-term consequences of COVID on the NHS?
  11. How does the healthcare system differ here compared to other areas in the UK?

Ethical Scenarios

  1. Understanding of the four ethical principles
  2. Understanding of the GMC’s good medical practice
  3. What is the debate surrounding euthanasia, should it be legalised?
  4. Who would you give this organ to? [Prioritisation]
  5. A medical student friend is openly talking about patients on a bus that is packed - using their names, what would you do?
  6. How might you persuade someone to take a medicine that they dont want to take?
  7. If you notice that a colleague has turned up to work drunk, what would you do?
  8. Who can you escalate concerns to within a hospital?
  9. Your friends have already completed their St Georges Medical School Interview and are talking about it in the playground - what do you do?
  10. Should doctors be paid to go to pharmaceutical conferences?

Other Stations

  1. Discuss the pros and cons of assisted dying. What is the difference between assisted dying and assisted suicide? Reflect on your performance in the group in front of everyone.
  2. What would you include in a leaflet about heart disease/COVID-19? What are the expected outcomes? What are the benefits of doing so?
  3. You are the head of the department and are low on a budget. What would you do to provide quality patient care?
  4. Discuss the pros and cons of a sugar tax. Each person must summarise their position at the end.
  5. Antibiotic resistance. What would happen if they were banned tomorrow?
  6. Advantages and disadvantages of free Wi-Fi in schools for 15-16 year olds
  7. Where do you see medicine going in the next 20 years?
  8. Understanding of communication techniques needed for different people
  9. Data interpretation: here is a graph on sugar and diabetes - answer questions on the correlation, confidence intervals etc. What is it showing? Why does it show this?

🗣️ UCLAN Medicine Interview Tips 2026

  1. Ethical Scenarios - UCLAN have ethical scenarios every year at interview. They provided several tips on answering ethical questions. They have mentioned that there is not a single right answer, use evidence or explanation to back up your answers, explain your thought processes, don’t assume prior knowledge on the interviewers’ part - not all interviewers will be medics, and show awareness and recognition of different viewpoints, don’t ‘sit on the fence’ - have an opinion and take a common sense approach
  2. Practice Role Plays: Role plays are unique to medicine interviews and so common at UCLAN. The only way to ace these stations is to practice! There are so many differentmedicine role-play scenarios that can come up, such asbreaking bad news in the medicine interview, it is paramount that you read about tips for answering role-play scenarios and practice MMI calculation stations. You might want to also consider practising this with a medicine interview tutor, or booking a 1-1 online mock interview.
  3. Learn Medical Ethics & NHS Hot Topics - it is extremely likely that you will be asked about medical ethics at a medicine interview at UCLAN, so there is no excuse not to brush up on your knowledge on these topics, especially the four pillars of medical ethics. Learn how to provide a balanced argument on this. Check out some of our free articles on NHS Hot Topics here. It is good if you have an opinion on them, as long as you present a balanced and well-reasoned argument, ultimately, which side you choose does not matter, but is helpful to have. Check out our bank of 420+ medicine interview questions.
  4. Have examples ready to use: many of the questions asked at UCLAN are example-based, ie, they require you to draw on certain examples from your personal life, medical work experience and medical volunteering to help make key points that the selectors are looking for. As such, it is paramount that you spend time learning about these examples and thinking about different scenarios that you can use at the interview. It is helpful if these scenarios are malleable and can be applied to a number of different questions e.g. being a football captain, deputy head girl or playing in the school orchestra.
  5. Know what to expect - Remember interviews can be conducted by a range of professionals and you may not only be interviewed by a doctor. You may encounter careers professional, actors, professional support staff, and teaching staff, particularly in MMIs. Avoid using very technical terms, you may have more clinical knowledge than those assessing you.
  6. Personal Attributes - UCLAN is very likely to ask you about personal attributes during their MMI interview. As such it is paramount that you go through and learn these.
  7. Know the doctor training pathway: this is useful to mention in answers to show awareness about the career in medicine - and demonstrates that you have a considered approach, fortunately, we have a guide to the NHS and the doctor’s training pathway.
  8. Read the MMI instructions carefully - you get enough time to read the instructions provided before the MMI station. Make sure that you don’t miss anything from this. Try and plan how you will structure your answer thereafter in the reading time that you get. Therefore it is really important that you practice MMI questions and ensure that you think about your structure for as many questions as possible before your interview.
  9. MMI Stations - remember that each MMI station at UCLAN is independent of the other. Therefore it is paramount that you try to treat them as such, if you have a bad station, try to forget about it and reset for the next station, this gives you the best chance of scoring well overall. Read our ultimate guide to preparing for medicine MMIs here.
  10. Know the UCLAN Course - we would always recommend doing this for every university that you plan to apply to. It is paramount that you know about the different topics covered each year. How does this differ from other universities? Remember there is very early clinical exposure at UCLAN - this can be an advantage!
  11. Know the local area - UCLAN is in a diverse region of England in Lancashire, with a number of local factors and diseases that differentiate the midlands from the rest of the UK. Ensure that you research both communicable and non-communicable diseases in the area. They have a number of services here including UCLAN university medical centre to support students. How might this impact healthcare provision in the area?
  12. Reflect Well - the UCLAN Medicine selectors love reflection, make sure that you are good at not just stating what you have learnt, but also how this helped and what you benefitted from, and what you will carry forward about this at medical school and in clinical medicine. This is especially true when reflecting on your medical work experience during the medicine interview.
  13. Don’t over-rehearse - this is a common theme amongst interview students and is very obvious to a trained examiner. As such, we would recommend focusing on the structure of your answer, and then naturally letting it flow when speaking to the answers, concentrating on the delivery of your interview answers. Read about our top tips for medicine interviews here. If you are struggling with this, consider booking sessions with an expert medicine interview tutor.
  14. Learn about the non-academic societies at UCLAN - this is really important and might augment your Why Medicine question as well as help you formulate an answer to how you will contribute to life at UCLAN University. Spend time on their website, or looking at their Instagram for ideas about societies that you could think about joining.
  15. Learn the NHS Core Values - This can be drawn into different answers about personal qualities or qualities of a doctor, which has formed a feature of stations in the past, and a good understanding of these core values will help you stand out against others. It is important to know about the NHS in general for your medical interviews - read our article here on this.
  16. Good Medical Practice - UCLAN also puts emphasis on knowing the values and qualities of a good doctor, which can be found in this document and are likely to come up at the interview in the MMI stations. This is universal to many universities, and something that we always recommend students cover during their medicine interview preparation.

Free UCLAN Medicine Mock Interviews 2026

Practise under timed conditions with our free generator. It builds a randomised circuit from real UCLAN interview themes, with reading time, follow-up questions and a notes summary you can keep.

Free practice tool

Mock interview generator

A timed mock interview in your browser, built from this university's real interview themes. Choose MMI, panel or SAMMI, answer out loud, and keep a summary of how it went.

0

day streak · 0 mocks

  • Real timings

    Reading and answering phases with bells, exactly like the live circuit.

  • Follow-up questions

    Press for more on each station, the way a real interviewer would.

  • Notes to keep

    Rate each answer and save a written summary to review with a tutor.

Free to use. No sign-up needed.

Contact details for UCLAN

Contact details for UCLAN Medical School Admissions

Address: University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

Email: thei@uclan.ac.uk

UCLAN Number: 01772896333

University of central Lancashire open days

Official website →

Next step · Medicine

Boost your medical school application

  • 1-1 mentoring from qualified doctors and admissions experts
  • A strategy built around your target medical schools
  • UCAT, personal statement and interview coaching in one programme
FAQs

UCLAN medicine FAQs

Where does UCLAN rank for Medicine in the UK?

UCLAN is ranked 39th out of 40 UK medical schools for Medicine in the Complete University Guide 2027.

UCLAN is ranked 36th out of 36 UK medical schools for Medicine in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Is UCLAN a good medical school?

UCLAN is ranked 39th out of 40 UK medical schools for Medicine in the Complete University Guide 2027.

In the Complete University Guide 2027 it scores 64% for entry standards, 74% for student satisfaction and 79% for graduate prospects.

What are the A-Level requirements for Medicine at UCLAN?

The minimum A Level requirement for UCLAN Medical School is AAA at A2 with at least two science subjects including Chemistry. All A-Levels must be taken in one sitting.

UCLAN is now the University of Lancashire. The university had previously restricted applications from UK students to the North West of England, but with increased UK places it has now opened up to applications from across the UK.

What is the UCAS course code for Medicine at UCLAN?

The UCAS course code for the standard Medicine course at UCLAN is A100, and the degree awarded is the MBBS.

The course is based in Preston, England and lasts 5 years.

UCLAN also offers a gateway or foundation year route (UCAS code A101).

Does UCLAN require the UCAT for Medicine?

Yes, UCLAN requires the UCAT for entry to Medicine.

What UCAT score do you need for Medicine at UCLAN?

The UCAT will be used for the first time at UCLAN for 2023/2024 entry [NEW].

As this has not been used before for selection, there is no UCLAN UCAT Cut Off 2024 for 2025 Entry for the UCAT at UCLAN Medical School.

International applicants are not required to sit the UCAT.

This data is likely from 2024 Entry (but could be 2023 Entry, it is unclear on the information supplied).

2024 Entry (/3600): 2331.

2024 Entry (/3600): 2597.

2024 Entry (/3600): 2628.

What type of interview does UCLAN use for Medicine?

UCLAN uses a multiple mini interview (MMI) format for Medicine interviews.

When are the Medicine interviews at UCLAN?

- Offers will be based on performance at the interview alone.

- Candidates must pass at least 6 out of the 8 MMI stations.

- These candidates will then be ranked, with the highest-scoring candidates being offered a place to study. No other factors will be considered.

Does UCLAN offer a foundation or gateway year for Medicine?

Yes, UCLAN offers a foundation or gateway route into Medicine.

The gateway or foundation year route into Medicine at UCLAN (Medicine with Foundation Year (international students only)) has the UCAS course code A101 and leads to the MBBS, which lasts 6 years.

Does UCLAN accept graduate entry for Medicine?

2:1 or above or equivalent or, a recognised degree in a health care profession at 2:1or above or equivalent with at least one year’s professional work experience. (A masters qualification or higher degree does not compensate for these degree requirements).

Is the personal statement assessed for Medicine at UCLAN?

Yes, UCLAN assesses the personal statement as part of the Medicine application.

The personal statement is scored alongside your academic reference to decide who is shortlisted for interview. Cover your reasons for studying medicine and understanding of a doctor's role; how your studies and skills have prepared you; and what else you have done, including health-related or caring work experience (shadowing or volunteering), teamwork and communication. Some applicants are also asked to complete a Transferable Skills Statement.

Do you need to be 18 to study Medicine at UCLAN?

No, UCLAN accepts Medicine applicants who are under 18.

How much does Medicine at UCLAN cost for international students?

The international student fee per year is £49,950 (2026/27 entry).

Can you intercalate during Medicine at UCLAN?

Intercalation is optional for Medicine students at UCLAN.

After Year 4, high performing students may be offered the opportunity to take an additional year and gain a master’s degree. This will be prior to completing their medical degree and could be in medical research or in a number of related subjects.

2025/26 results

Why Students & Parents Recommend Us

Ultimate Package students from our 2025/26 cycle, with their UCAT scores and offers, who trained with us for the UCAT, personal statements and interviews.

Ultimate Package
Sophie
Medicine, King's College London
2025 UCAT2,590 / 2,700
Harry got my UCAT up to 2,590, working through the sections I kept dropping marks on week by week. Gemma then ran my interview practice so the MMI stations didn't catch me out, and Dr Akash mentored me the whole way through. I'm off to King's for Medicine.
Ultimate Package
Daniel
Medicine, University College London
Medicine offers4 offers
The interview prep was the part that actually moved the needle. Proper mock MMIs, not just lists of questions, and feedback that was honest about what I was getting wrong. I ended up with four offers and firmed UCL.
Ultimate Package
Aisha
Dentistry, University of Birmingham
Dentistry offers4 offers
The Ultimate Package kept me organised from UCAT through to interviews. They knew what dental schools actually ask and tightened up my personal statement. Four offers in the end, and I'm going to Birmingham.
Ultimate Package
Charlotte
Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College
Vet offers4 offers
Vet applications come down to the written SAQs as much as the interview. Dr Rebecca went through my SAQs line by line, sharpened my answers and prepped me for the panels. I came away with four offers and chose the RVC.

Boost Your Medicine Application

Book your FREE consultation today

Click to book your free consultation

Trusted by key educators