Quick answer: a low UCAT score is one that sits below the cohort average on the current 2,700 cognitive scale (the UCAT now has four subtests after Abstract Reasoning was removed in 2025). You can still get into medicine with a low score by targeting schools that weight the UCAT lightly, apply a generous threshold, or lean more on GCSEs, your personal statement and interview. Because every school reviews its selection formula each cycle, treat the figures below as a guide and confirm current policy on each university's official admissions page.
If you have received a low UCAT score in 2024 and still aspire to pursue a medical career in the UK, all hope is not lost. While a low UCAT score can limit your options, some UK medical schools place less emphasis on this exam or have lower UCAT cut-off thresholds.
In this article, we'll explore low UCAT medical schools that may be more accommodating to applicants with lower UCAT scores for 2026 entry.
We will end with suggestions for other routes into medical school.
However, it is crucial to remember that entry requirements can change, so always check the latest information on university websites before applying.
NB: this article was originally written for 2024 entry, but has since been updated to cover 2025 entry low ucat unis.
1) Aston Medical School
Why apply to Aston if you have a low UCAT score?
Aston is one of the newer medical schools and places a higher weight on academics rather than the UCAT, this makes it a great choice if you have strong GCSEs and a low UCAT score.
Selection Criteria At Aston:
UCAT = ⅓ of the selection process
Academics = ⅔ selection process
After the interview, the interview score is added to the previous totals
Final selection = UCAT 25%, Academics 50% and Interview 25%
All SJT Bands are accepted
Top Tips For Applying To Aston With A Low UCAT Score
Calculate your academic score to see if you met their cut-off for an interview last year of 31.5 points out of 36 points.
Traditionally a lot of places are given for contextual offers (up to 40% in the past)
Why apply to Cardiff if you have a low UCAT score?
Whilst unclear how the UCAT is used at Cardiff, Cardiff has always placed great emphasis on GCSE grades, making it a great place to apply if you have very strong GCSE grades and a low UCAT score.
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The top 9 GCSE grades are scored, it is believed that this is out of 27 points
Cardiff states that “The UCAT and GAMSAT may be used as part of our selection process” though it is unclear how
Top Tips For Applying To Cardiff With A Low UCAT Score
In the past, you have needed 27/27 points to be considered for an interview at Cardiff
In 2024 entry - many people applying scored 27 points, so a UCAT cut off was applied, this makes it slightly less appealing for those with a low a UCAT score.
It used to have a Roles & Responsibilities form, but this will not be used in 2024 entry, instead, greater weighting will be placed on the Personal Statement
Get your personal statement reviewed to help make it stand out - let us know that you are applying to Keele.
Can I apply to medical schools in the UK if I have retaken the UCAT the following year and improved my score?
Yes, improving your UCAT score through retakes can enhance your chances of acceptance, especially if you had a low score last year.
Get 1:1 Tutoring today from expert interview tutors for both Panel & MMI Interviews - this is important if your UCAT score is on the lower side - you must grasp every opportunity!
Why apply to Queen’s Belfast if you have a low UCAT score?
Queen’s Belfast places only 12.5% of its weighting on the UCAT, the rest is on academics. This makes Queen’s Belfast a great choice if you have strong GCSEs and a low UCAT score.
Selection Criteria At Queen’s Belfast:
UCAT = 12.5% (6 points)
GCSEs = 87.5% (36 points) - top 9 GCSEs looked at
Total = 42 points
Find out more about the Queen’s Belfast selection criteria here
Top Tips For Applying To Queen’s Belfast With A Low UCAT Score
You need to have strong academics (GCSE scores) - ensure that you work out your total score out of 42.
Why apply to Sunderland if you have a low UCAT score?
Sunderland, like Keele, is one of the few medical schools that traditionally has a low UCAT requirement, and places a greater emphasis on their ‘Interview Selection Tool’.
Selection Criteria At Sunderland University
UCAT must be in the top 8 UCAT deciles (in 2022 this was 2250 and above)
UCAT SJT Band 4 is rejected
Resits are permitted under certain circumstances, if you have AAB, only the B needs to be retaken
Interview Selection Tool will need to be filled in after applying
Students will complete a Casper online test & a numeracy test online
Top Tips For Applying To Sunderland With A Low UCAT Score
Sunderland is good to apply to if you have lots of volunteering in terms of hours
You are allowed to list up to four volunteering/paid jobs (shadowing doctors during work experience does not count)
They only look at activities carried out in the last two years
Why apply to Medicine at Brunel if you have a low UCAT score?
Brunel Medical School does look at the UCAT, but as it is one of the newer medical schools, it is likely to have a lower UCAT cut off score (currently unknown).
Selection Criteria At Brunel University for Medicine
New university so no past UCAT data is available, but generally likely to be on the lower side
All applications ranked according to UCAT
Need a minimum of AAA at A Level or 36 points in the IB
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Why apply to Medicine at Bangor if you have a low UCAT score?
Brunel Medical School does look at the UCAT, but as it is one of the newer medical schools, it is likely to have a lower UCAT cut-off score (currently unknown) - similar to Brunel.
Selection Criteria At Bangor University for Medicine
New university so no past UCAT data is available, but generally likely to be on the lower side
The selection process involves evaluating UCAT scores, personal statements, and interviews.
Need a minimum of AAA at A Level or 36 points in the IB
Top Tips For Applying To Bangor With A Low UCAT Score
Learn about the course - it has a rural/primary care focus
Other Routes Into Medicine That Don’t Require the UCAT
As well as the UCAT universities mentioned above, there are other routes into medicine, each of which has its challenges, advantages and disadvantages. Here we will run through a few of them.
1. Take a Gap Year
Your year will aim to ensure that you get your achieved A-Level / IB grades. You can then make a plan to improve your UCAT score in view of reapplying to medicine next year.
You can go on to university either via clearing or through applying for another course. In your final year, you can then reapply for medicine.
This is, however, often a more challenging route to take than applying as an undergraduate. It may be favourable if you do not achieve the desired A-Level grades.
Note on UCAT scoring: since 2025 the UCAT has three cognitive subtests plus the Situational Judgement Test, with the cognitive total reported out of 2,700 rather than the older 3,600. Any score thresholds or decile figures you research should be read on this current scale, and compared against the most recent decile tables rather than historical 3,600-based numbers.
While a low UCAT score can present challenges, some universities in the UK take a more holistic approach to admissions, considering factors beyond UCAT scores.
Be sure to research each university's specific requirements and policies, and don't hesitate to contact them for advice.
Remember that perseverance and strategic planning can still lead you to a rewarding medical career.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a low UCAT score?
A low UCAT score generally sits in the lower deciles, below the cohort average. The UCAT cognitive total is now marked out of 2,700 (three cognitive subtests plus the SJT, after Abstract Reasoning was removed in 2025), so the average usually lands somewhere in the mid-600s per subtest. Anything noticeably below the average decile band tends to be treated as low by competitive medical schools.
Which UK medical schools accept a low UCAT score?
Schools that weight the UCAT lightly or apply a relatively generous threshold have traditionally included Aston, Cardiff, Keele, Sunderland, Kent & Medway, Queen's University Belfast, Bangor and Brunel. These universities lean more on GCSEs, personal statements, interviews or contextual data. Weightings change every cycle, so always confirm the current policy on each school's official admissions page before applying.
What is the lowest UCAT score accepted for medicine?
There is no single lowest accepted UCAT score, and it changes every year with the strength of the applicant pool. Schools that set a threshold or rank lightly on the UCAT can accept scores well below the most competitive schools, particularly for contextual or widening-access applicants. Rather than chasing one number, check each school's published cut-offs and decile data for the relevant cycle.
Can I get into medicine with a low UCAT score?
Yes. A low UCAT score narrows your options but does not end your chances. Applying strategically to schools that weight the UCAT lightly, that use GCSEs or the personal statement heavily, or that offer contextual routes, gives you a realistic path. Strong academics, a compelling application and good interview performance can outweigh a modest UCAT at the right schools.
Which universities don't weight the UCAT heavily?
Several schools place only a small proportion of their selection on the UCAT, leaning instead on GCSEs, the personal statement or interview. Historically these have included Queen's University Belfast, Keele, Aston and Cardiff. Exact weightings are revised each cycle, so verify the current selection formula directly with each university rather than relying on figures from previous years.
How is a low UCAT score measured on the new 2,700 scale?
Since 2025 the UCAT has three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning), with the cognitive total reported out of 2,700 rather than the old 3,600, plus a separate SJT band. A low score is best understood as a below-average decile on this newer scale, so always compare yourself to current-year decile tables rather than older 3,600-based figures.
Do any UK medical schools not require the UCAT at all?
Most UK undergraduate medicine courses require the UCAT. If you want to avoid it entirely, the practical alternatives are studying medicine abroad, certain graduate-entry routes that use the GAMSAT, or reapplying after improving your score. Always check the current entry requirements for each course, as admissions tests are reviewed annually and do change.
Should I retake the UCAT if I scored low?
Retaking can be worthwhile if you have time to prepare properly and your low score is the main weakness in your application. Many applicants improve significantly on a second attempt with structured practice. Weigh this against applying now to schools that weight the UCAT lightly, since a well-targeted application in the current cycle may be stronger than waiting a year.
Does a low UCAT matter for graduate entry medicine?
For graduate entry it depends on the course. Some graduate-entry programmes use the GAMSAT instead of the UCAT, which can suit applicants whose UCAT is weak but whose academic and written reasoning is strong. Others still require the UCAT. If your UCAT is low, prioritise GAMSAT-based or academically-weighted graduate routes, and confirm each programme's current admissions test before applying.
How can I strengthen my application with a low UCAT score?
Focus on the parts of your application you can control. Maximise GCSE and predicted A-level performance, craft a strong personal statement, secure meaningful work experience and volunteering, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. Targeting schools whose selection formula rewards these areas, rather than the UCAT, is the single most effective strategy for a low scorer.
Do contextual and widening-access routes help low UCAT applicants?
Yes. Many medical schools lower UCAT thresholds or boost scores for eligible contextual and widening-access applicants. If you meet the criteria, this can make schools that would otherwise be out of reach realistic options. Eligibility rules and the size of any adjustment differ by university and change each year, so check each school's widening-participation policy carefully.
Is it better to apply to low UCAT schools or retake the test?
Both are valid and many applicants do both across cycles. If your academics and wider application are strong, applying to schools that weight the UCAT lightly this cycle is often the faster route. If your whole application needs work or you have a clear plan to improve substantially, taking a year to retake the UCAT and strengthen your profile can pay off. Base the decision on your specific weaknesses.
Do low UCAT schools still have high academic requirements?
Yes, almost always. Schools that go easy on the UCAT typically compensate by demanding strong GCSEs or A-levels, often AAA at A-level or equivalent, and some score GCSEs heavily in selection. A low UCAT is far more recoverable when your academic record is excellent, so do not assume a generous UCAT policy means relaxed grade requirements.
How often do UCAT weightings and cut-offs change?
Every admissions cycle. Universities regularly revise how much they weight the UCAT, the thresholds they apply, and their use of contextual adjustments. Figures quoted for past years are only a rough guide. Before you finalise your four medicine choices, confirm the current-cycle selection criteria on each school's official admissions pages, as last year's policy may no longer apply.
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
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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
D
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
A
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
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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.”
