A Guide to Graduate Entry Medicine and Dentistry

Graduate entry courses are for students who already have an undergraduate degree. 

They are usually 4 years long and once you graduate, you can start your foundation training. 

Many graduates are attracted to graduate entry medicine (GEM) and graduate entry dentistry (GED) courses as they allow study with a mature cohort. Your classmates usually have a range of skills and experiences from their past studies and careers, which really enriches the learning experience.

In this article, you'll find information about:

• Who should consider graduate entry courses
• What admissions test you need to sit
• Universities offering GEM
• Universities offering GED
• How you can improve your chances
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who should consider graduate entry medicine/dentistry?

If you're a high school student who is not 100% sure you want to become a doctor or dentist or don’t feel ready, you should consider graduate entry. Doing another degree will give you the chance to thoroughly research medical and dental careers and find your interests, as well as to develop maturity and confidence.

If you didn't get the A-level grades you'd hoped for, graduate entry could also be for you. Usually universities have lower A-level requirements for graduate entry medicine. People tend to mature later on in life and universities recognise that your previous academic achievements aren’t a reflection of your current ability.

It is also a good option if your UCAT or BMAT scores weren’t competitive.

What test do you need to sit: UCAT, BMAT or GAMSAT?

There are three possible tests you could sit, depending on the university you choose:

University Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT)

• ‍Length: 2 hours (computer based).‍
• Questions: 228 multiple choice questions spread over 5 sections.‍
• Challenges: The time limit. For some sections you’ll have as little as 14 seconds per question! Our UCAT timing article covers some hacks to save time in the exam.
  

Ready to dive in? Check out the world’s most popular UCAT Online Course

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

BMAT will be withdrawn from 2024. Keep an eye on our TikTok channel and live updates article to find out what's happening with BMAT universities after next year.

• ‍Length: 2 hours (pen and paper).‍
• Questions: 59 questions in two multiple choice sections and a short writing task. Read BMAT specification for more details.‍
• Challenges: It tests scientific and mathematical knowledge as well as aptitude. Used by prestigious and competitive universities such as Oxford.

Find other BMAT universities or take a look at Medify’s BMAT Online Course

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

• ‍Length: 4 hour and 45 minute exam (computer based).‍
• Questions: 139 questions.‍
• Challenges: It’s long and arduous. Similar to the BMAT, but the questions are university level.

Need help preparing for the GAMSAT? Explore our GAMSAT Online Course

Which universities offer graduate entry medicine?

There are 18 universities that offer graduate entry medicine. You can find more detailed requirements for the subjects through the Medical Schools Council and on their respective university websites.

Bangor University

• Degree: 2:1 from recognised feeder stream
• A-levels: BBB/ABC including Biology and Chemistry
• GCSEs: 6 (B) in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and English/Welsh Language
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews

‍University of Cambridge

• Degree: 2:1 in any discipline
• A-levels: AAA including Chemistry and 2 of Physics, Biology and Maths
• GCSEs: No specific requirements
• Personal statement: Reviewed prior to interview but not scored
• Admissions test: None
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required
  

Cardiff University‍

• Degree: 2:1 from recognised feeder stream‍
• A-levels: BBB/ABC and pass in the science practical
• GCSEs: 9 GCSEs including 6 (B) in Maths and English Language, 66 (BB) in Double Science, or 66 (BB) in Biology and Chemistry
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Not required

University of Chester‍

• Degree: 2:1 for BSc, 2:2 accepted for Masters or Doctorate
• A-levels: Not reviewed
• GCSEs: Not reviewed
• Personal statement: Required but not used to shortlist candidates
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required

University of Dundee and University of St Andrews (ScotGEM)‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject
• A-levels: B in Chemistry
• GCSEs: 5 (B) in Maths
• Personal statement: Required but not scored
• Admissions test: GAMSAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required (for 2024 entry, applicants should aim to have completed this in-person)
  

King’s College London‍

• Degree: 2:1 in a Biosciences subject
• A-levels: No specific requirements
• GCSEs: No specific requirements‍
• Personal statement: Required‍
• Admissions test: UCAT‍
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews‍
• Work experience: Expected
  

Newcastle University‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject, or integrated Masters, or post-registration qualification if you're a practising healthcare professional
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: Not scored
• Personal statement: Required but not scored
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required
  

University of Nottingham‍

• Degree: 2:2 in any subject
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: Not scored
• Personal statement: Required but not scored
• Admissions test: GAMSAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Encouraged (doesn't have to be in a hospital setting)
  

University of Oxford

• Degree: 2:1 in applied or experimental science, including Engineering
• A-levels: AAB with A/A* Chemistry
• GCSEs: Applicants with a degree in a subject other than Bioscience must have a Biology GCSE
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: BMAT
• Interview: Panel interviews
• Work experience: Required
  

Queen Mary University of London‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject
• A-levels: For science degrees that lack Biology or Chemistry then a minimum A or AS level grade C for Biology and/or Chemistry. For non-science degrees, then grade B in A or AS level Chemistry or Biology plus one other science subject at grade B
• GCSEs: Not scored
• Personal statement: Required but not scored
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Structured panel
• Work experience: Assessed but not scored
  

University of Sheffield‍

• Degree: 2:1 in a life sciences subject
• A-levels: BBB, one subject must be either Chemistry or Biology
• GCSEs: 4 (C) in English Language
• Personal statement: Not required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required

University of Southampton‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject 
• A-levels: Not reviewed
• GCSEs: 4 (C) in Maths, English Language and either Chemistry and Biology, or Science and Additional Science, or Combined Science
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Selection day
• Work experience: Not required
  

St George’s, University of London‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject, or a postgraduate degree in any subject at a pass or above
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: Not scored
• Personal statement: Not scored
• Admissions test: GAMSAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Not required

University of Surrey

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject
• A-levels: C in Biology or Chemistry
• GCSEs: 4 (C) or above in Maths and English
• Personal statement: Not scored
• Admissions test: UCAT/GAMSAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Not required
  

Swansea University‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject, 2:2 accepted with subsequent higher degree
• A-levels: No minimum requirements
• GCSEs: 4 (C) in Maths and English
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: GAMSAT
• Interview: Panel
• Work experience: Not required
  

Ulster University ‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject. If you don't have a 2:1 but have a Masters with an overall pass of at least 60%, you are still eligible to apply
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: 4 (C) in English Language and Maths
• Personal statement: Not scored
• Admissions test: GAMSAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Not required
  

University of Warwick‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: Not scored
• Personal statement: Not scored
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required

University of Worcester‍

• Degree: 2:1 in any subject, or 2:2 plus Masters or Doctoral degree
• A-levels: Not scored
• GCSEs: 4 (C) or above in Maths and English. If you have a non-science degree, you will need GCSEs at 4 (C) or above in two science subjects
• Personal statement: Required but not scored
• Admissions test: UCAT/GAMSAT plus SJT (Casper)
• Interview: Panel interviews
• Work experience: Not required

Which universities offer graduate entry dentistry?

There are five universities that offer graduate entry dentistry. You can find more detailed requirements for the subjects through the Dental Schools Council and on their respective university websites.

University of Aberdeen‍

• Degree: 2:1 in health sciences from the UK or EU
• A Levels: None
• GCSE: None
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required
  

University of Central Lancashire‍

• Degree: 2:1 in a biomedical subject
• A Levels: CCC with at least two science subjects
• GCSE: 5 (B) in English and Maths
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Multiple mini-interviews
• Work experience: Required
  

King's College London (3 years)

• Degree: Qualified doctors who have completed FY1 and FY2
• A Levels: None
• GCSE: None
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: None
• Interview: Panel
• Work experience: Not specified 

King’s College London (4 years)

• Degree: 2:1 in a biosciences subject, or 2:2 with at least a merit in a postgraduate degree in a biosciences subject
• A Levels: None
• GCSE: None
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: To be confirmed
• Work experience: Expected

University of Leeds

• Degree: 2:1 in BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy from the University of Leeds
• A Levels: None
• GCSE: None
• Personal statement: Not required
• Admissions test: None
• Interview: Panel
• Work experience: Not required

Newcastle University

• Degree: 2:1 including Biology and Chemistry as a significant percentage of the degree
• A Levels: None
• GCSE: None
• Personal statement: Required
• Admissions test: UCAT
• Interview: Panel
• Work experience: Required

How can you increase your chance of getting into graduate entry medicine/dentistry?

1. Stay focused

Keep your goal in mind from day one of your undergraduate degree. Take every opportunity to boost your application.

2. Work hard on your degree

Once you’ve started your degree, stay on top of all your work and give every assessment your best. 

It’s crucial to do well in your undergraduate degree as you need to have at least 2:1 qualification to meet the entry requirements for most medical or dental schools. 

Choose an undergraduate degree that you'll enjoy. You’re more likely to do well!

3. Do work experience

Medical and dental schools will also expect you to have real work experience. Get a job or some work experience in a hospital or dental setting, if possible. 

Keeping a reflective diary throughout your studies will help you recognise the skills you’ve developed. 

4. Show your motivation

You’ll need to show your motivation for medicine and dentistry. It’s likely you’ll be asked questions along the lines of ‘why medicine/dentistry?’ and ‘why now?’ in your dental or medical school interview.

Having already done an undergraduate degree, medical and dental schools will expect higher levels of maturity in your application. Avoid using phrases like ‘I’ve always wanted to be a doctor’, which could make you sound naive.

5. Prepare for the admissions tests

Start preparing for your admissions test early. You have three years before you begin applying so make the most of it. Research universities and choose which admissions test(s) you want to do.

6. Apply strategically 

Unless you’ve always had a dream university, apply strategically. As a graduate entry applicant, you’ll have to apply via UCAS, which means there are only a limited number of applications you can make. 

All medical and dental schools have the same core curriculum, so the quality of your education won’t be compromised based on where you’re studying. 

Apply to universities that have the most places and the fewest applicants to increase your chances. 

If you have a high score in your admissions test, apply to places that put greater weighting on your admissions test.

FAQ

How can I arrange funding for graduate entry medicine/dentistry?

You can apply for an NHS bursary from your second year, this would cover part of your tuition fees and the remaining amount can be covered by a student loan. Your first year study can partially be covered by a student finance loan.

Is it competitive?

Graduate entry medicine and dentistry courses are becoming increasingly competitive, although it partly depends on which university you wish to apply to. 

For example, for graduate entry medicine, Swansea University has a ratio of 4:1 applicants-per-place, whereas Newcastle University has a ratio of 32:1.

My degree is non-science related. Will this affect my chances?

Some universities don’t accept non-science related degrees. 

This means that you have fewer options, but if you’ve done well in your degree there are opportunities at certain schools. Look into medical and dental schools that are open to all degrees and think carefully about showing your ability and motivation. 

What are the key differences between a graduate entry medicine/dentistry application and an undergraduate application?

The key differences are your assumed maturity and a requirement for stronger reflections. The application process is very similar, but you will have access to work experience and other opportunities that a 17 or 18 year old wouldn’t. 

What are the alternatives to GEM?

There are a range of options and routes into medicine and dentistry:

• Take a gap year and reapply for undergraduate medicine or dentistry
• Try going through clearing 
• Apply to study in Eastern Europe (lower grade requirements)
• Apply to study in Australia or New Zealand‍
• Do a course with a transfer scheme‍
• Do a degree and reapply for undergraduate medicine or dentistry

This is a great option and you’ll have a high chance of getting in as medical and dental schools like to have students that are more experienced. However you’d have to fund your studies almost entirely yourself as you won’t be eligible for a loan.

Will I be too old to study medicine or dentistry?

There is no set upper age limit to commence a medical degree although most universities state that they will take the length of time that a graduate would be employable in the NHS into account. There are many students commencing both GEM or GED and standard courses who are in their thirties and forties, and a few students who are in their fifties.