How to get into UCL for Medicine

UCL is renowned as one of the best universities in the world, especially for its faculty of Medicine. The Complete University Guide ranks UCL as the 3rd best university in the UK for Medicine (2025) and QS Top Universities ranks it 6th in the world (2024)!

Not only is it competitive to gain a place at UCL, but the Medicine course is especially difficult to get into. UCL’s Annual Admissions Statistical Report revealed that the admittance rate for Medicine is as low as 8% (2022-2023). 

If you’d like to get into UCL for Medicine or you’re just curious about what it takes to get into one of the most globally acclaimed universities in the UK, then read on. This guide contains everything you need to know – from entry requirements to tips on what you need to do to get into Medicine at UCL.

The Profs’ Medicine tutors have first-hand experience with the admissions process and what is required to succeed at each stage. Thanks to our expert support, 95% of students who work with The Profs get into their first or second choice university.

Secure your pathway to academic success at UCL by partnering with expert Tutors for UCL Admissions from The Profs, where students are empowered through personalised strategies and guidance for a transformative educational journey.

What is the Medicine course at UCL like?

Why should I study Medicine at UCL?

UCL consistently ranks highly for Medicine in the UK and worldwide.

UCL provides students access to world-class facilities, including the UCL Medical School and its affiliated teaching hospitals like UCLH and the Royal Free Hospital. The school boasts excellent laboratories, extensive libraries, and the largest medical simulation centre in Europe, ensuring students receive practical, hands-on training. 

Six former UCL students and staff have been awarded Nobel Prizes, and the institution has contributed to major medical advances such as the discovery of adrenaline, the immune system, aldosterone, and autoimmune diseases. Students benefit from high-quality teaching by renowned educators and NHS professionals, ensuring an exceptional learning experience.

The UCL Medical Society is one of the oldest and most active student medical societies in the UK, hosting events, workshops, and lectures from leading experts in various medical fields.

A great way to check out everything for yourself is to attend one of UCL’s open days.

Connect with our expert undergraduate admissions team today to maximise your chances of success!

What is the Medicine course like at UCL?

UCL’s Medicine course is designed to prepare students for careers in clinical practice and other fields like medical research, healthcare management, public health, and medical education.

The UCL Medicine course is designed to cultivate highly skilled, patient-focused clinicians equipped for professional, inclusive, and sustainable medical practice. Spanning six years, the programme aligns with the General Medical Council’s ‘Outcomes for Graduates’ and offers extensive clinical contact with patients, doctors, and healthcare professionals. 

The curriculum covers fundamental and advanced clinical sciences, integrated clinical care, and preparation for practice. Clinical and Professional Practice (CPP) is a key component throughout the course, with elective options available in the early years and a medical elective in the final year. 

UK graduates complete the programme in five years, while others finish in six, earning both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Embark on your journey to medical excellence with Medicine Tutors from The Profs, where expert guidance transforms potential into unprecedented professional success.

What does UCL look for in its Medicine applicants?

When considering applicants for its Medicine programme, UCL looks for students with strong academic performance, communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to healthcare. These skills will be further developed and honed throughout the course and can be applied to a range of career paths, including roles in clinical practice, medical research, healthcare leadership, teaching, and global health.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements to study Medicine as an undergraduate degree at the University of UCL are high, as UCL is one of the most competitive universities to get into. 

If you’re considering UCL, take a look at the table below detailing the UCL Medicine entry requirements:

Please note: The English language level for this programme is Level 4, so make sure you acquire the correct certification. 

Worried that you won’t qualify with the necessary grades for UCL Medicine? The Profs’ GCSE, A level and IB tutors can help. We have extensive experience helping students excel in their coursework, final exams and entry tests for this competitive course. 

Harness unparalleled expertise with UCL Admissions Tutors from The Profs and position yourself for exceptional career growth.

What subjects are recommended?

UCL requires its Medicine students to have studied Biology and Chemistry, with an A* in one of the two. 

Navigate the complexities of university applications and set your academic journey on a promising path by enlisting the expertise of University Admissions Tutors at The Profs, where tailored guidance can lead to profound career growth.

What admissions tests are there?

UCL requires its Medicine applicants to complete the UCAT.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by many UK universities to assess students’ suitability for medical degree courses, including Medicine and Dentistry.

Discover the difference that expert UCAT Tutors from The Profs can make in your university application journey, enhancing your confidence and increasing your chances of securing a coveted spot at UCL.

How hard is it to get into Medicine at UCL?

Applying for Medicine at UCL is no easy feat. 

If you’re thinking about applying to UCL, take a look at the table below to get an idea of the competitiveness surrounding this undergraduate degree: 

The table is based on the 2022/2023 cycle.

The Profs’ undergraduate admissions team can help maximise your chances of getting into UCL to study Medicine. Thanks to our network of experienced tutors, many of whom are Russell Group graduates and ex-admissions officers themselves, we have the very latest and best knowledge on what UCL is looking for in their Medicine applications. 

Secure your place at UCL and beyond by leveraging the expertise of The Profs’ Undergraduate Admissions Tutors, who boast a proven track record of helping students surpass expectations and attain their academic aspirations.

What are the fees for Medicine at UCL?

Tuition fees vary depending on whether you’re a national student or not. The table below shows the new course fees for UCL’s Medicine students:

You can find out more information about what fees you will pay on UCL’s page for 2024-2025 undergraduate fees. You can also use UCL’s fees and funding page to see the funding options available to you.

4 tips on how to get into Medicine at UCL 

1. Prepare thoroughly for each stage of the admissions process

When applying to study Medicine at UCL, there are many stages of the admissions process to consider. You should prepare for each one thoroughly if you’re set on being offered a place.

• Your grades – Preparation for your UCL application starts from secondary school. Excellent A level grades (or equivalent) are essential to be considered for a place to study Medicine at UCL, so you should be aiming for A*AA in your A levels (or equivalent) as a minimum. Also, ensure that your GCSEs don’t let you down. Again, high grades are important – and a 6 (B) in English and Maths is a requirement. Here at The Profs, we have excellent GCSE and A level tutors who can help you attain your goal grades!
• Your UCAS application – The first official stage of your UCL application is completing your UCAS application online. As well as your grades, this includes your personal statement. This is the first chance you’ll get to showcase your suitability for Medicine at UCL and prove that you are interested and committed to the subject areas. 
• UCAT – You’ll be required to take the UCAT to study Medicine at UCL. This is designed to be challenging, so it’s really important that you prepare for it just as you would for any other exam. Navigate your pathway to academic success with The Profs’ UCAS Tutors, where expertise meets flexibility to elevate your university application to new heights.
• The interview – If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to multiple mini-interviews at UCL. MMIs follow a very specific rubric plus this step is your last chance to impress the university so you need to prove that you are an excellent candidate for Medicine. At The Profs, we have excellent interview training experts who can help you prepare specifically for your UCL Medicine interview.

Note that all students applying for university in 2023 for courses beginning in 2024 will be required to submit a UCAS personal statement as normal. However, from 2024/25 onwards, there will be changes to the UCAS application process and students will no longer be required to write a personal statement. Instead, all applicants will answer a series of shorter, more tailored questions provided by UCAS.

2. Show evidence of your love for Medicine 

With such a low success rate, it’s important that you do everything you can to make your application stand out from the crowd. Your academic ability might get you on the shortlist, but it’s not what secures your place. UCL particularly looks for applicants who have academic ability, potential, and genuine enthusiasm for Medicine. There are many ways you can show this, such as:

Conduct wider reading, beyond your school syllabus

Self-learning demonstrates a desire to learn about Medicine at a higher level. Reading around the subject of Medicine will allow you to draw from a wider bank of knowledge than your standard curriculum. This should demonstrate excellent capability and genuine interest in Medicine, which will help you to stand out.

You could try reading “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Mukherjee or “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande. Alternatively, there are lots of articles from The Lancet, BMJ (British Medical Journal), and New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

Follow blogs and podcasts from UCL’s Institute of Healthcare Engineering and UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care. You can also explore research papers published by UCL Medical School faculty, available on UCL Discovery or UCL’s own open-access materials and publications on the UCL Research repository.

Take on relevant extracurricular activities

With the competition so high, academic excellence is not enough. Stand out by showing initiative and interest beyond your curriculum. Maybe you’re part of a science or pre-med club, attended Summer School, or enjoy tutoring other students in STEM subjects.

Here are some more specific ideas:

• Participate in UCL-led events or competitions, such as the UCL Science Challenge.
• Attend UCL’s Summer Challenge, which offers specific programmes for prospective medical students.
• Participate in the UCL Pre-University Summer School, which includes medicine-related courses.
• Volunteer as a tutor for younger students in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Engage in outreach programmes such as UCL’s Widening Participation activities, which focus on increasing access to higher education.
• Take on leadership roles in student council, science clubs, or other relevant extracurricular activities.
• Lead or participate in health awareness campaigns and initiatives.

Find relevant work experience

Relevant work experience will help you to demonstrate your ambitions and genuine fascination for Medicine, as well as your commitment to it. For Medicine, it’s important to have relevant work experience in a health or social care organisation. 

This could include volunteering at a nursing home or local hospital. The University College Hospital is a good idea as it’s affiliated with UCL. You might also be able to offer your time at hospices like Marie Curie Hospice.

Shadow doctors and healthcare professionals at GP surgeries or hospitals. UCL-affiliated hospitals such as the Royal Free Hospital or Great Ormond Street Hospital are excellent options. 

Seek out work experience through programmes like the NHS Work Experience or Medic Mentors.

You can also participate in UCL’s shadowing schemes or outreach programmes, if applicable. UCL’s Medical School also runs student-selected components (SSCs), which sometimes offer pre-admission placements.

Partner with The Profs’ exceptional Admissions Tutors to navigate your way to a brighter future and secure unparalleled career growth.

3. Have a 5-year plan

Another factor that can set you aside from other applicants is having a 5-year plan. This doesn’t have to be a plan that you necessarily stick to – in fact, it is expected that your interests and ambitions change as your knowledge and experience grow. Having a plan is simply a great way of demonstrating to UCL that you are committed to the subject and that you are motivated to succeed at your degree, and thus would be a valuable UCL student.

The first step to having a plan is to develop an understanding of the industries a Medicine degree can lead to and the specific areas you can specialise in. Make sure you outline your future intentions with a UCL Medicine degree, whether that includes embarking on a PhD in Medicine or working as a surgeon, a GP or in another medical profession. Maybe you even dream of opening your own medical practice!

It is good to show your goal as well as prove your motivation to show that you’re a forward-thinking candidate who is serious about your career. Relating your areas of study, activities, and personal passions back to potential careers is essential to presenting a targeted, future-focused candidate profile in just a few sentences. 

4. Seek help from an expert undergraduate admissions tutor

If you have your sights on UCL it’s important to consider how competitive it is. Meeting the entry requirements for Medicine will not guarantee you an invitation to an interview. You must stand out!

Your application requires you to perform well in multiple stages to be in with a chance of securing an offer. Shortlisted candidates can often fall at the last hurdle of admissions. Unfortunately, schools and colleges are often not equipped to provide specialist preparation for top UK universities due to a lack of experience, expertise or resources. As a result, we advise seeking a professional UCL admissions tutor to help you through the process.

95% of our students receive offers from their first or second-choice universities! The Profs’ admissions tutors have many years of experience helping students develop their academic profiles, tailor their application to different universities’ admissions criteria, ace assessments, and excel in their admissions interviews. 

At The Profs, you’ll gain invaluable independent study skills along with a deeper, broader understanding of the knowledge needed to study Medicine as a degree at a prestigious UK university.