The University of Edinburgh: UCAT and Medical Course Entry Information (2021 Update)

Are you thinking about doing a Medicine degree at the University of Edinburgh? Are you still confused about your entry requirements? Well, this article explains everything you need to know about University of Edinburgh's UCAT and course requirements!

This article explains the requirements, clinical placement opportunities and rankings of the University of Edinburgh’s Medicine degree — find out what they have to offer and what you need in terms of academic achievements, UCAT results and work experience!

 

In this article on the University of Edinburgh,

 

Overview of The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh opened its gates to students in 1583, making it the 6th oldest university in the UK. Currently, the University has over 43,000 students enrolled.

The University has 3 colleges that contain a total of 21 schools. Edinburgh Medical School is spread across various campuses at Little France, western General Hospital, the University Central Area and Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

There is a range of accommodation options available on campus including:

 

Accommodation options are varied in pricing and facilities, to best suit your needs.

Both, The University and the city offer a bright student life with a range of activities and a pleasant atmosphere.

On-campus, there are over 280 societies (including Baking society, General Practice Society, and Gin Society), sporting facilities (including gyms, swimming pools, and a climbing wall), and an extensive range of cultural collections scattered throughout the campus.

Rankings

Times Higher Ed RankQS rankingsAcademic Ranking of World Universities
302042

 

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The University of Edinburgh Medical Courses offered that require UCAT

 

Bachelor of Medicine

Course CodeLengthCampus
A1006 Years Full TimeUniversity Central Area

 

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements:

ATAR (for NSW):

  • ATAR of at least 97.

IB (International Baccalaureate for International students):

  • Minimum of of 36 overall with 666 at HL
  • However, standard entry is 37 points overall

A Levels

  • A minimum of AAB
  • However, standard entry is usually at AAA

SQA Higher/ Advanced Higher:

  • Highers: AAAAB in the same sitting by the end of S5, AND BB in Advanced Higher

Prerequisites:

For ATAR:

  • Good passes in
    • Chemistry;
    • English; and
    • Two from Biology, Mathematics, or Physics
  • Note: Band 6 is equivalent to an A in Higher Levels/ A Level

For IB:

  • Higher Level:
    • Chemistry; and
    • One other science (Biology, Physics or Mathematics)
  • SL:
    • Mathematics (5);
    • English (5); and
    • Biology (5) (If not at HL)
  • Note: If Mathematics or English Language is not part of your IB diploma, Edinburgh also accepts GCSE or equivalent at B

For A-Levels:

  • Chemistry at grade A
  • One Grade A from:
    • Biology/Human Biology;
    • Mathematics (; or
    • Physics
    • Note: Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be considered.
  • Must also have GCSEs of:
    • Biology (B/6);
    • Chemistry (B/6);
    • English (B/6);
    • Mathematics (B/6);
    • Note: Double Award Combined Sciences at BB/66 can replace GCSE grades in Sciences

For SQA Higher/ Advanced Higher:

  • Chemistry;
  • Two of
    • Biology/Human Biology;
    • Physics; or
    • Mathematics
  • National 5s:
    • Biology (B);
    • Chemistry (B);
    • English (B); and
    • Mathematics (B)

Entry Requirement: 

Acceptance is based on student’s meeting the minimum academic results, UCAT results, and their interview. A personal statement is also required, however it is not formally addressed.

UCAT:

  • There is no minimum threshold mark required for the UCAT.
  • The Situational Judgement Section is considered separately.
  • NOTE: Students must score higher than Band 4 in the Situational judgment test, otherwise, they will be automatically rejected.

Personal Statement:

Although the personal statement is not marked, the information provided will be used in the assessment centre. There are a number of factors you need to consider in your personal statement. These are:

  • Personal qualities and skills:
    • Empathy
    • Interpersonal relationships
    • Ability to communicate.
  • Evidence of career exploration before application:
    • Understanding of what is required from a career in Medicine
    • Work experience and volunteering
    • Attending open days
    • Talking to Medical Professionals
    • Interacting with Medical based literature.
  • Non-academic achievements and interests:
    • Involvement in the community
    • Leadership in school
    • Extracurricular activities
    • Organisational abilities
    • Interests and hobbies.

Application Process:

  • Students are required to apply through UCAS and complete a Personal Statement.
  • Students are required to achieve the minimum academic standards covered above.
  • Students also need to sit the UCAT exam and score a high mark.
  • If selected, students will need to attend an assessment centre between December-January.

Interview Criteria and structure:

The university invites top 700 students for an assessment interview, out of which 190 offers are made to UK/EU applicants and 17 offers to international applicants. This is a half-day interview.

  • Criteria: The interview assesses:
    • Ability to think critically and flexibly
    • Your ability to deal with uncertainty and manage risks
    • Communication skills, empathy and care for others
    • Ability to work in a team
    • Your motivation to study Medicine.
  • Structure:
    • The interview takes place for half the day.
    • The day is structured into four stations.
    • Each station is scored separately by two selectors, marking independently.

Assessment of Application:

Edinburgh doesn’t specify how their marks are currently being weighed to select eligible students. However, in previous years, applications are weighted based on the following combination of marks:

  • Academic score: 25%
  • UCAT score: 17.5%
  • Situational Judgement Test banding: 7.5%
  • Assessment day scores (interview): 50%

 

Clinical placement information

Students will travel to local general practices for clinical placement from Year 2, but will only start going to hospitals from Year 4. Year 5 will have a particular focus on exposing student to various specialities as they rotate through hospital wards. In the sixth and final year, students will have the chance to reinforce all their learn and work like an apprentice to practise the role of a Foundation Year 1 doctor.

 

Associate teaching hospitals

  • The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
  • Western General Hospital
  • The Royal Hospital for Sick Children

 

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