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

This article explains the requirements, clinical placement opportunities and rankings of the University of Glasgow’s Medicine and Dentistry degrees — 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 Glasgow,

• Overview of the University of Glasgow
• University rankings
• University of Glasgow courses requiring UCAT
  • Bachelor of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• Clinical placement information
• Associate teaching hospitals

Overview of the University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow was found in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

The University has four colleges and is also the home to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences includes the Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing School.

The University has a range of facilities for students to partake in to better their university experience. There are over 200 clubs (including Bad Movie Society, Vegan Society, and Fin Society), and a range of sporting facilities and club sport.

Students are able to live on campus at one of the various accommodation options, which are mostly a 10 -15 minute walk from the campus. Options include:

• Cairncross House
• Kelvinhaugh Gate
• Murano Street Student Village
• Queen Margaret Residence.
• Student Apartments
• Winton Drive
• Wolfson Hall

Rankings

Need a UCAT Cheatsheet?

Before you get into uni, you need to crush the UCAT. Downloading our FREE UCAT Cheatsheet is your first step to campus.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHEATSHEET

The Ultimate UCAT Reference to help you ace your UCAT!

• First Name*
• Last Name*
• Email*
• What is your grade in 2023*
  • Year 11
  • Year 12
  • 1st Year University
• Postcode*
• Country*
  AustraliaUnited KingdomNew ZealandCanadaOther

We take your privacy seriously. No spam. See our terms & privacy policy.

 

The University of Glasgow Medical Courses offered that require UCAT

Bachelor of Medicine

Entry requirements

Academic requirements:

ATAR:

• 98.30

IB (International Baccalaureate for International students):

• The standard entry requirement is 38 points including 6,6,6 HL.

A-Levels:

• AAA

SQA Highers:

• S6 standard entry requirements:
  • Higher minimum (AAAAA) at the end of S5;
  • BBB Advanced Higher or AB Advanced Higher; and
  • B Higher in S6
• Note: No entry from S5.

Prerequisites:

ATAR

• Chemistry
• Biology
• One from:
  • Maths
  • Physics

For IB:

• HL:
  • Chemistry; and
  • Biology
• SL:
  • Mathematics or Physics (HL is preferred);
  • English
• Note: The entry qualifications must be met in the first attempt.

For A-Levels:

• A-Level:
  • Chemistry
  • Biology, Physics or Mathematics
• GCSE:
  • English at grade B/6 or above
• NOTE: Biology and Human Biology are not considered as separate subjects at A-level.
• NOTE: Mathematics and Further Mathematics are not considered as separate subjects at A-level.
• NOTE: A-Level General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Global Perspectives & Research are not accepted.

For SQA Highers:

• Higher:
  • Chemistry
  • Biology/ Human Biology
  • Mathematics or Physics
• National 5:
  • English (Grade B or above)
• NOTE: Advanced Highers are normally only considered from S6.

Entry Requirement: 

• Acceptance into the program is based on student’s meeting the minimum academic results, UCAT results, personal statement, and their interview. An interview will be offered if students meet the minimum and standard academic requirements and have a high UCAT score.
• Students must demonstrate an interest and understanding of a career in Medicine.

UCAT:

There is no minimum threshold mark required for the UCAT. The Situational Judgement Test will not be considered.

Personal Statement:

The personal statement must illustrate the following:

• Serious consideration of the implications of a medical career
• Qualities which are desirable in a future doctor
• Demonstrate commitment, motivation, and enthusiasm for a medical career
• Work experience or volunteering in a health-related field.

Work Experience: 

Although work experience is not compulsory, students are recommended to take on some work experience that relates to the health and care field. This will help them gain a more well rounded understanding of how the medical field works.

Personal Statement: 

Glasgow also requires applicants to submit a personal statement. Although the personal statement is not marked, the information provided will be used to help determine your personal qualities and learn about your non-academic achievements.

Application Process:

• Students are required to apply through UCAS.
• Students are required to achieve the minimum academic standards covered above.
• Students also need to sit the UCAT exam and score a high mark
• Students need to also complete a satisfactory personal statement.
• If selected, students will need to attend an interview usually in December.

Interview Criteria and structure:

The University interviews approximately 900 students. Due to COVID-19, interviews are being held online.

• Criteria: The interview assesses:
  • Your personal characteristics that are desirable for the medical field
  • Achievements and skills
  • Understanding of being a doctor
  • Reflect on previous interactions or work experience in the medical field
  • Be aware of current NHS issues/challenged
• Structure:
  • The interview will be around 30 minutes.
  • Applicants will be interviewed by two panels which will swap midway.
    • Panel A will explore what being a doctor means
    • Panel B will focus on ethical role play scenarios
  • There will be two interviewers on each panel.

Notes:

• Re-sits are not accepted.
• Approximately 450 applicants are offered a place.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Entry requirements

ATAR (for NSW):

• NA

IB (International Baccalaureate for International students):

• Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points including 6,6,6 HL.

A-Levels:

• Standard entry requirements: AAA

SQA Highers:

• AAAAB Higher and B Advanced Higher
• Note: No entry from S5

Prerequisites:

For IB:

• Chemistry at HL6
• Biology at HL6
• Mathematics or Physics at HL

For A-Levels:

• A-Level Chemistry
• A-Level Biology/ Human Biology
• 6 GCSE ar Grade A including Mathematics/Physics and English Language at Grade B
• NOTE: A-Level general studies is not accepted.

For Highers:

• Higher Biology/Human Biology at Grade A
• Higher Chemistry at Grade A
• Higher English (or ESOL) at Grade C
• Higher Mathematics or Higher Physics
• NOTE: S6 study should include at least three subjects and must include at least one Advanced Higher (Chemistry and/or Biology).

Entry Requirement: 

• Acceptance is based on student’s meeting the minimum academic results, UCAT results, and their interview.
• Applicants must also complete a minimum of three days of work experience preferably within a General Dental Practice.

UCAT:

There is no minimum threshold mark required for the UCAT.

Work Experience:

Due to COVID-19, Glasgow recognises the difficulties of gaining work experience. So, they encourage applicants to volunteer, do extra-curricular activities, and complete work experience to the best of their ability.

Personal Statement: 

Glasgow also requires applicants to submit a personal statement. Although the personal statement is not marked, the information provided will be used to help determine your personal qualities and learn about your non-academic achievements.

Application Process:

• Students are required to apply through UCAS.
• 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 interview between late January/ early February.

Interview Criteria and structure:

The University selects around 200 applicants for an interview.

• Criteria: Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following skills :
  • Diligence and ethical behaviour
  • Caring nature, being empathetic and respectful
  • Good communication skills
  • Teamwork and capacity to act as a leader
  • Capable to think independently and review oneself
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Manual dexterity and spatial awareness.
• Structure:
  • The interview is structured as Multiple Mini Interviews

Clinical placement information

Bachelor of Medicine

In the first year of the degree, students will learn the fundamentals of biomedical sciences to prepare them for the rest of the programme. They will attend clinical skills sessions and visit an Accident and Emergency ward or a General Practice. Clinical attachments will begin in the third year and this practical experience will be consolidated with small-group teaching sessions and case-based learning. Students will also have the opportunity to observe various hospital specialities including obstetrics and gynaecology, child health and surgery. In the fifth and final year of the programme, students will shadow foundation year doctors.

Associate teaching hospitals

• Crosshouse Hospital
• Gartnavel General Hospital
• Glasgow Royal Infirmary
• Hairmyres Hospital
• Monklands Hospital
• Inverclyde Royal Hospital
• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Royal Alexandra Hospital
• Southern General Hospital
• The Victoria Infirmary
• Western Infirmary
• Wishaw General Hospital
• Ayr Hospital