UKCAT FAQs

What does UKCAT stand for?
What is the UKCAT?
Which universities use the UKCAT?
What is the average UKCAT score?
What is a good UKCAT score?
What UKCAT Score do I need for Medicine?
What is the UKCAT cut-off score?
Can you retake the UKCAT test?
Can you sit the UKCAT more than once a year?
Can I use a calculator in the UKCAT?
Where can I take the UKCAT Test?
How much does the UKCAT examination cost?
What are the differences between the UKCAT & BMAT?
Which medical schools/universities do not require the UKCAT?
Universities with low UKCAT weighting
How to prepare for the UKCAT test?
What does UKCAT stand for?
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UKCAT stands for ‘United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test’.
What is the UKCAT?
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The United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is a five part, computer-based, aptitude test used as part of the admissions process for a number of Medicine and Dentistry Universities in the United Kingdom.
Which Universities use the UKCAT?
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What is the average UKCAT score?
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The average UKCAT score for each of the sections in 2016 were as follows:
Verbal Reasoning – 573
Quantitative Reasoning – 690
Abstract Reasoning – 630
Decision Making – Scores not released
Situational Judgement – Band 2
What is a good UKCAT score?

Whilst UKCAT scores vary each year, scores above 700 in each of the four main sections are generally regarded as good, with scores above 750 regarded as very good. In relation to Situational Judgement, a Band 1 score is regarded as ‘good’, with Band 2 generally classified as ‘average’.
What UKCAT Score do I need for Medicine?
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The answer to this very much depends on the UKCAT universities that you are applying to, as well as the credentials of the rest of your application. Click here for a detailed explanation of how each university uses your UKCAT score.
What is the UKCAT cut-off score?
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Approximately one-quarter of UKCAT universities operate a strict UKCAT cut-off, where applicants scoring below this cut-off threshold are given a direct rejection. Unfortunately, most of these universities do not release there cut-off score until all applications have been processed. Nonetheless, historical cut-offs can act as a useful guide to a universities likely UKCAT cut-off this year. Further details regarding historical UKCAT cut-offs can be found here.
Can you retake the UKCAT test?
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The UKCAT examination can only be taken once per application cycle (between July and October). In the event that you re-apply to a university course that requires the UKCAT next year, you would be required to re-take the UKCAT examination during the UKCAT window next year. Unfortunately, UKCAT scores cannot be carried over from one application cycle to another.
Can you sit the UKCAT more than once a year?
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The UKCAT examination can only be taken once per application cycle (between July and October). In the event that you re-apply to a university course that requires the UKCAT next year, you would be required to re-take the UKCAT examination during the UKCAT window next year. Unfortunately, UKCAT scores cannot be carried over from one application cycle to another.
Can I use a calculator in the UKCAT?
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Students are able to use a simple on-screen calculator during the quantitative reasoning section. We would strongly advise that you practice using this calculator during all prior practice, in order to familiarise yourself with this. The calculator can be found in the Official UKCAT Practice Tests.
Where can I take the UKCAT Test?
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The UKCAT is a computer based test which is taken at specific Pearson Vue test centres. Click here to find your nearest test centre.
How much does the UKCAT examination cost?

The following UKCAT test fees apply:
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Tests taken in the EU between 3 July and 31 August 2017 - £65
Tests taken in the EU between 1 September and 3 October 2017 - £85
Tests taken outside the EU - £115

Bursaries are available for students, on application.
​What are the differences between the UKCAT & BMAT?
Similarities:
  • The UKCAT and BMAT are both aptitude tests required by a number of medical and dentistry schools in the United Kingdom and throughout the world. Universities will require applicants to take one of the two aptitude tests; however students applying to a combination of UKCAT and BMAT universities will be required to take both tests.
  • The UKCAT and BMAT are 120 minutes in duration with both tests known for being extremely time restricted.
  • Preparation improves score; studies have shown a strong correlation between preparation time for both the UKCAT and BMAT and improved score.
 
​Differences
  • The UKCAT is a computer based test, whereas the BMAT is a written examination.
  • The UKCAT can be taken on any convenient date over a three month period (July – October), whereas the BMAT examination is taken on the same day by all individuals worldwide (Early November).
  • The UKCAT has 5 sections with a greater emphasis on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, whilst the BMAT has 3 sections including an essay Section as well as a scientific section.
Which medical schools/universities do not require the UKCAT?
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The following universities use the BMAT, instead of the UKCAT:

Universities with low UKCAT weighting:
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Traditionally, the following universities place less emphasis on UKCAT scores compared to the rest of your application:

Cardiff University
Keele University
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Exeter
 
For more detailed guidance, click here for specific advice regarding how universities use the UKCAT.
How to prepare for the UKCAT Test?

Glad you asked.....The UKCAT Course is a comprehensive UKCAT preparation service, teaching you all the tips and tricks you need for the UKCAT examination. The course itself is one day, however the course resources will keep you more than busy until your examination date. 

For further details click here, or to check course availability click here.