Direct School Leavers

The entry requirements set out in this section apply to you if you completed your GCE A Levels, or equivalent qualifications, within 2 years of the start of the 2012 application cycle, e.g. qualifications completed since 2010.  If you intend to enrol onto the second year of another degree programme you should consult the guidance on entry requirements for non direct school leavers.

All of the typical offers listed below are not necessarily the threshold for selection for interview. Other factors including the number of applications received and performance in the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) www.ukcat.ac.uk influence the threshold for selection for interview.

GCE A level

The typical offer is A*AA – AAA at GCE A Level which must include Chemistry and either Biology or Physics. A fourth subject must be achieved at a minimum of grade C at AS Level. If Biology is not offered at A Level, it must be achieved at a minimum of grade C at AS Level. General Studies at A/AS Level is not included within any offer.

GCSEs

Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes at grades A-C which must include English Language, Mathematics and either GCSE Single and Additional Science or GCSE Biology and Chemistry.

International Baccalaureate

38 - 36 points overall including 6 in Higher Level Biology and Chemistry.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades AAA including Chemistry and either Biology or Physics. If Biology is not offered at Advanced Higher Level, it must be achieved at a minimum of grade C at Higher Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma

A pass in the Diploma, plus grades A*A – AA in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics. A fourth subject must be achieved at a minimum of grade C at AS Level. If Biology is not studied at A Level, this must be achieved at a minimum of grade C at AS Level. General Studies at A/AS Level is not included within any offer.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

D3, D3, M1 including Chemistry at D3 and Biology at a minimum of M1. Applicants will be required to pass the Global Perspectives and Independent Research element at a minimum of M3.

GCE A levels and Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

Applications will be assessed on an individual basis according to the subjects studied. Chemistry must be achieved at D3 in lieu of grade A at GCE A level.  For a non-science subject a minimum grade M1 is required. Applicants will be required to pass the Global Perspectives and Independent Research element at a minimum of M3 or a further subject at AS level at a minimum of grade C (excluding General Studies). 

Applicants offering the following qualifications will need to take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).  Please see entry requirements for non Direct School Leavers:

• BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science
• Advanced Diploma in Society, Health and Development
• Access to HE Diploma (Science)

Other UK qualifications

Other UK qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and you are advised to contact the Admissions team on +44 (0)1752 437333 or email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

EU and EEA Countries Entry Qualifications

Please download the EU and EEA Countries Entry Requirements 2013 (.pdf) document.

UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry uses the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in order to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BMBS programme. UKCAT test results will be used, alongside the academic information contained on your UCAS form to select direct school leavers for interview. You will be required to meet a minimum standard in each of the four subtests, plus meet an overall target score which is set and reviewed annually by the Admissions Advisory Panel.

Please Note: If you are re-applying for a second year with achieved grades, you will need to register and complete a new UKCAT test as part of your application.

Widening access to medicine

As part of our commitment to widening access to medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry undertakes a programme of outreach activities with local schools in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

Our e-Mentoring Scheme provides a chance for students in years 12 and 13 at schools in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to discuss the application process, as well as the teaching and learning experiences of medical students enrolled on the BMBS programme. If you'd like more information, please contact our Admissions team on: +44 (0)1752 437333 or email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

The School is also represented at the UCAS Higher Education Conventions in the UK.

Non-direct School Leavers

The entry requirements set out in this section apply to you if it's more than two years since you completed GCE A levels or equivalent qualifications, or if you are a graduate or if you intend to enrol onto the second year of another degree programme.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as the entrance requirement for non-direct school leavers. GAMSAT assesses your academic aptitude for the study of medicine. Results from the test will be used alongside the other information contained on your UCAS form to select non-direct school leavers for interview. The results are valid for 2 years.

GAMSAT is a 5 ½ hour written test that assesses your reasoning in humanities, social science, biological science, physical science and written communication. As this test only assesses academic aptitude, if you're successful you'll still need to show us at interview that you have the appropriate personal qualities to train and practise as a doctor.

If you'd like to know more or to register for the test, please visit the GAMSAT website. If you'd like to know more or to register for the test, please visit the GAMSAT website. Although the School does not accept responsibility for the content, you may also find the following leaflet (.pdf) of interest.