Cardiff University Medical School
Overview
Cardiff Medical School is one of the largest the UK with over 1000 undergraduate students. Cardiff is the only medical school in Wales available for school-leaver applicants (with the only other Welsh school, Swansea, being exclusively for graduate applicants). You’ll experience and benefit a wide range of placement locations, from cities to rural areas of Welsh countryside. A case-based approach to learning in the initial years buts all of the theory of medical sciences into a clinical context, easing the transition between pre-clinical and clinical years of study.
Table of Contents
ToggleCardiff place a heavy emphasis on GCSE grades when selecting candidates to invite to interview, therefore it’s an ideal choice for students who scored well in Year 11 and have a strong academic profile.
Key Points
- Case Based Learning
- Wales
- Optional Intercalation
- UCAT
FAQs
Cardiff University Medical School is a medical school located in Cardiff, Wales, UK. It is part of Cardiff University, one of the leading research universities in the UK.
The entry requirements for Cardiff University Medical School vary depending on the degree program, but generally include a minimum of three A-levels at grades AAA or AAB (or equivalent), as well as specific subject requirements in biology, chemistry, and/or physics.
Cardiff University Medical School offers a range of courses including Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), Physician Associate Studies, and a range of postgraduate degrees in areas such as Public Health, Medical Education, and Clinical Research.
Yes, Cardiff University Medical School offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for students, including the Cardiff University Elite Sport Scholarship and the Cardiff University Bursary. Students may also be eligible for government loans and grants.
The entry requirements for the MBBCh course at Cardiff University Medical School include a minimum of three A-levels at grades AAA or above, including Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates also need to pass the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
The UCAT score required for admission to Cardiff University Medical School may vary from year to year, and it is not publicly disclosed by the university. However, candidates are required to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and achieve a score that meets the minimum cut-off score set by the university in order to be considered for an interview. It is important to note that UCAT scores are just one aspect of the application process, and the university considers a range of other factors such as academic qualifications, personal statement, and references when making admissions decisions.
The student experience at Cardiff University Medical School is highly rated, with small class sizes and a supportive community of staff and students. Students have opportunities to engage in research and clinical placements, as well as extracurricular activities.
Graduates of Cardiff University Medical School have a range of career opportunities available to them, including working as a doctor or physician associate in the NHS or private healthcare sector, pursuing academic or research careers, or working in related fields such as public health or medical education.
Frequently Asked Question
What are interviewers looking for in the medical interview?
The medical interview will be in the format of MMIs. Interviewers will be looking for candidates’ ability to think on their feet, have discussions about important medical topics, critically appraise information and communicate effectively.
What is case based learning in Medicine at Cardiff University?
Case based learning begins in year 1, where students learn in small groups and are facilitated by a trainer. Students learn clinical science by studying patient cases. Each case lasts approximately two weeks.
Is there a cut-off score to be eligible for a medical interview at Cardiff University?
Entry requirements are scored based on your GCSE and A Level results (or equivalent qualifications). The maximum score that can be obtained is 27. There is a cut-off score, but this varies year to year.
About the university
Key Information | |
Website | cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2021/medicine-mbbch |
[email protected] | |
Phone number | 029 2068 8113 |
Course Information | |
Teaching style | CBL Cardiff utilises a Case-Based Learning approach. This puts all of the basic medical sciences into a clinical context during your initial pre-clinical years. Clinical placements begin in Year 3 and cover a diverse range of areas from rural cottage hospitals to large teaching hospitals in Cardiff city. |
Course length | 5 years |
Courses offered | 4 courses offered: A100 Standard Entry Medicine - 5 years A104 Medicine with a Preliminary Year - 6 years A101 Graduate Entry Medicine- 4 years A102 Medicine (North Wales) - 4 years |
Graduate entry | Yes |
Foundation or access | Yes |
University Life | |
Local area | Cardiff Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, known for being quieter and friendlier than its English counterpart. The city itself is vibrant with all the benefits of a big city, with plenty of sports, museums, restaurants and coffee shops. Cardiff is also a great city if you love nature with beautiful natural landscapes a short trip outside of the city. The university is located in the heart of the city so you're never far from the action! |
Social life | Cardiff is an amazing place to be a student! The city is home to multiple universities and this has shaped the city with plenty of student events always going on. Cardiff is known for its nightlife but there is also plenty to do if partying isn't your thing. The university has a huge selection of societies and the MedSoc is known for organising plenty of year-round events. |
Interview | |
Interview style | MMI 9 stations, each lasting 9 minutes. Multiple Mini Interviews including a verbal interview and a written paper. |
Interview dates | Dec-Jan |
Admissions Tests | |
UCAT | UCAT Required The UCAT is just one of the elements used to select candidates for interview. This means there is no cut-off score. Attained academic qualifications are prioritised, but a UCAT tariff will then also be applied should we are oversubscribed with applicants with exceptional academic scores to either help select which applicants to interview or post interview in tie-break situations. "Use (or not) of the UCAT is only be determined each year after we have assessed the academic score of all the applicants. If we need to use a UCAT cut-off score, we are unable to predict in advance what this score would be as it varies year to year and depends on the scores of applicants that year. Previous year cut-off scores are not helpful." Use of UCAT may include using scores for specific domains as part of the selection process. |
GAMSAT | N/A |
Academic Requirements | |
GCSE | GCSEs All applicants (including all graduates) must have grade 6/B GCSE (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics, English Language, and Double Award Science (6,6 or B/B) or Chemistry and Biology. Applicants receive a score based on the four subjects above and the five best other GCSE (or equivalent level) results. No results below 6/B are scored. |
A-level | AAA A-levels: AAA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology. The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (WBA) with an overall grade A will be considered in lieu of an A-level alongside grade A in both Biology and Chemistry A level. |
Scottish Advanced/Highers | N/A |
IB | IB IB Diploma with a minimum overall score of 36 and 6,6,6 in 3 Higher level subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry AND grade 6 in one other HL science from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics. Must also include grade 7 in SL Biology or Chemistry if not taken at HL. All offers exclude Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. |
Bachelor's Degree (Gradutes Only) | 2:1 Honours degree Applicants must be in their final year or have completed their initial degree. The offer for a place on A100 is subject to achievement of a BSc Honours degree 2:1 or above. |
Statistics | |
Number of applicants per interview | no data available |
Number of applicants per place | no data available |