FAQs (Aston Medical School)

Below you will find a selection of answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If your query isn't on here and you can't find the answer on our MBChB course page, please contact ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk.

Aston Medical School (AMS) admissions process

 Admissions Process

We only accept applications to AMS through UCAS and once the last date for submission of applications is passed, we rank all applicants based on their achieved qualifications which are normally GCSEs or equivalent international qualifications and total UCAT score. We do not consider the SJT banding in our ranking. The top-ranking applicants are then invited for an interview and re-ranked with the total score for their Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Following completion of the MMIs, the top-ranking applicants are offered a place to study on the MBChB programme at AMS. Applicants are divided into Home non-Widening Participation (Home), Home Widening Participation (WP) and International and are ranked separately within their group. 

It is important that applicants are aware that although our entry requirement for GCSE or equivalent international qualification states a minimum requirement as below, the ranking favours those with high grades due to the competitive nature of the course; ‘The normal requirement is a minimum of six GCSEs/IGCSEs at grade B/6 or above, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology or Double Science (or International equivalent)’.

In order to give applicants an idea of the competitive nature of the applications to AMS, we have provided, in the tables below,  the minimum, maximum and average scores for our academic, UCAT and MMI scores for 2022 entry.

We would like to emphasise that we rank Home, Widening Participation (WP) and International applicants separately because of the difference in the educational journey of these different groups.

Academic scores for applicants, interviewees, offers and enrolled students

This table shows the minimum, maximum and average academic scores of our applicants for 2022 entry. Please note that the 2022 entry information is an illustration of typical scores for that year. It is not a guarantee or predictor of likely outcomes for future entry.

	All applicants	UK (Home)	Widening participation	International
Academic Scores for Interviewees	Lowest - 19 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 22 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 22 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 19 Average - 23 Highest - 24
Academic Scores for interviewees who were given offers	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24
Academic Scores for enrolled students	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24	Lowest - 23 Average - 23 Highest - 24

UCAT scores for applicants, interviewees, offers and enrolled students

This table shows the minimum, maximum and average UCAT scores of our applicants for 2022 entry. Please note that the 2022 entry information is an illustration of typical scores for that year. It is not a guarantee or predictor of likely outcomes for future entry.
 

	All applicants	UK (Home)	Widening participation	International
UCAT Scores for interviewees	Lowest - 2050 Average - 2615 Highest - 3280	Lowest - 2380 Average - 2631 Highest - 3280	Lowest - 2450 Average -2657 Highest - 3080	Lowest - 2050 Average - 2496 Highest - 2870
UCAT Scores for interviewees who were given offers	Lowest - 2210 Average - 2647 Highest - 3280	Lowest - 2380 Average - 2661 Highest - 3280	Lowest - 2450 Average -2679 Highest - 3080	Lowest - 2210 Average - 2496 Highest - 2870
UCAT Scores for enrolled students	Lowest - 2380 Average - 2625 Highest - 3080	Lowest - 2380 Average - 2656 Highest - 2960	Lowest - 2450 Average -2655 Highest - 3080	Lowest - 2380 Average - 2525 Highest - 2860

MMI scores for interviewees, offers and enrolled students

This table shows the minimum, maximum and average MMI scores of our applicants for 2022 entry. Please note that the 2022 entry information is an illustration of typical scores for that year. It is not a guarantee or predictor of likely outcomes for future entry.

All MMI scores were out of a maximum of 80 points.

	All applicants	UK (Home)	Widening participation	International
MMI scores for those who attended an interview	Lowest - 40 Average - 68 Highest - 91	Lowest - 40 Average - 69 Highest - 87	Lowest - 51 Average - 69 Highest - 91	Lowest - 42 Average - 66 Highest - 82
MMI scores for those given offers	Lowest - 61 Average - 73 Highest - 91	Lowest - 64 Average - 73 Highest - 84	Lowest - 62 Average - 74 Highest - 91	Lowest - 61 Average - 71 Highest - 82
MMI scores for enrolled students	Lowest - 61 Average - 72 Highest - 84	Lowest - 64 Average - 73 Highest - 84	Lowest - 62 Average - 74 Highest - 82	Lowest - 61 Average - 70 Highest - 77

 

How we score applications  

1. Introduction

1. The Scoring for Admissions will be reviewed and approved annually by AMS Programme Committee and ratified by the University Admissions Strategy Committee.  
2. Student selection will be based on academic achievement, UCAT score and the result of the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Academic achievement and UCAT will be scored as described in section 5 of this document.
3. It is understood that the procedure described below may not be achievable in cases of international students whose education system does not correlate exactly to that of the UK. In such cases, the Aston University Undergraduate Admissions team will map to equivalents, in consultation with other Aston University staff experts and UK ENIC (the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills). 
4. Our experience of application cycles will inform our scoring system in future years.
5. UK applicants, UK Widening Participation (WP) applicants and international applicants will be ranked separately in order to give offers in accordance with the number of places available for each of the groups. 
6. Invitation to MMIs will be based on ranking of applicants established from academic qualifications and the total UCAT score. The offer of places will be based on academic, UCAT and MMI scores. In addition, all offers will be conditional on attainment of the required grades, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and/or an International Police Check, and Occupational Health screening.

2. Applications

• All applications to Aston Medical School will be received through UCAS. 
• Satisfactory minimum entry qualifications, personal statements and references will be checked by Aston University’s Undergraduate Admissions team, with assistance from Aston University’s International Office and UK ENIC (the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills).

3. Personal statement and referee’s comments

Personal statements are a mandatory component of the application form. During the first stage, they are not scored but read to ensure they have a suitable accompanying academic reference/s and that there are no ‘fitness to practice’ issues raised by either the statement or references.  

All references should be from the applicant’s current or most recent academic institution. In cases where that is not possible, for example, if the applicant has been out of education for more than 5 years, a reference from their current employer will be required.

All references will be read in conjunction with the personal statement and the following highlighted as appropriate:

• Disability
• Exceptional circumstances
• Another reference required as original reference unsatisfactory
• Concerns over behaviour
• Further details required about any of the above

4. UCAT scoring

UCAT will be scored out of a total of 3600 (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and decision making). The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) banding (1 to 4 where 1 is the highest and 4 is the lowest) will not be scored but will be noted and considered in the cases of borderline candidates.

The same scoring will be carried out for UKCATSEN points (for applicants who require extra time in exams).

5. Scoring of GCSE, A levels and equivalent qualifications

For applicants with alternative international qualifications not listed below, the % scores in the required subjects will be equated to the relevant grades in GCSEs and A Levels.

FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE RESITTING THEIR A LEVELS OR EQUIVALENT EXAMS (FOR EXAMPLE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE), ONLY THE GCSEs ARE SCORED

5.1. For  all applicants with GCSE, already achieved, and who have not yet completed their A levels: 

Six GCSEs, including the compulsory subjects listed below, will be scored.  

GCSE subjects considered:

English Language Mathematics Double Science (considered as two subjects) Best of two other GCSE subjects

OR

English Language Mathematics Chemistry Biology Best of two other GCSE subjects

Scoring of GCSE grades
9/8/A* = 4 points
7/A = 3 points
6/B = 2 points
5/4/C = 1 point

Anything below, so 3/2/1/D/E = 0 

The maximum score for GCSEs (or equivalent) will be 24 points. 

For equivalent qualifications from international applicants, the % scores in the required subjects will be equated to the relevant grades in GCSEs.

5.2.a. For all Home and International applicants with GCSEs and the required A level grades of A*AA who are not retaking their A levels:

Six GCSEs, including the compulsory subjects listed below, and the best three A level grades, including Chemistry and Biology, will be scored.

Six GCSE subjects will be considered as below:

English Language Mathematics Double Science (considered as two subjects) Best of two other GCSE subjects

OR

English Language Mathematics Chemistry Biology Best of two other GCSE subjects

Scoring of GCSE grades
9/8/7/A*/A = 2 points
6/B = 1 point
Anything below, so 5/4/3/2/1/C/D/E = 0 points 

The maximum score for GCSEs (or equivalent) will be 12 points. 

Three A levels including Chemistry, Biology and one other A level of the highest grade will be scored.
Scoring of A levels

A* = 4 points
A = 4 points
The maximum score for A levels (or equivalent) will be 12 points. 

Thus for candidates who have already achieved GCSE and the required A level grades, the maximum combined academic score will be 24 points.

For equivalent qualifications from international applicants, the % scores in the required subjects will be equated to the relevant grades in GCSEs and A levels.
 

5.2.b. For all Widening Participation (WP) applicants with GCSEs and the required A level grades of AAB who are not retaking their A levels:

Six GCSEs, including the compulsory subjects listed below, and the best three A level grades, including Chemistry and Biology, will be scored.

Six GCSE subjects will be considered as below:
 

English Language Mathematics Double Science (considered as two subjects) Best of two other GCSE subjects

OR

English Language Mathematics Chemistry Biology Best of two other GCSE subjects

Scoring of GCSE grades
9/8/7/A*/A = 2 points
6/B = 1 point
Anything below, so 5/4/3/2/1/C/D/E = 0 points 

The maximum score for GCSEs (or equivalent) will be 12 points. 

All WP applicants with grades AAB at A levels (or equivalent) will be awarded 12 points. 

Thus, for candidates who have already achieved GCSE and the required A-level grades, the maximum combined academic score will be 24 points.

5.3. Candidates with International Baccalaureate qualifications already achieved who are not retaking any subjects:

Six GCSEs, including the compulsory subjects listed below, and the best three Higher Level subjects, including Chemistry and Biology, will be scored.

Six GCSE subjects will be considered as below:

English Language Mathematics Double Science (considered as two subjects) Best of two other GCSE subjects

OR

English Language Mathematics Chemistry Biology Best of two other GCSE subjects

Scoring of GCSE grades
9/8/7/A*/A = 2 points
6/B = 1 point
Anything below, so 5/4/3/2/1/C/D/E = 0 points 

The maximum score for GCSEs (or equivalent) will be 12 points. 

Scoring of three Higher Level IB subjects including Chemistry and Biology

7 points obtained at HL IB = 4 points
6 points obtained at HL IB = 4 points
5 points obtained at HL IB = 3 points
The maximum score for HL IB will be 12 points. 

Thus for all home and international applicants who have already achieved GCSE and IB grades the total academic score will be out of 24 maximum points.

All Widening Participation (WP) applicants with GCSEs and the required International Baccalaureate grades of 665 who are not retaking the scoring will be as for 5.2.b.

5.4. Candidates with an awarded or predicted undergraduate degree

Five GCSEs, including the compulsory subjects listed below, the best three A-levels and the predicted or achieved degree will all be scored.  

Five GCSE subjects will be as follows:

English Language Mathematics Double Science (considered as two subjects) One other GCSE subject

OR

English Language Mathematics Chemistry Biology One other GCSE subject

Scoring of GCSE grades
9/8/7/A*/A = 2 points
6/B = 1 point
Anything below, so 5/4/3/2/1/C/D/E = 0 points 

The maximum score for GCSEs (or equivalent) will be 10 points. 

Six points out of the maximum total of 24 points will come from three A levels or their equivalent for international students. 

THE MINIMUM A LEVEL REQUIREMENT IS GRADES ABB WHERE THE GRADE A MUST BE IN ONE OF THE TWO COMPULSORY SUBJECTS, NAMELY, CHEMISTRY OR BIOLOGY

Three A levels including Chemistry, Biology and one other A level of the highest grade will be scored.
Scoring of A levels
A*/A = 2 points
B = 1 point
    
The remaining 8 points will be derived from the degree classification already obtained or predicted to be achieved.

First class degree obtained or predicted = 8 points

Upper Second class (2.1) degree  obtained or predicted = 7 points

5.5. Candidates with an awarded or predicted postgraduate degree

All candidates with MSc or PhD will be scored on the basis of their BSc.

6. Scoring for Foundation courses

85% or above = 4

75% - 84% = 4

74% and below = 3

7. Already achieved IELTS

Applicants who have Lower GCSE grade in English Language and have IELTS at our required scores (7 overall and 7 in each section ie Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) will be scored on their achieved IELTS grades where:

9/8.5 = A*
8/7.5 = A
7/6.5 = B
6/5.5 = C

However, if they have 6.5 in any section, we will ask them to retake if we make an offer

8. Additional information

Old and New GCSE Grades 9-1
A* 90% (New grades 9/8)
A 80% (7)
B 70% (6)
C 60% (5/4)
D 50% (3)
E 40% (2)
F 30% (1)

A levels
A* 90%
A 80-89%
B 70-79%
C 60-69%
D 50-59%
E 40-49%
F less than 30%
 

Aston Medical School and MBChB 

How long is the undergraduate MBChB course at Aston?

The MBChB Bachelor of Medicine is a five-year course. Please note, we do not offer a shorter postgraduate entry course for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree. 

What accreditation does the MBChB have?

We are delighted to announce the news that in April 2023, the General Medical Council agreed to add Aston Medical School to the list of bodies able to award UK primary medical qualifications. This means that going forward, all our graduating students, will receive an Aston University degree and we were extremely proud to see our very first cohort graduate in July 2023

Ø  degree and we were extremely proud to see our very first cohort graduate in July 2023”.

Approval by the GMC is a momentous milestone in our history and indicates the vision, commitment, and teamwork of all our staff, and that of our clinical education providers in Trusts and General Practice, who work so hard in partnership with our students to achieve the GMC’s stringent standards.  https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/gmc-gives-full-approval-to-two-new-medical-schools

We will continue to work closely with the GMC to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality teaching to our medical students. 
 

What will be covered on the MBChB course?

Visit the course page for full details of our curriculum.  

Applying for the MBChB at Aston?

Who can apply for a place at Aston Medical School?

Our 2024 intake has 100 places for home students and 30 places for international students. From 2021, EU students have been classified as international students.

If you are an EU student but believe you meet the criteria to be a Home fee payer, you should contact the Tuition Fee Assessment Team at fee_assessment@aston.ac.uk after you have submitted your application. Please state your UCAS number or Aston Student Number, and the team will arrange for a Fee Status Assessment. If the assessment outcome is that you are a Home fee payer, your application will be considered as part of the 100 places available for Home students.

Exclusion criteria for applying to Aston Medical School. We do not accept applications from candidates who have or are:

• Previously enrolled on a Medicine programme.
• Currently studying on a Medicine programme.
• Previously enrolled on any degree without completing.
• Currently studying for a degree but not in the final year.
• Failed to meet entry requirements.
• Omitted key information on their UCAS form such as qualifications, dates, personal statement, or reference.
• Evidence of dishonesty on the application form.
• Previously been rejected due to one or more red flags at Aston Medical School MMIs.

What are the entry criteria for the undergraduate medicine degree at Aston Medical School?

Full details of our entry requirements and all qualifications accepted can be found on our course page.

What is the application and selection process at Aston Medical School?

Our application processes employ fair, consistent and transparent procedures to recruit students with both the intellectual capacity and personal attributes to become safe, competent and caring doctors who are able to play a full role in whichever health system they choose. We are looking for applicants who are well-rounded individuals with the ability to cope with an intensive course and a demanding career. 

The design of our selection process incorporates the values of equality and diversity, and minimises the risk of direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of the protected characteristics defined in the 2010 Equality Act.* 

*Welcomed and Valued: supporting disabled learners in medical education and training. GMC. May 2019

What is the Wesleyan Pathway to Medicine Programme and can I apply?

This programme is designed to prepare students to enter medical school and other healthcare professions at Aston or elsewhere. Students who complete this programme and are made an offer following the final ranking stage will be eligible for a reduced academic offer on our undergraduate Medicine degree.

Details on eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

How and when can I apply for the MBChB?

All applications are made via the UCAS website and must be received by the UCAS medical school deadline date of October 16th for 2024 entry. Click here to visit the UCAS website.

Please note, you can apply to a maximum of four medical schools to study Medicine and one non-medical degree.

What aspects of an applicant are most important to Aston Medical School?

• Meeting the academic requirements
• Being open to others and new situations
• Curiosity
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Keen to learn through discussion and working with others
• Willing to have a go at things as long as they are safe
• Empathic and compassionate
• Keen to know what patients really want and willing to work with them in partnership to solve their problems.

Other questions

Will Aston Medical School accept deferred entry/gap years?

DDeferred entry and gap years are permitted when applying on UCAS. Deferral requests post-offer are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that interviews, UCAT, academic qualifications and other conditions of offer (namely satisfactory Occupational Health questionnaire and Enhanced DBS check) must be obtained in the year of application. The Occupational Health questionnaire and DBS checks must then be repeated in the following academic year to ensure that nothing has changed in the interim

Will Aston Medical School accept transfers from other universities/medical schools?

We are only able to consider applications from graduates who have successfully completed their degree or are in the final year of their degree and meet the criteria for graduate applicants as set out in our admissions policy.  Aston Medical School will not consider the following circumstances:

• Applicants who wish to transfer from a medical degree at another university 
• Applicants who have previously withdrawn from a medical degree at another university 
• Applicants who have withdrawn from a degree in any subject 
• Applicants who wish to transfer from a degree in any other subject.

 We expect all applicants to declare their complete educational history in their UCAS application, including past and present place of study, qualifications and grades. If there is additional information for which there is no specific area on the form, applicants should supply this via email to the Admissions Office by 23rd October

Will there be a postgraduate entry route for Medicine?

While we are happy to consider applications from graduates, there is no accelerated graduate entry available at Aston. Please see the entry requirements section of our course page for more details. 

International Student FAQs

Does Aston Medical School accept foundation programmes?

We accept applications from a number of UK based international foundation courses – please contact the admissions team for more information regarding which foundation courses we accept.

What international qualifications does Aston Medical School accept?

In addition to A levels and IB grades, we accept a range of equivalent overseas qualifications such as the Canadian High School Diploma or the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). Please contact ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk for further information about equivalent qualifications.

Does Aston Medical School offer a foundation course for medicine?

Currently, we do not offer an in-house foundation course which leads to an application for the Medicine degree.

Will I need a visa to study at Aston Medical School?

If you do not hold a British or EU passport you will require a UK visa – visit www.ukcisa.org.uk for more information. The University has a team called The Hub which is made up of qualified immigration advisers to guide you through this process.

What are Aston Medical School's English language requirements?

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate an excellent command of the language. 

Full details on English language requirements can be found here.