Bristol screens purely on UCAT score against a rising annual threshold and does not weight the personal statement, favouring strong UCAT performers. Post-interview success is described as low, so applicants should not treat an interview offer as a guarantee.
Last reviewed: August 2026 by MedicHut's admissions team.
Bristol works to an approximate UCAT threshold around 2280 (/2700 scale) for 2027 entry, and the real cut-off moves every cycle with the strength of the applicant pool.
The combined UCAT score (excluding SJT) is used to select for interview against an annual threshold; personal statement/reference are not weighted, and UCAT is used as the primary tie-breaker if candidates are equal at interview.
Home applicant cutoff: 2023 = 2850 (2110), 2024 = 2920 (2170), 2025 = 3070 (2280). International: 2023 = 2820 (2090), 2024 = 2960 (2200), 2025 = 3040 (2260). Guide separately notes that for 2026 entry the final threshold was 2340 home / 1970 overseas (likely a differently scaled/rounded figure - flagged as a discrepancy).
Bristol interviews using a panel interview, and roughly 25% of interviewed applicants convert to an offer. Expect stations or questions on motivation for dentistry, manual dexterity, ethics, teamwork, communication and your work experience.
Bristol works to an approximate UCAT threshold around 2280 (/2700 scale) for 2027 entry, and the real cut-off moves every cycle with the strength of the applicant pool. Home applicant cutoff: 2023 = 2850 (2110), 2024 = 2920 (2170), 2025 = 3070 (2280). International: 2023 = 2820 (2090), 2024 = 2960 (2200), 2025 = 3040 (2260). Guide separately notes that for 2026 entry the final threshold was 2340 home / 1970 overseas (likely a differently scaled/rounded figure - flagged as a discrepancy).
AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. At GCSE: GCSE Maths grade 7/A (advanced numeracy) and English grade 4/C (standard literacy).
Bristol uses a panel interview. The combined UCAT score (excluding SJT) is used to select for interview against an annual threshold; personal statement/reference are not weighted, and UCAT is used as the primary tie-breaker if candidates are equal at interview.
Bristol will consider A-level resits, usually with extenuating circumstances or a higher grade requirement. Check the current admissions statement before committing to a resit year.
Graduates require 2:1 and BBB at A-level including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Contextual offer ABB including A in Chemistry and B in one of Biology/Physics/Maths/Further Maths; Next Step Bristol participants get a guaranteed interview.
GCSE Maths grade 7/A (advanced numeracy) and English grade 4/C (standard literacy). GCSEs are mainly used as a threshold at Bristol rather than being scored heavily, so meeting them cleanly matters more than perfecting them.
Yes. Bristol accepts gap-year applicants for dentistry. You will need to sit the UCAT again in the cycle you apply and show what you did with the year, ideally including dental work experience or patient-facing employment.
There is no magic number of hours. Bristol wants evidence that you understand the reality of clinical dentistry: time in a practice (general or specialist), any patient-facing or caring role, and reflection on manual dexterity, communication and long appointments. Quality of reflection beats quantity of placements.
UK dentistry is competitive everywhere, typically well over 10 applicants per place across the sector. At Bristol the deciding factor is your UCAT score once academic minimums are met, and roughly 25% of interviewees go on to receive an offer.
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