Cardiff scores heavily on GCSEs and achieved A-level grades, so a low UCAT can be compensated by outstanding academics. It interviews around 280-300 of over 1500 applicants and has one of the most GCSE-driven scoring systems of any UK dental school.
Last reviewed: August 2026 by MedicHut's admissions team.
Cardiff works to an approximate UCAT threshold around 1510 (/2700 scale) for 2027 entry, and the real cut-off moves every cycle with the strength of the applicant pool.
Applicants are scored on GCSEs (top 7, max 28 points) plus achieved A-level points (up to the same 28 point maximum). Predicted grades are not scored at any stage beyond meeting minimum requirements, and applicants already holding all achieved qualifications gain one extra point. A UCAT cut-off is only applied if too many applicants sit on excellent academic scores, and the SJT was not considered for 2025/26 entry. Contextual applicants receive around 2 extra points.
All Cardiff figures below were published on the old /3600 scale, with the current /2700 equivalent in brackets. Lowest invited 2040 (1510), average 2737 (2030), highest 3400 (2520). Lowest invited by year: 2024 = 2210 (1640), 2023 = 2023 (1500), 2022 = 2190 (1620), 2021 = 2240 (1660).
Cardiff interviews using a multiple mini interview (mmi) circuit, and roughly 45% of interviewed applicants convert to an offer. Expect stations or questions on motivation for dentistry, manual dexterity, ethics, teamwork, communication and your work experience.
Cardiff works to an approximate UCAT threshold around 1510 (/2700 scale) for 2027 entry, and the real cut-off moves every cycle with the strength of the applicant pool. All Cardiff figures below were published on the old /3600 scale, with the current /2700 equivalent in brackets. Lowest invited 2040 (1510), average 2737 (2030), highest 3400 (2520). Lowest invited by year: 2024 = 2210 (1640), 2023 = 2023 (1500), 2022 = 2190 (1620), 2021 = 2240 (1660).
AAA including Biology and Chemistry. At GCSE: English Language grade B/6; six other GCSEs incl. AA/77 Double Award Science or Biology and Chemistry separately; top 7 GCSEs scored A*/8/9=4, A/7=3, B/6=2, C/4/5=1.
Cardiff uses a multiple mini interview (mmi) circuit. Applicants are scored on GCSEs (top 7, max 28 points) plus achieved A-level points (up to the same 28 point maximum). Predicted grades are not scored at any stage beyond meeting minimum requirements, and applicants already holding all achieved qualifications gain one extra point. A UCAT cut-off is only applied if too many applicants sit on excellent academic scores, and the SJT was not considered for 2025/26 entry. Contextual applicants receive around 2 extra points.
No. Cardiff does not accept A-level resits for dentistry, so this is not a viable choice if you are retaking.
ABB at A-level including Biology and Chemistry, plus Level 2 (GCSE) requirements.
Contextual applicants receive extra consideration (believed 2 points); Welsh domiciled contextually eligible applicants get additional consideration; Sutton Trust Summer School, Step-Up to University and High Performance Sports participants receive guaranteed interviews.
English Language grade B/6; six other GCSEs incl. AA/77 Double Award Science or Biology and Chemistry separately; top 7 GCSEs scored A*/8/9=4, A/7=3, B/6=2, C/4/5=1. GCSEs carry real weight at Cardiff, so a strong grade profile can offset a mid-range UCAT.
Yes. Cardiff 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. Cardiff 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 Cardiff the deciding factor is a holistic read of your whole application, and roughly 45% of interviewees go on to receive an offer.
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