Published on September 13, 2023
Reading Time: 5 min
Manchester Medical School Guide
Manchester Medical School is the largest medical school in the UK but have some of the smallest class sizes. This means a wider cohort but focussed attention is given to all students. The University of Manchester is one of the red-brick universities, founded along with the medical school in 1824. The city has lots to do and there is something for every student! Manchester is home to the Curry Mile which is the biggest concentration of South Asian restaurants in the UK. Manchester is especially famous for its architecture and music. Read more to find out about what Manchester has to offer and how to get into Manchester Medical School.
Manchester Medical School Entry Requirements
Academic
| Category | Grade | Subjects |
| GCSE | Minimum seven GCSEs at grade A (7) or A* (8+). | English Language, Maths and minimum 2 science subjects at grade B (6). NB: grades 66 (BB) are required for a Dual Award Science |
| A-Level | AAA | 1) Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology 2) One from Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology; Physics; Psychology; Mathematics/ Further Mathematics |
| Scottish Highers | AAAAB | English Language and any science subject (Maths, Chemistry or Biology) |
| Scottish Advanced Highers | AAA | Chemistry or Biology; a second science (from Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Psychology, or Physics); plus one other rigorous academic subject. |
| IB | 36 points required | At least 666 required at Higher Level Subjects must include Chemistry/Biology, plus another science (one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology, or Mathematics) and one further subject at Higher Level. |
Admissions Tests
The University of Manchester uses the UCAT to select for interviews. They do not consider applicants who achieve Band 4 in the Situational Judgement Test. The selection process favours applicants with Band 1 or 2 in the SJT. The medical school will rank all applicants to determine a threshold. Those above the threshold will be invited to interview. The UCAT threshold was 2750 in 2023, making Manchester a competitive medical school.
UCAT Tutoring
Book one-to-one personalised support with an expert UCAT tutor to maximise your success. Our students get an average UCAT score of 2893!
Work Experience
The medical school recommends all applicants to have taken some type experience. This can be in a medical environment, online or even volunteering! This will allow you to gain a realistic insight of what studying medicine is like.
Personal Statement
All applicants must complete a NAIF (non-academic information form). This will be used instead of the personal statement to assess the applicant holistically. Also, it can also be used at interview to ask about your experiences. Therefore, it is good to reflect well on your experiences and use this form to prepare your interview answers.
Interview
Manchester Medical School gives all selected applicants the option to either have an online interview via Zoom or on campus. However, there are a limited number of spaces so preferences are considered on a first come, first served basis.
The interview process is quite friendly and aims to assess the applicant in terms of values and behaviours. Applicants are encouraged to have a natural conversation and display their interpersonal skills.
Applicants may be asked about the following:
- Why medicine?
- Communication skills
- Caring experiences
- Ethics
- Current medical news
Medicine & Dentistry Interview Course + MMI Circuits
Join us online or in-person for small group, interactive seminars on the NHS, medical ethics, breaking bad news, communication skills, and structuring responses to common question types. You’ll then have a realistic MMI circuit with detailed, personalised feedback from each interviewer to perfect your interview approach and land your offers.
Graduate Entry at Manchester Medical School
Manchester Medical School offers a fast-track 4 year programme for graduates. There are approximately 450 places out of 1500 applicants.
Here are the minimum entry requirements:
| Honours Degree | 2:1 |
| A-level | BBB |
| GCSEs | Grade 6/B (English Language and Maths) |
| IB | 32 points with 555 at Higher Level |
How many places are there for Home and International students at Manchester Medical School
| Home | 369 places |
| International | 28 places |
Manchester Medical School Ranking
University of Manchester is ranked 20th for medicine by the Complete University Guide in 2024.
It’s important to keep in mind that university rankings are subjective and can be based on different criteria. These rankings must only be one of your deciding factors. It is important to have a holistic approach when making your decisions and consider which universities you would thrive in the most.
Manchester Medical School Fees
| Home | £9,250 |
| International | £38,000 (Year 1 and 2) £58,000 (Year 3 onwards) |
Manchester Medical School Acceptance Rate
For 2023 entry, there were 2181 Home applications. 1248 applicants were invited to interviews. This means the interview rate is 57%. Out of these, 733 offers were made. Therefore, overall, there is an acceptance rate of 34%.
Medicine & Dentistry Application Packages
Applying for 2025 entry? Get full support through A-Z of your application with a tailored application package. Includes UCAT, personal statement, interviews, A-levels, strategic applications, 24/7 live chat, and monthly progress meetings.
Manchester Medicine Course Structure
| Year 1 | 4 modules + anatomy + pharmacology |
| Year 2 | 2 modules + anatomy + pharmacology |
| Year 3 | 5 clinical placements |
| Year 4 | Clinical placements in 14 specialties such as GP, mental health, women’s health and child health There is also the medical elective at the end of Year 4. |
| Year 5 | Clinical Placements in surgery, GP and acute medicine. Preparation for finals |
Manchester Medical School Teaching Style
The course uses a variety of teaching methods. It is focused on problem-based learning with some elements similar to integrated-style courses. Manchester uses whole-body dissection as well as prosections to teach anatomy. There are themed-case discussions at the end of every week to put learning into perspective.
Manchester Medical School Interview Format
The medical school uses a 5 station MMI. Each station will be 8 minutes long with a 2 minute gap between stations. There will be no reading or writing part of the interview.
Interviews are held between December and March.
Mock MMI Circuit
Join us online or in-person (London, Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle) for the most realistic simulated MMI circuit for medicine and dentistry. With 8 real interview stations and detailed, personalised feedback from each interviewer, you’ll be well on your way to smashing your real interviews.
Manchester Medical School Interview Questions
What steps have you taken to further your interest in Medicine?
Work experience is a great way to demonstrate an interest in medicine, and this question is the ideal situation to discuss this. What did you do or see that inspired you to pursue a medical career? Other ways of demonstrating an interest in medicine include attending talks/conferences, talking to current or former medical professionals about their careers, and engaging in research.
What motivates you to study Medicine?
This is another great opportunity to discuss work experience or any other experience that inspired you to pursue a medical career. Make sure to demonstrate an understanding of the realities of a medical career – discussing articles you’ve read or discussions you’ve had with medical professionals can help with this. It is also good to briefly talk about the struggles of medicine and how you will tackle them.
Should COVID-19 vaccines be mandatory?
This question tests your ability to consider multiple points of view and express your own opinion. It is important to demonstrate a good understanding of both sides of the mandatory vaccination debate when answering – use the four pillars of medical ethics as a base for these arguments. Make sure to present your own beliefs on the subject after considering these viewpoints, and use your earlier arguments to justify this.
Life as a Medical Student at the University of Manchester
In preclinical years you will have at least half a day of contact hours. There is ample time to study, socialise and participate in extra-curricular activities.
There is a wide range of societies available for every student from academics, sports to culture. For medical students, there are many societies for medical specialties, volunteering and to help with revision!
In terms of the city, Manchester has so much to offer. From shopping centres such as the Trafford Centre to diverse food places on Wilmslow Road, there will be something for everyone. Transport links across the city are also great with options like buses, trains and trams.
FAQs
How much of the Manchester Medical School Medicine Course is Clinical vs Preclinical?
Year 1 and 2 are considered preclinical as they mainly have problem-based teaching along with anatomy. Year 3-5 are clinical because you will be on clinical placements majority of the time.
Is Manchester Medical School a Good Medical School?
The University of Manchester is a red-brick university and ranks good as a medical school. It is ideal for all medical students however, it depends on what your priorities are when selecting a medical school. It is best to visit the university on their Open Days to gain a realistic insight of the place and speak to the friendly staff!
