Cardiff, UK•Est. 1883

Cardiff Dental School — Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Wales-based dental school with a GCSE-driven scoring system and an MMI mapped to GDC professional attributes.

Entry Requirements

What you need to apply to Cardiff.

A-Level requirements

AAA including biology or chemistry. No prediction requirement. A-level resits not considered except for firm offer-holders who miss offers.

UCAT Requirement

Home

~2080+/2700 for non-contextual RUK (interview-receiver minimum ~1510+/2700); average interviewee ~2030+/2700

International

Different scoring system for overseas

Notes

UCAT used as tiebreaker when number of equally-scoring applicants exceeds interview places (most recent years). 28/28 GCSE score generally guarantees consideration regardless of UCAT.

SJT Band

Not used any more

Specialties offered

Dentistry (BDS)

Work experience

Personal statement must show evidence of commitment to a career in dentistry, qualities and skills required, and knowledge of the dental profession.

Interview Format

How Cardiff interviews applicants.

Format

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), in person (overseas online)

Interview window

February

Decision date

Spring

Post-interview chances

Total: 128/319 = 40% (2025). Home: 117/298 = 39%. International: 11/21 = 52%.

What to expect at a Cardiff interview

Timed circuit of 10 stations (8 interview/task + 2 rest). 1.5 hours total. Stations themed around GDC dental-professional attributes: communication, teamwork, problem solving, ethical awareness, ability to think on your feet. Manual-dexterity / "off-the-wall" stations used to assess thinking under pressure.

What makes Cardiff different

Application score calculated /28 from 7 GCSEs (8/9/A* = 4 pts, etc.) — must include biology and chemistry. Welsh-domiciled and contextually eligible applicants get extra consideration.

Tutor insight

The interviews for Cardiff this year required the preparation of a 3-dimensional model out of pasta of an animal that represents your personality. — Cardiff covers GDC-mapped attributes: communication, teamwork, problem solving, ethical awareness, ability to think on your feet. Don't be surprised by unusual or off-the-wall questions — they aim to see how you respond under pressure. — Amira, Cardiff tutor