Aberdeen vs University of Greater Manchester

Aberdeen requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics.

University of Greater Manchester requires Minimum AAB offer/prediction, must include chemistry or biology and one further subject from biology/chemistry/physics/maths. Completed in one sitting across a maximum of two years. May consider resits. GCSEs: 5 subjects at grade 6, must include maths, English language and two sciences; will consider resits in GCSE English language or maths.

GCSE profile matters at both schools — Aberdeen: Strong National 5 / GCSE profile expected; not algorithmically scored but contributes to academic ranking. University of Greater Manchester: Min 7 GCSEs at grade 7+ including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science (similar to main Manchester programme).

Both Aberdeen and University of Greater Manchester use MMI interviews, so the underlying prep approach is the same — practise ethics frameworks, NHS hot-topic answers and (for MMI) structured station responses against a timer.

Interview windows: Aberdeen interviews in December - March; University of Greater Manchester in December - March.

Aberdeen runs a Integrated curriculum; University of Greater Manchester runs a PBL curriculum. The teaching philosophies are different — Aberdeen delivers more didactic lectures with structured systems-based progression, while University of Greater Manchester centres learning around clinical cases.

Specifics: Five-year MBChB with early clinical exposure from Year 1. Distinctive remote/rural placement strand in Highlands and Western Isles. Five-year MBChB built around problem-based learning. Manchester-affiliated with Greater Manchester NHS placements.

Intake size: Aberdeen — ~257 Scottish + ~24 RUK + ~39 International per year (2025 entry data).; University of Greater Manchester — ~50 places per year (smaller satellite cohort).. A larger cohort means more peer breadth; a smaller cohort means more tutor contact.

Aberdeen: Shortlisting weights academic 60% (A-level scores) / UCAT 40%. Scottish-domiciled applicants in the top 75% academically receive guaranteed interview. Care leavers and Quintile 1 postcode applicants receive a 10% UCAT uplift; Quintile 2 receives 5%.

University of Greater Manchester: Potentially open to UK applicants this year - enquire for more details. International students can apply directly in addition to their 4 UCAS medical choices.