Aston University vs Warwick (GEM)

Aston University requires A*AA including Chemistry and Biology (A* in Chemistry or Biology).

Warwick (GEM) requires A*AA (for undergraduate) - Graduate entry also available.

Both demand the same A-Level grade band, so academic prediction is unlikely to differentiate your application between them — provided you meet the required subject combination at each.

GCSE profile matters at both schools — Aston University: Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 (B) including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. Warwick (GEM): Not applicable - Warwick is a graduate-entry-only programme. Requires a 2:1 honours degree (any subject).

Both Aston University and Warwick (GEM) 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: Aston University interviews in December - March; Warwick (GEM) in December.

Both schools deliver a PBL-style curriculum, so day-to-day study habits will feel similar across years 1-3.

Specifics: Five-year MBChB with PBL. Clinical placements across Birmingham NHS sites (UHB, Sandwell, Walsall, Heart of England). Four-year accelerated MBChB for graduate entrants. Problem-based learning with significant clinical exposure from Year 1.

Intake size: Aston University — ~110 places per year.; Warwick (GEM) — ~190 home + ~15 international places per year (4-year accelerated MBChB).. A larger cohort means more peer breadth; a smaller cohort means more tutor contact.

Aston University: UCAT and GCSE used heavily post-interview (academic:UCAT:interview ratio = 2:1:1). Interview is just 25% of final scoring, so post-interview chances are excellent for high-stat applicants. SJT not used - band 4 is fine.

Warwick (GEM): Graduate entry programme with selection-centre structure rather than traditional MMI. Strong emphasis on team working and observed group behaviour. Interviewers score across the full range of activities.