Question 1

What UCAT score do I need for Cardiff vs University of Greater Manchester?

Accepted Answer

Neither school publishes a single fixed UCAT cut-off; both use UCAT as part of a composite shortlisting score alongside GCSE and personal-statement weighting. Cardiff guidance: ~1700+ /2700 (Welsh-domiciled - UCAT bar much lower; low priority over GCSE). University of Greater Manchester guidance: UCAT not used for home applicants - shortlisted on personal statement only.

Question 2

How do interviews differ between Cardiff and University of Greater Manchester?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). University of Greater Manchester uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). The format is the same, so the same prep approach applies — practise ethics frameworks, NHS hot topics, and (for MMI) structured 5-7 minute station answers. Interview windows: December - February (Cardiff); December - March (University of Greater Manchester).

Question 3

What A-Level grades do Cardiff and University of Greater Manchester require?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology.

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 — Cardiff: Top 9 GCSEs scored out of 27 points (must include Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry). A*/8/9 = 3 pts, A/7 = 2, B/6 = 1. University of Greater Manchester: Min 7 GCSEs at grade 7+ including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science (similar to main Manchester programme).

Question 4

How are GCSEs weighted at Cardiff vs University of Greater Manchester?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff — Top 9 GCSEs scored out of 27 points (must include Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry). A*/8/9 = 3 pts, A/7 = 2, B/6 = 1. University of Greater Manchester — Min 7 GCSEs at grade 7+ including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science (similar to main Manchester programme).

Question 5

How does each school actually shortlist applicants?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff's selection methodology: GCSE points + A-Level achievement points + UCAT combined. Lowest UCAT invited to interview varies year-to-year (1980-2690/3600 in recent cycles). University of Greater Manchester's selection methodology: Manchester satellite/partnership programme. UCAT + academic + MMI. Same selection algorithm as main Manchester (UCAT cut-off 2710+/3600 in 2025). Understanding each school's exact algorithm is the single highest-leverage piece of pre-application research — it tells you whether your profile is competitive before you spend an application choice.

Question 6

Where are Cardiff and University of Greater Manchester located, and how does that affect cost?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff is in Cardiff, UK. University of Greater Manchester is in Bolton, UK. Tuition is £9,250/year at both for UK home applicants; the main cost difference is accommodation (London accommodation typically runs 30-50% above the national average).

Question 7

When does each school release decisions?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff typically releases medicine decisions March onwards. University of Greater Manchester releases medicine decisions March onwards. If one is earlier than the other, you may need to hold a decision while waiting for the second school — be ready to compare in real time.

Question 8

What curriculum style do Cardiff and University of Greater Manchester use?

Accepted Answer

Cardiff runs a Case-based curriculum. University of Greater Manchester runs a PBL curriculum. The teaching philosophies differ — pick the style that matches how you learn best. Cardiff specifics: Five-year MBBCh with case-based learning. Cardiff splits clinical placements across South Wales (Cardiff & Vale, Aneurin Bevan, Cwm Taf Morgannwg). University of Greater Manchester specifics: Five-year MBChB built around problem-based learning. Manchester-affiliated with Greater Manchester NHS placements.

Question 9

Should I apply to both Cardiff and University of Greater Manchester?

Accepted Answer

You can — UCAS allows 4 medicine/dentistry choices in total, so listing both is feasible if your profile fits each school's selection algorithm. Apply to both only if your UCAT, GCSE and predicted-grade profile is competitive against each school's published weighting. A common mistake is using two of your four slots on similar schools when a more spread-out portfolio (one safe + one stretch) would maximise overall offer probability.

Comparison field	CardiffCardiff	University of Greater ManchesterBolton
Quick comparison
Location	Cardiff, UK	Bolton, UK
A-Level offer	AAA at A-level including Biology and Chemistry	Minimum AAB at A-level (offer and prediction) including Chemistry or Biology and one further subject from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics. Completed in one sitting across a maximum of two years.
TrueScore	1700	1700intl
UCAT home cut-off	~1700+ /2700 (Welsh-domiciled - UCAT bar much lower; low priority over GCSE)	UCAT not used for home applicants - shortlisted on personal statement only
Interview format	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Post-interview chance	International (2024): 60/146 = 41%; Welsh: 232/349 = 66%; RUK: 347/664 = 52%; ~600 offers from 1000 interviews in 2025	-
Decision date	March onwards	March onwards

Cardiff vs University of Greater Manchester

Side-by-side comparison

Cardiff

University of Greater Manchester

Cardiff vs University of Greater Manchester - in detail

A-Level and academic profile

Interview formats

Curriculum and teaching style

What makes each distinctive

Which is right for you?

Common questions

Where to go next

Other medical school comparisons