Question 1

What UCAT score do I need for University of Greater Manchester vs Queen's University Belfast (QUB)?

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. University of Greater Manchester guidance: UCAT not used for home applicants - shortlisted on personal statement only. Queen's University Belfast (QUB) guidance: ~1700+ /2700 with 9× grade 9s GCSE (~35/45 target). Lower UCAT viable with stronger GCSE..

Question 2

How do interviews differ between University of Greater Manchester and Queen's University Belfast (QUB)?

Accepted Answer

University of Greater Manchester uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Queen's University Belfast (QUB) 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 - March (University of Greater Manchester); January - February (Queen's University Belfast (QUB)).

Question 3

What A-Level grades do University of Greater Manchester and Queen's University Belfast (QUB) require?

Accepted Answer

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.

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology.

Question 4

How are GCSEs weighted at University of Greater Manchester vs Queen's University Belfast (QUB)?

Accepted Answer

University of Greater Manchester — Min 7 GCSEs at grade 7+ including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science (similar to main Manchester programme). Queen's University Belfast (QUB) — GCSE performance considered as part of the broader academic profile; specific scoring not published.

Question 5

How does each school actually shortlist applicants?

Accepted Answer

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). Queen's University Belfast (QUB)'s selection methodology: shortlisting weight not fully disclosed; check the official admissions page. 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 University of Greater Manchester and Queen's University Belfast (QUB) located, and how does that affect cost?

Accepted Answer

University of Greater Manchester is in Bolton, UK. Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is in Belfast, 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

University of Greater Manchester typically releases medicine decisions March onwards. Queen's University Belfast (QUB) releases medicine decisions April 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

Should I apply to both University of Greater Manchester and Queen's University Belfast (QUB)?

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	University of Greater ManchesterBolton	Queen's University Belfast (QUB)Belfast
Quick comparison
Location	Bolton, UK	Belfast, UK
A-Level offer	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.	A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology (or Maths/Physics - see subject rules)
TrueScore	1700intl	1700
UCAT home cut-off	UCAT not used for home applicants - shortlisted on personal statement only	~1700+ /2700 with 9× grade 9s GCSE (~35/45 target). Lower UCAT viable with stronger GCSE.
Interview format	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Post-interview chance	-	Home: 332/778 = 43%; International: 51/214 = 24%
Decision date	March onwards	April onwards

University of Greater Manchester vs Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Side-by-side comparison

University of Greater Manchester

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

University of Greater Manchester vs Queen's University Belfast (QUB) - in detail

A-Level and academic profile

Interview formats

What makes each distinctive

Which is right for you?

Common questions

Where to go next

Other medical school comparisons