Question 1

What UCAT score do I need for Hertfordshire vs Lancaster?

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. Hertfordshire guidance: International students only. SJT not used. New school for 2026 entry - cut-offs will be set as the cycle runs.. Lancaster guidance: 1920+ /2700 (2026 entry official cut-off, non-contextual).

Question 2

How do interviews differ between Hertfordshire and Lancaster?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Lancaster 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 (Hertfordshire); December - March (Lancaster).

Question 3

What A-Level grades do Hertfordshire and Lancaster require?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire requires AAA offer including chemistry or biology, completed in one sitting across a maximum of two years. Applicants encouraged to consider arts/humanities for their 3rd A-level. GCSEs: minimum 5 subjects at grade 6 including English, maths, biology, chemistry and physics (or dual award).

Lancaster requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology.

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 — Hertfordshire: Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. Lancaster: Min grade 6 in English Language, Maths, dual-award Science (or Biology + Chemistry).

Question 4

How are GCSEs weighted at Hertfordshire vs Lancaster?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire — Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. Lancaster — Min grade 6 in English Language, Maths, dual-award Science (or Biology + Chemistry).

Question 5

How does each school actually shortlist applicants?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire's selection methodology: Newer programme. UCAT + academic + interview. Hertfordshire-based with strong widening-participation focus. Lancaster's selection methodology: Combined UCAT + academic profile + interview. Smaller cohort, problem-based learning environment. 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 Hertfordshire and Lancaster located, and how does that affect cost?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire is in Hatfield, UK. Lancaster is in Lancaster, 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

Hertfordshire typically releases medicine decisions March onwards. Lancaster 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 Hertfordshire and Lancaster use?

Accepted Answer

Hertfordshire runs a PBL curriculum. Lancaster runs a PBL curriculum. Both schools deliver teaching in the same broad style, so day-to-day study habits will feel similar. Hertfordshire specifics: Five-year MBChB. Hertfordshire-based with East-of-England NHS placements. Lancaster specifics: Five-year MBChB built around problem-based learning. Distinct rural/community placement strand in Cumbria, Lancashire and Morecambe Bay.

Question 9

Should I apply to both Hertfordshire and Lancaster?

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	HertfordshireHatfield	LancasterLancaster
Quick comparison
Location	Hatfield, UK	Lancaster, UK
A-Level offer	AAA at A-level including Chemistry or Biology, completed in one sitting across a maximum of two years. Applicants encouraged to consider Arts/Humanities for their 3rd A-level.	AAA at A-level including any 2 of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology - OR AAB with grade B in a 4th subject or EPQ
TrueScore	1700intl	1950
UCAT home cut-off	-	1920+ /2700 (2026 entry official cut-off, non-contextual)
Interview format	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Post-interview chance	-	Home student: 261/587 = 44%; International: 6/19 = 32%
Decision date	March onwards	March onwards

Hertfordshire vs Lancaster

Side-by-side comparison

Hertfordshire

Lancaster

Hertfordshire vs Lancaster - 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