What UCAT score do I need for Hertfordshire vs University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?+
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.. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) guidance: UCAT used for home applicant shortlisting; no published cut-off.
How do interviews differ between Hertfordshire and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?+
Hertfordshire uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) 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 - February (University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)).
What A-Level grades do Hertfordshire and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) require?+
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).. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) requires AAB at A-level including Biology and Chemistry (home applicants). Most successful applicants achieve these grades on first sitting with strong predicted grades from their school.
How are GCSEs weighted at Hertfordshire vs University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?+
Hertfordshire — Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) — GCSE performance considered as part of the broader academic profile; specific scoring not published.
How does each school actually shortlist applicants?+
Hertfordshire's selection methodology: Newer programme. UCAT + academic + interview. Hertfordshire-based with strong widening-participation focus. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)'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.
Where are Hertfordshire and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) located, and how does that affect cost?+
Hertfordshire is in Hatfield, UK. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is in Preston, 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).
When does each school release decisions?+
Hertfordshire typically releases medicine decisions March onwards. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) releases medicine decisions March - April. 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.
Should I apply to both Hertfordshire and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?+
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.
