Norwich (UEA) vs Peninsula (Plymouth)

Norwich (UEA)'s published UCAT threshold for home applicants is around 1700, while Peninsula (Plymouth) sits at approximately 1900.

The 200-point spread matters: Norwich (UEA) offers slightly more headroom for an average-strong UCAT, while Peninsula (Plymouth) expects performance closer to the national 75th-90th percentile.

Contextual / widening-participation cut-offs differ — Norwich (UEA): not separately disclosed; Peninsula (Plymouth): ~1700+ /2700 (UKWPMED or AAB; 2024 entry contextual lowest invited ≈ 1658). Eligible applicants should weight this heavily when choosing.

Norwich (UEA) requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology.

Peninsula (Plymouth) 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 — Norwich (UEA): Min 6 GCSEs at grade 6 (B), including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. Peninsula (Plymouth): Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science.

Both Norwich (UEA) and Peninsula (Plymouth) 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: Norwich (UEA) interviews in November - February; Peninsula (Plymouth) in Not available.

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

Specifics: Five-year MBBS built around problem-based learning. Strong emphasis on consultation skills from Year 1. Clinical placements across Norfolk, Suffolk, a Five-year MBBS with PBL and case-based learning. Distinctive rural/coastal placement strand across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset.

Intake size: Norwich (UEA) — ~167 home + ~22 international places per year (A100 Standard Entry Medicine).; Peninsula (Plymouth) — ~140 home + ~25 international places per year (Plymouth University Peninsula MBChB).. A larger cohort means more peer breadth; a smaller cohort means more tutor contact.

Norwich (UEA): UK Undergraduate: 539/638 = 84%; UK Graduate: 29/39 = 74%; International: 24/69 = 35%. Peninsula (Plymouth): All Applicants: 434/761 = 57% (2025).

Post-interview odds give you the clearest signal of how competitive each school is at the final stage — a school with a 60% post-interview success rate is structurally easier to convert than one at 25%, even if the interview thresholds look identical on paper.

Norwich (UEA): UCAT plays a major role both pre- and post-interview (50/50 with interview score). SJT forms part of the interview score - band 3 students have received offers in past cycles. Strong focus on suitability rather than academic ranking.

Peninsula (Plymouth): Plymouth publishes the qualities they assess: communication, decision making, reflection and self-insight, motivation and commitment, integrity and inclusivity, resilience and adaptability, and teamwork. Personal statement and work experience are NOT considered in interview selection.