The UCAT (AMS Advice Zone)

All Aston Medical School applicants must take the UCAT (or if appropriate, the UCATSEN).

What is the UCAT?

UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. It's an admissions test used by a number of UK Medical Schools. The test is done on a computer in a test centre. The centres can be found throughout the UK and internationally.

The test itself lasts two hours. It consists of five separately timed subtests which assess a range of mental aptitudes identified by university medical and dental schools as important. Each subtest follows a multiple-choice format.

Please note: prior to 2019 the UCAT was known as the UKCAT.  While the name has changed, the test content remains the same.

What does the UCAT test?

The UCAT helps medical schools select applicants with the most appropriate mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviours required for new doctors to be successful in their clinical careers.

The subsections are:

• Verbal Reasoning: the ability to critically evaluate written information.
• Decision Making: the ability to make sound decisions and judgements based on complex information.
• Quantitative Reasoning: the ability to critically evaluate numerical information.
• Abstract Reasoning: the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information. 
• Situational Judgement: the capacity to evaluate real-world situations and identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour to deal with them. 

What is not assessed during the UCAT? 

The UCAT does not test any curriculum or science knowledge.

When do I take the UCAT?

The UCAT is taken at around the same time as you are preparing and submitting your UCAS application. For Aston Medical School applications we require you take the UCAT test in the same year of application, meaning you would take your UCAT in the summer/early autumn in the year before your course starts.

How will my UCAT results be used? 

We do not provide specific score requirements for the UCAT as your score will be considered alongside all other entry requirements. Therefore we do not have a lower cut-off score for UCAT or the Situational Judgment Test (SJT) section of the UCAT.

How should I prepare?

The Preparation section of the UCAT website provides a wide range of information. This includes complete guidance on what to expect, practice tests and tips from medical students who have previously undertaken the test. 

How much does the UCAT cost?

It costs between £70 and £115 to take the UCAT (subject to change by UCAT), depending on when you take the test and whether you take the test in the UK/EU or elsewhere in the world. Find out more here, as well as information on bursary schemes to cover the cost of the test.

What if I have a disability?

Candidates with disabilities may be eligible to take the UCATSEN (University Clinical Aptitude Test Special Educational Needs), or request that UCAT make adjustments to meet particular needs. Candidates who do not think that the UCATSEN or special examination arrangements will meet their particular needs should contact UCAT directly and present supporting evidence.

How can I find out more?

Visit the UCAT website for lots more information including how to prepare, what to do on the day of the test and test centre locations. The Medic Portal website also has advice and guidance on preparing for the UCAT.