UCAT
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a two-hour admissions test that is used to help universities select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. All applicants are required to undertake the UCAT in the year of application.
The UCAT forms an extremely important part of the BDS entry requirements and if your score is deemed to be too low then you will not be selected for interview, regardless of your qualifications.
Preparing for the UCAT
We strongly advise you to practice the UCAT. There are extensive resources available on the UCAT Practice Tests page which are available to everyone, regardless of whether you have registered or booked your test yet.
The University of Glasgow does not endorse any commerical companies offering UCAT courses. In line with advice from UCAT, we advise all students to prepare for the UCAT by using the free official practice materials available on the UCAT website.
Please be aware that we do not take into consideration the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) banding in our decision making.
Please review the UCAT preparation video for handy tips on preparing for the UCAT test.
Access Arrangements
If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia, a disability, medical condition or temporary injury you may be entitled to extra time, rest breaks or accommodations for your UCAT. The process for appyling for access arrangements is outlined on the UCAT website.
Booking the UCAT
Registration for UCAT is only open between certain dates. Further details can be found on the UCAT website.
The UCAT can only be taken at Pearson VUE test centres throughout the UK and internationally. Please check the test locator for your nearest centre.
You must undertake the UCAT in the year of application. Information on dates and fees can be found here.
We strongly recommend you register and sit your test at your earliest convenience to ensure places are available at a local centre. Each year there are candidates who book a late test and encounter problems when they fall ill or experience other issues preventing them from taking that testing slot. This can be avoided by booking to take the test early. Additionally, the tests in September and October attact a higher fee. There is no difference in content between the UCAT sat during the Summer or Autumn period. The increased price reflects demand on resources at particular times of the year. Please be aware that the test fees depend on the test centre location, not on your place of residence or nationality.
Eligible UK/EU applicants may be able to apply for a bursary to cover the cost of the test fee. Further details can be found on the UCAT website.
What is the cut off score for UCAT?
The cut off point varies from year to year and is not released by the Dental School during the application cycle.
Please be aware that as the UCAT score changes every year and the scores published in the BDS UCAT Cut-off Scores, including 2023 have no bearing on any future cut off scores.