A Guide to University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
Talk to ExpertA computer-based test, the University Clinical Aptitude Test or UCAT is conducted for admission to dental and medical degree courses. The scores of UCAT are utilized by various universities in the United Kingdom as well as by non-UK associate member institutes. Students targeting the aforementioned programmes at these universities are required to appear for UCAT 2023 if they intend to enter the 2024 batch or delayed/later entry in the year 2025. This test is carried out at Pearson VUE examination venues in the UK and in more than 130 nations across the globe.
If international test takers are unable to travel to another country to attempt UCAT due to long distance, civil unrest, or other natural calamities, they can opt for the OnVUE online proctored test. Information related to OnVUE UCAT 2023 is yet to be published as the same is still being finalized. Once done, applicants can check the related details on the official website such as UCAT exam dates, UCAT syllabus, etc.
Check: Bachelors of Medicine Colleges in UK: Courses & Fees
UCAT practice test materials, developed by the UCAT consortium, are available for free for those wishing to appear for this test. This has been done so that every applicant gets easy access to all the UCAT study material and has an equal opportunity to score well in the exam. Suggestions and feedback have been obtained from candidates who had earlier scored well in the exam and the same have been published on the official website. Applicants are recommended to go through the UCAT practice tests and brush up their knowledge and preparation.
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UCAT 2023 Important Dates
| Opening of UCAT Account Creation Opening of Bursary and Access Arrangement Applications |
May 16 (9:30 am BST) |
| Booking Begins | June 20 (6 am BST) |
| Testing Begins | July 10 |
| Last date for Access Arrangement Application | September 12 (12 noon BST) |
| Last Date for Booking | September 21 (12 noon BST) |
| Last Day of Test | September 28 |
| Last Date for Bursary Scheme Application | September 29 (4 pm BST) |
| Deadline for UCAS | October 16 |
| Results | Early November |
UCAT Syllabus and Test Format
There is no specific curriculum or science content for the UCAT. The test measures an individual's cognitive abilities along with other attributes which are essential for health care experts or professionals.
What is the test format of UCAT?
An examinee’s mental prowess is evaluated through the test, which holds great value for university medical and dental colleges.
- The test will have five subtests which will be individually timed
- Questions will be framed in multiple-choice format
- There will be a total of four cognitive subtests, namely – Decision Making, Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. A fifth subtest, Situational Judgement, will be non-cognitive.
- Random selection will be made for the test form held by you. Questions will appear randomly within every subtest.
- The duration of the test will be two hours. Once commenced a candidate won’t be able to pause the same. Please note that before every subset a 1-minute instruction section would appear.
The table displayed below features UCAT subjects, total number of questions asked and time allotted to solve each of these. The pattern if for the year 2022 as this year’s (2023) details are still not out.
| UCAT Subtests |
Total Questions |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning |
44 |
21 minutes |
| Decision Making |
29 |
31 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
36 |
25 minutes |
| Abstract Reasoning |
50 |
12 minutes |
| Situational Judgement |
66 |
26 minutes |
Explanation of the Subtests
Verbal Reasoning: Candidate's ability to critically evaluate details presented in a written form is measured.
Decision Making: Candidate's ability to make judgements and sound decisions with the help of complex details are measured.
Quantitative Reasoning: Candidate's ability to critically analyse details which are in a numerical form is measured.
Abstract Reasoning: Candidate's use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from details is measured.
Situational Judgement: Candidate's capacity to comprehend real-world situations and to detect critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with the same is measured.
List of Universities Requiring UCAT
The following list of universities in the UK require UCAT scores for dental and medical course admissions.
| University of Aberdeen | Anglia Ruskin University |
| Aston University | University of Birmingham |
| University of Bristol | Brunel University London |
| Cardiff University | University of Central Lancashire |
| University of Chester | University of Dundee |
| University of East Anglia | Edge Hill University |
| University of Edinburgh | University of Exeter |
| University of Glasgow | Hull York Medical School |
| Keele University | Kent and Medway Medical School |
| King's College London | University of Leeds |
| University of Leicester | University of Liverpool |
| University of Manchester | University of Newcastle |
| University of Nottingham | Plymouth University |
| Queen Mary University of London | Queen's University Belfast |
| University of Sheffield | University of Southampton |
| University of St Andrews | St George's, University of London |
| University of Sunderland | University of Surrey |
| University of Warwick | University of Worcester |
This test is also utilised for the below-mentioned courses of the mentioned international universities:
- American University of the Caribbean: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Kurdistan Hewler: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Lee Kong Chain School of Medicine (LKC - Medicine), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Calculating UCAT Score
Scoring of UCAT depends upon the total number of right answers which you provide. Negative marking for wrong answers is not applicable. For the Cognitive Subtest, raw scores will be converted to scaled marks in a range from 300-900. Individual scale marks of decision-making, Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are added to obtain the total scale score. The range of the total scaled score is 1200-3600.
Similarly, for the Situation Judgement section, an examinee will obtain full scores if their answer matches the right answer. In case their answer is close to the right answer, partial scores will be obtained by the examinee. The scores will be rated in one of four bands. They will also get an exposition of their performance.
Distribution of Marks in Subtests
| Subtests | Scaled Score Range | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 300-900 | 1 mark for each question |
| Decision Making | 300-900 | 1 mark for single answer questions 2 marks for multiple statement questions 1 mark for partially correct answers on the multiple-statement questions |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 300-900 | 1 mark for each question |
| Abstract Reasoning | 300-900 | 1 mark for each question |
Situational Judgement: A candidate will get full marks for a question if his answer matches the correct answer. In case his answer is close to the correct answer, partial marks will be given. The marks for this subtest are represented by four bands, with the 1st band with the highest.
Check: Bachelors of Medicine Colleges in Australia: Courses & Fees
UCAT Registration Details
UCAT registration is divided into two parts – Account creation and Test booking.
Account Creation
Before booking a test, candidates need to open or create a UCAT account. If you are re-appearing for the test, use your old account only and do not create a new one.
Applicants need to use their legal name in order to create an account. It should match your identity card which you will be using in order to appear for the test.
One your account has been created an email will be sent to your mail ID by Pearson VUE. It will display your username with the help of which you will be able to log in to your account.
Test Booking
Once your account has been created you will be able to book your test. Once the details for UCAT 2023 are out, you will be able to check out the booking time and deadline. It is always a good idea to book your test as early as possible, i.e. an early test date. Opting for a late test date will not let you reschedule your test within the test duration in case you face any health-related or other problems.
In case you wish to reschedule or cancel the test you will have 24 hours before the test to do so. After 24 hours you will have to pay an extra fee for thr rescheduled test.
Check: Bachelors of Medicine Colleges in New Zealand: Courses & Fees
UCAT Exam Fee
Applicants can pay the fee for UCAT when they are booking the test. It can be done with the help of a major debit or credit card. If taken in the UK, it will cost £70 and outside the UK it will cost £115.
UCAT Result
Examinees will be able to obtain the UCAT score report copy before exiting the Pearson VUE test venue. One may also be able to check his/her scores online (will be uploaded within 24 hours of your test) and take a printout of the same or save it in your PC.
Read More: How to Apply to Universities Abroad: Complete Series
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
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Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.