Admissions FAQs

1. Do I need to take an admissions test?

All candidates wishing to apply will be required to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).  More details of the test can be found at the UKCAT website.
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2. I have taken GAMSAT – will you accept that in place of UKCAT?

UKCAT is the only admissions test that will be considered. This is in part because we believe it is much more convenient for our potential candidates, since there are so many more testing stations worldwide.
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3. If there isn’t a Pearson Test Centre in my country, will I be exempted from sitting UKCAT?

As UKCAT is considered a crucial part of the admissions process, we will not be making any exemptions on a geographical basis.
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4. Can I be exempted from sitting UKCAT on a medical basis?

Requests for exemption on medical grounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis by UKCAT. You would need to apply to UKCAT for medical exemption. However, this sometimes will raise a question of a person's fitness to practise medicine. You should contact the Occupational Health Service at Imperial directly for further advice.
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5. How are the UKCAT scores assessed?

Candidates who perform strongly in all areas of UKCAT where a numerical score is allocated will be considered for interview.
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6. I have a specific medical condition.  Will this affect either my application or ability to practise medicine?

Ill health sometimes will raise a question of a person's fitness to practise medicine. You should contact the Occupational Health Service at Imperial directly for further advice.
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7. I am taking IELTS – what grade do I need?

An overall band score of not less than 6.0 with 5 in the Writing module.
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8. I am an overseas student with a BSc and/or a masters degree, will I still have to sit the IELTS test?

Overseas students will need to sit the IELTS test unless their degree was awarded in the following countries: United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa and the University of the West Indies.
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9. How will you select candidates for interview?

Candidates meeting our minimum requirements will be ranked according to their UKCAT scores and the highest scorers will be selected for interview.
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10. Will you guarantee interviews to candidates with the best UKCAT scores?

In fairness to all applicants we cannot guarantee interviews. The UKCAT score will be important in the short-listing of candidates, but no single factor is looked at in isolation when determining which candidates will be interviewed.
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11. I have obtained excellent academic grades throughout my study. If I perform badly in UKCAT will you still consider me?

UKCAT is deemed an invaluable tool in comparing suitability between candidates from disparate academic backgrounds. Candidates will not be called to interview if they perform badly in this test. Practise questions are available on the UKCAT website.
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12.When selecting candidates for interview do you have a cut-off point for UKCAT scores?

Whilst it is likely that there will be a cut-off point below which candidates are not considered, it is likely to vary year on year.
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13. When will you hold interviews?

Interviews will take place from late November 2010 until mid-January 2011 for course entry in 2011.
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14. Can you offer an interview by video-link or by telephone if I am unable to come to London?

No. Candidates are expected to attend in person. Imperial understands that this can be difficult for certain candidates, so we will usually offer an alternate interview date if the first is particularly problematic.
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15. What do you require in terms of relevant work experience?

Please see the work experience page on this website.
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