The University of Exeter Medical School runs the five-year BMBS (A100) across its St Luke’s and Truro campuses, with a small cohort of around 180 places and a problem-based learning curriculum.
Exeter’s selection model is the most academically weighted of any major UK medical school. Applicants receive an Exeter Score weighted 75% academic achievement and 25% UCAT — a 3:1 split — with a 10-point uplift for applicants who already hold achieved grades. If your predicted grades are exceptional, Exeter is one of the most winnable top-20 medical schools in the country.
| UCATScore expertise — Exeter Medicine Prepared by the UCATScore admissions team and verified against University of Exeter’s official admissions guidance and the Medical Schools Council for 2026/2027 entry. |
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements at a Glance (2026/2027)
| Course | BMBS Medicine (A100), 5 years — St Luke’s (Exeter) and Truro campuses |
| Standard A-level offer | A*AA — grade A in BOTH Chemistry and Biology (the A* may be in any of the three) |
| Contextual offer (Access to Exeter) | AAB (IB 34/665; BTEC DDD) |
| GCSEs | Grade B/6 in English Language ONLY — GCSEs are NOT scored |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 points with 766 at Higher Level, including HL 6 in Chemistry and HL 6 in Biology |
| BTEC | D*DD — but you also need A-level Biology and Chemistry at grade A |
| The scoring model | Exeter Score = 75% academic achievement + 25% UCAT (3:1), with a 10-point uplift for achieved grades |
| Admissions test | UCAT — 25% of the Exeter Score; the threshold varies by academic profile |
| SJT | Not used in Exeter’s scoring (Band 4 accepted) |
| Exeter Medicine Interview | MMI — 7 stations, values-based |
| Places | ~180 per year |
| Competition | ~1,400–1,500 applications; roughly 8:1 home applications per place |
| Graduate rule | Out of Level 3 study for more than 2 years → GAMSAT required |
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Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: How Exeter Selects Medicine Applicants
Exeter’s method is set out in its BMBS Medicine Admissions Policy, and it is unusually explicit. Applicants who meet the published entry requirements are given an Exeter Score combining academic achievement (75%) and UCAT (25%) — a 3:1 weighting in favour of academics.
Crucially, applicants who already hold achieved grades receive a 10-point uplift over those applying on predictions. This makes Exeter unusually favourable for gap-year and post-results applicants.
The consequence is that the UCAT score you need depends entirely on your academic profile. Exeter has published decile cut-offs per profile: for 2026 entry, A*A*A* predictions needed only around the 5th decile (≈1,880 /2,700), while A*A*A predictions needed around the 8th decile (≈2,100). Contextual applicants sat a decile lower on each.
GCSEs are not scored — the only GCSE requirement is grade B/6 in English Language. And the SJT is not used in Exeter’s scoring, so a weak band does not harm you here.
Post-shortlist, Exeter is heavily MMI-weighted: applicants who reach Exeter Medicine Interview but underperform on communication, empathy or reflection are the most common rejections.
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Selection weighting
| Component | Weighting |
| Academic achievement | 75% of the Exeter Score |
| UCAT | 25% of the Exeter Score |
| Achieved-grades uplift | +10 points over predicted-grade applicants |
| GCSEs | Not scored (English Language B/6 minimum only) |
| SJT | Not used in scoring |
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Exeter Medicine A-Level Requirements
Exeter requires grade A in BOTH sciences — this is the key subject rule:
- Standard offer: A*AA, with grade A in BOTH Chemistry and Biology; the A* may be in any of the three subjects
- Contextual (Access to Exeter) offer: AAB
- Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA including grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Scottish Highers: AAAAA including grade A in Biology and Chemistry
- BTEC: D*DD — but applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma also require GCE A-level Biology and Chemistry at grade A
- A pass in the practical element is required in science A-levels
- Achieved grades score more generously than predictions (the 10-point uplift), so post-results and gap-year applicants are at a genuine advantage
Exeter Medicine GCSE Requirements
Exeter has the lightest GCSE requirement of any major UK medical school:
- Grade B or 6 in GCSE English Language — that is the only stated GCSE requirement
- No specific Mathematics requirement and no specific science requirement at GCSE
- GCSEs are NOT scored in Exeter’s selection process
- This makes Exeter a genuinely strong option if your Year 11 results were weaker than your A-level trajectory — few schools are this forgiving on GCSEs
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Other Accepted Qualifications & What Exeter Doesn’t Accept
| Qualification | Requirement |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 points with 766 at Higher Level, including HL 6 in Biology and HL 6 in Chemistry. Contextual: 34 with 665. |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | D*DD, plus GCE A-level Biology and Chemistry at grade A. Contextual: DDD. |
| Scottish qualifications | Advanced Highers AAA including grade A in Biology and Chemistry; Highers AAAAA including grade A in Biology and Chemistry. |
| Access to HE Diploma | QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. |
| Graduates | Applicants out of Level 3 studies for more than 2 years are required to have taken the GAMSAT. |
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Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Graduate & Mature Applicants
Exeter does not run a dedicated four-year Exeter Graduate Entry Medicine programme — graduates apply via the standard five-year BMBS (A100).
There is one distinctive and important rule: applicants who have been out of Level 3 studies for more than two years are required to have taken the GAMSAT rather than relying on the UCAT alone. This catches out many career-changers, so check your timeline against this rule early.
Because Exeter weights academic achievement at 75% and gives a 10-point uplift for achieved grades, graduates and mature applicants with strong completed qualifications can be well positioned — provided the Level 3 recency rule is satisfied.
Exeter also runs an internal route for its own BSc Medical Sciences and BSc Neuroscience final-year students, who can apply to medicine if predicted a 2:1 or 1st without significant issues during their studies.
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Contextual Offers: Access to Exeter (A2E)
Exeter’s contextual scheme, Access to Exeter (A2E), reduces both the academic offer and the effective UCAT requirement.
Academic: the contextual offer is AAB (IB 34 with 665; BTEC DDD), against the standard A*AA.
UCAT: contextual applicants sit a decile lower on Exeter’s published profile thresholds — for 2026 entry, roughly the 4th decile (≈1,820) with A*A*A* predictions or the 7th decile (≈2,010) with A*A*A, versus 5th and 8th deciles for standard applicants.
Eligibility typically rests on state-funded secondary education in a deprived postcode, free school meals, care experience or being first-in-family to attend university. Confirm Exeter’s current criteria and submit evidence on time.
Note also that extenuating circumstances must not be placed in your Exeter Medicine personal statement — Exeter requires a separate Extenuating Circumstances form.
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Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: How Exeter Uses the UCAT
The UCAT is 25% of your Exeter Score, with academic achievement making up the other 75% — so the score you need is not a single number but depends on your academic profile.
Exeter publishes decile cut-offs per academic profile. For 2026 entry: A*A*A* predictions + 5th decile (≈1,880 /2,700), or A*A*A predictions + 8th decile (≈2,100 /2,700). Contextual applicants were lowered to the 4th and 7th deciles respectively. International applicants required a higher points cut-off (80+ versus 74 for home).
Achieved grades score more favourably than predictions, thanks to the 10-point uplift — so the same UCAT goes further if you already have your results.
The SJT is not used in Exeter’s scoring, and Band 4 is accepted — so a weak band will not harm your Exeter application, though it may matter elsewhere.
For 2024 entry the non-contextual points cut-off was reported around 94/100, which in practice meant three A* predictions plus a top-three-decile UCAT — a useful illustration of how the academic weighting dominates.
| Full detail: the Exeter UCAT cut-off This page covers how the UCAT fits into Exeter’s overall requirements. For the deep dive — published thresholds, deciles, uplifts and current-scale benchmarking — see our dedicated Exeter UCAT cut-off guide at /exeter-ucat-cut-off. |
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Exeter Medicine Interview Format
Exeter uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) of seven stations, delivered in person or online depending on the cycle.
Exeter Medicine Interview is distinctly values-based and course-specific. It explores your understanding of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) — Exeter’s core teaching method — alongside medical ethics and a realistic understanding of the profession.
Exeter is heavily MMI-weighted post-shortlist, meaning applicants who reach Exeter Medicine Interview but underperform on communication, empathy or reflection are the most common rejections. Practising values-based stations specifically is the highest-value preparation you can do.
Exeter does not read or use the Exeter Medicine personal statement in selecting undergraduate medicine applicants, so your motivation and reflection must come through at Exeter Medicine Interview instead.
| Turn Exeter’s requirements into a plan UCATScore helps you turn Exeter’s published requirements into a practical, step-by-step application strategy — a GCSE and UCAT target, a shortlist that fits your profile, and Exeter Medicine Interview preparation matched to Exeter’s format. Explore our UCAT course, question bank and Medicine Interview Course to build a realistic, competitive application. |
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Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Exeter Medicine Acceptance Rate & Competition
Exeter is a smaller, highly-ranked school (15th for Medicine, Complete University Guide 2025) with strong student satisfaction:
| Places | ~180 per year |
| Applications | ~1,400–1,500 |
| Home applications per place | ~8 : 1 |
| Scoring | Exeter Score: 75% academic + 25% UCAT |
| Achieved-grades uplift | +10 points |
| 2024-entry points cut-off (non-contextual) | ~94/100 (≈3 A* predictions + top-3-decile UCAT) |
| SJT | Not used in scoring |
Exeter’s effective UCAT requirement varies sharply with academic profile, and thresholds are published per profile rather than as a single figure. Clinical placements are spread across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, so factor travel into your decision. Always confirm the latest published thresholds in Exeter’s BMBS Medicine Admissions Policy.
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Exeter Medicine for International Students
International applicants must meet the same academic standard (A*AA with grade A in Chemistry and Biology, or IB 38/766 with HL 6 in both sciences) plus Exeter’s English language requirement.
International applicants face a higher points cut-off under the Exeter Score model — reported at 80+ points versus 74 for home applicants — and a UCAT expectation around 2,100+ /2,700.
The international fee was £48,900 per year for 2026 entry; confirm the current figure on Exeter’s official course page.
Note that clinical placements span Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, so international applicants should factor in travel and accommodation across a wide geography.
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements: Exeter Medicine Fees & Funding
Home fee £9,790 per year (2026/27) and international fee £48,900 per year (2026 entry) — confirm current figures on Exeter’s official course page. Placements are spread across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, so budget carefully for travel and accommodation, alongside equipment, DBS and occupational health clearance.
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Entry Requirements Database (Med & Dent): Search every UK medical and dental school’s entry requirements in one place – A-levels, GCSEs, UCAT, contextual offers and more, all kept up to date for 2027 entry.
Exeter Medicine Entry Requirements — FAQs
What are the entry requirements for Exeter Medicine?
A*AA at A-level with grade A in BOTH Chemistry and Biology (the A* may be in any of the three subjects), and grade B/6 in GCSE English Language — the only GCSE requirement. The IB alternative is 38 points with 766 at Higher Level including HL 6 in Biology and Chemistry. The contextual (Access to Exeter) offer is AAB.
What UCAT score do you need for Exeter Medicine?
It depends on your academic profile, because the UCAT is only 25% of the Exeter Score. For 2026 entry, A*A*A* predictions needed around the 5th decile (≈1,880/2,700) while A*A*A needed around the 8th decile (≈2,100). Contextual applicants sat a decile lower; international applicants needed a higher points cut-off (80+ versus 74). See our Exeter UCAT cut-off page.
Does Exeter score GCSEs for Medicine?
No — GCSEs are not scored in Exeter’s selection process. The only GCSE requirement is grade B or 6 in English Language, with no specific Maths or science requirement. This makes Exeter unusually forgiving if your Year 11 results were weaker.
How does the Exeter Score work?
Applicants meeting the entry requirements receive an Exeter Score weighted 75% academic achievement and 25% UCAT (a 3:1 split), with a 10-point uplift for applicants who already hold achieved grades rather than predictions. For 2024 entry the non-contextual cut-off was around 94/100.
Does Exeter use the SJT?
No — the SJT is not used in Exeter’s scoring, and Band 4 is accepted. A weak SJT band will not harm your Exeter application, though it may matter at your other choices.
Do graduates need the GAMSAT for Exeter Medicine?
Applicants who have been out of Level 3 studies for more than two years are required to have taken the GAMSAT. Exeter has no dedicated four-year graduate programme — graduates apply via the standard five-year BMBS.
Does Exeter read the personal statement?
No — Exeter does not read or use the personal statement when selecting undergraduate medicine applicants. Extenuating circumstances must go on a separate Extenuating Circumstances form, not in the statement.
What is the Exeter Medicine Interview format?
A seven-station MMI, values-based, exploring your understanding of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), medical ethics and a realistic understanding of the profession. Exeter is heavily MMI-weighted post-shortlist, so Exeter Medicine Interview performance matters a great deal.
| Apply to Exeter Medicine with confidence Whether Exeter is your firm choice or one of four, UCATScore gives you everything to compete: a UCAT course and question bank, an entry-requirements database to build your shortlist, an Exeter Medicine personal statement review, and Exeter-format mock interviews. Start turning these requirements into an offer today. |
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Prepared by the UCATScore admissions team. Verified against University of Exeter’s official admissions guidance, published admissions data and the Medical Schools Council for 2026/2027 entry. Entry requirements, cut-offs, fees and statistics are reviewed annually and can change — always confirm the latest details on the official University of Exeter website and UCAS before applying.
Entry Requirements Database (Med & Dent)
Entry Requirements Database (Med & Dent): Search every UK medical and dental school’s entry requirements in one place – A-levels, GCSEs, UCAT, contextual offers and more, all kept up to date for 2027 entry.