UCAT

Basics You Need To Know 

*COVID-19 has impacted on the traditional methods in which UCAT is usually sat, for more information and updates click here. The 2020 UCAT will still take place.

1st June 2020 changes include:

-Ability to sit UCAT at home using Pearson Vue (OnVue) software or ( like traditionally) at a Pearson Vue test centre ( as it has been done traditionally)

-Registration opens 1st July 2020

-New testing dates between 3rd August 2020 to 1st October 2020

-Candidates are advised to sit testing as early as possible due to the ongoing uncertainty due to COVID-19 brings

What is the UCAT ?

The UCAT is an additional exam dental applicants must take depending on their chosen university.

Are the UCAT and UKCAT the same?

The UCAT replaced the UKCAT in 2019 – despite the name change, the UCAT is identical to the UKCAT.

For 2020 applicants, the UCAT can be taken at home using OnVue, Pearson Vue’s software or at Pearson Vue Test Centre located both nationally and internationally. The UCAT is an aptitude test which you can access on screen. Questions are drawn at random from a large database so it is unlikely questions will be the same for each candidate.

When should I take this test ?

For those wishing to apply to study Dentistry in the 2020/21 cycle, the test is be taken between 3rd August 2020 and 1st October 2020, .

What is the structure of the exam?

There are five components to the test:

1) Verbal reasoning 

Number of Questions: 44

Time for Questions: 21 minutes 

Time for Instructions: 1 minute 

This section aims to test a candidates ability to analyse important information from a piece of text and determine whether specific conclusions can be derived from the text. The test includes 11 pieces of text, each approximately 200 to 300 words. Each text is followed by 4 questions about it. The topics of the text are generic and do not necessarily relate to Medicine/Dentistry. The purpose of this section is to determine whether you can interpret and comprehend information in a meaningful way. 

2) Decision making

Number of Questions: 29

Time for Questions: 31 minutes 

Time for Instructions : 1 minute

This section aims to test the candidates ability to solve problems, manage risks and deal with uncertainty. Some of the questions asked can be in the form of texts, charts, graphs , tables and even diagrams. These are aimed at testing your problem solving abilities, some of the questions may contain several stems and also vary in difficulty. It is important to practice your basic probability skills and logical reasoning. 

3) Quantitative reasoning

Number of Questions : 36

Time for Questions: 24 minutes 

Time for Instructions : 1 minute 

This section tests the candidates ability to manipulate, interpret and analyse data. The candidate will also be asked to comprehend data in different forms such as a tables, graphs or even charts. The information will mostly be numerical and there will be mathematical calculations. There are nine sections containing 4 questions each. You are provided with five possible answers and you must select the right answer. When revising, it is prudent to practice under timed conditions as students often struggle with the limited time given in this section. 

4) Abstract reasoning

Number of Questions: 55

Time for Questions: 13 minutes

Time for Instructions: 1 minute 

The candidate is assessed on their ability to analyse and recognise abstract patterns. This is done through various shapes where the candidate must identify the relationship between each set of shapes. The purpose of this is to determine whether the candidate can derive a hypothesis and apply it to make a decision when there are distracting factors present.  

5) Situational judgement

Number of Questions: 69

Time for Questions: 26 minutes

Time for Instructions: 1 minute 

This section tests the candidate on real world problems and identifies critical information to deal with them. There are scenarios given in which the candidate must reach a decision as to how to deal with the problem. It requires candidates to think critically and place themselves in the role of a professional. There are approximately 20 scenarios given and candidates must make a decision using the right principles. One scenario usually has two to four follow up questions.

FREE trial of our UCAT online mastery course

List of Universities which use this test (majority use UCAT):

University of Aberdeen

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol

University of Cardiff

University of Dundee

University of Glasgow

King’s College London

University of Liverpool

University of Manchester

University of Newcastle

Plymouth University ( for Direct School leavers, non direct school leavers must take the GAMSAT)

Queen Mary’s School of Dentistry

Queen’s University, Belfast

University of Sheffield

( Leeds is the only dental school requiring the BMAT. UCLAN do not require the UCAT or BMAT assessment test)

Link to official UCAT website

Useful links and resources for Best UCAT course

BMAT

Basics You Need To Know

*COVID-19 update - The September 2020 date is CANCELLED, there will only be a November 2020 sitting.

What is the BMAT?

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a 2 hours test used by universities as part of their selection criteria to predict academic potential. The exam takes a written format and is conducted through a test centre which can be found online. The BMAT is a non-calculator based test, so candidates must perform mental arithmetic or undertake calculations on paper. This is an admissions exam which, together with your personal statement, academic results, predictions and references, will determine whether you are invited for an interview. Find out which universities require this below.

When must I take this ?

For 2020, due to COVID-19, the BMAT can only be taken in November in the year of application.

What is the structure of this test ?

It is composed of three sections:

 1) Aptitude and skills

Number of Questions: 35

Time for Questions: 60 minutes

Format: Multiple choice

This section aims to test your problem solving skills, how well you can understand arguments and your ability to analyse, infer and deduce data. You will be assessed on your ability to distinguish between relevant and unnecessary information.  Problem solving questions assess whether you can spot patterns and relationships between different sets of data,  and combine data from different sources to identify a solution. Data analysis and inference questions, on the other hand, test your ability to interpret larger amounts of information. For understanding argument questions you are given a short piece of text and a list of statements from which you must choose the answer that fits the question.

2) Scientific knowledge and Applications

Number of Questions: 27

Time for Questions: 30 minutes

Format: Multiple choice or short answer 

This section tests your knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics as well as your ability to apply key principles towards given problems. Due to the time limit, you have about 1 minute for each question. The four topics are tested to the National curriculum Key stage 4 difficulty, some questions are designed to push candidates further academically.  There are 7 questions for each of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections. With Mathematics there are usually 6 questions asked, however this figure does vary every year. 

3) Writing Task

Number of Questions: 1 

Time for Question: 30 minutes including planning time

Format: Essay 

You will be given a choice of three questions from which you select one to write about. This tests your ability to understand a question, create an argument with valid reasoning and provide a counter-argument whilst communicating your ideas clearly and effectively. You must fit your whole answer in about 30 lines on an A4 sheet. This tests your ability to write a coherent and well-reasoned piece of work. The essay that you write may also be communicated to your university along with your results, which you may be asked about at your interview. It is good to be aware of current affairs around the time you take the BMAT as the questions are often centred around them. For example, funding of the NHS, coronavirus, Brexit etc. It is usually good to present a balanced opinion unless you really feel strongly towards one argument but ensure you can back up what you’re saying with evidence. 

List of Universities which use this test:

University of Leeds ( Dentistry ) 

University of Cambridge 

University of Oxford

 Imperial college London University College

London Royal Veterinary College

Brighton and Sussex Medical School 

Lancaster University

 Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine ( Singapore)