University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton University Medicine Entry Requirements - Southampton UCAT Cut Off & Acceptance Rate
- The Medic Life
- 3 hours ago
- 19 min read
The University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine is one of the UK's leading medical schools, built around a distinctive ethos of early clinical exposure and research-led teaching. Students at Southampton gain hands-on experience from the very first weeks of their degree — at University Hospital Southampton (one of the UK's largest teaching hospitals), GP surgeries, ambulance services, and community organisations across the Wessex region.
What makes Southampton genuinely unique in the UK medical landscape is its range of medicine pathways: the standard five-year BM5 (A100), a four-year Graduate Entry BM4 (A101), and the six-year BM6 Widening Participation route (A102). Understanding which course applies to you, and what each requires, is the essential starting point for any Southampton medicine application.
In this guide, Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad, The Medic Life's admissions expert, breaks down every entry requirement for Southampton Medicine for 2026 entry — A-levels, GCSEs, UCAT, the IB, all three course routes, contextual offers, the Selection Day interview, graduate entry, international requirements, fees and much more.
Expert note from Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad: "Southampton has one of the most holistic and genuinely transparent selection processes I have seen. The UCAT is the primary shortlisting tool for BM5 and BM4, ranking applicants for Selection Day — but unlike some schools, Southampton explicitly uses the UCAT to shortlist and makes offers based entirely on Selection Day performance. The SJT is not used at any stage. Personal statements are read to inform Selection Day interview questions. This means every element — strong UCAT, a considered personal statement, and excellent Selection Day performance — must work together."
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Medicine Courses — Which Route Is Right for You?
Southampton offers three distinct undergraduate medicine pathways. Choosing the correct course before applying is essential — each has different entry requirements, eligibility rules and target applicant groups.
Course | Key Details |
BM5 (A100) — 5-Year BMBS | Standard five-year route open to school leavers, graduates, mature non-graduates and international students. Most widely applicable. AAA standard offer. |
BM4 (A101) — 4-Year Graduate Entry | Accelerated route for graduates only. Home students only (international applicants must apply to BM5). No A-level requirement. 2:1 degree in any subject. Bypasses Year 1. |
BM6 (A102) — 6-Year Widening Participation | Six-year course with introductory Year 0. Home students only. Specifically for applicants who meet 3 of 6 widening participation criteria. Not open to graduates or those who have previously studied in HE. |
Applicants may apply to both BM4 and BM5, or both BM5 and BM6 — but each counts as a separate UCAS choice. You are advised to use no more than four of your five UCAS choices for medicine. If applying to both, you will need to submit two separate applications and satisfy the relevant requirements for each.
Southampton BM5 Medicine Entry Requirements: At a Glance
Here is a quick-reference overview of the key entry requirements for the five-year BM5 BMBS Medicine course (UCAS code A100) at the University of Southampton for 2026 entry.
Requirement | Standard School Leaver Entry (BM5 — A100) |
A-levels (standard) | AAA including A-level Biology + one additional science from Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography |
A-levels (contextual) | AAB including Biology + one additional science — for Home School Leavers meeting two University contextual criteria |
GCSEs | 7 at grade B/6 or above including English Language, Mathematics and Biology+Chemistry, Combined Science, or Science+Additional Science |
UCAT | Required; BM5 applicants ranked by UCAT score; highest scorers invited to Selection Day; SJT not used |
IB | 36 points overall; 18 at Higher Level; HL 6 in Biology + one additional science |
Scottish Highers | AAAAB to include Biology and one additional science; Advanced Highers considered case by case |
Selection Day | In-person event with MMI-format stations and group tasks; offers made solely on Selection Day performance |
Interview vs Offers | Where Selection Day scores are tied, UCAT used as tiebreaker |
Personal Statement | Reviewed; used to inform interview questions at Selection Day (not scored for shortlisting) |
Work Experience | Not scored for shortlisting; discussed and reflected upon at Selection Day |
Graduate Route (BM5) | 2:1 in any degree; 4 GCSEs at C/4+; no A-level requirement; UCAT required |
International Places | Open (via BM5 only); IELTS 7.5 minimum |
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Medicine Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics
Southampton Medicine is highly competitive. The Faculty receives several thousand applications each year across all three courses for a relatively small number of places. Here is what the data tells us.
<14% Approximate overall acceptance rate (MedicHut) | ~2680+ Competitive UCAT score for BM5 shortlisting (est., previous cycles out of 3,600) | 2810 Published 2023 entry UCAT cut-off for BM5 (out of 3,600 old system) | Jan–Mar Typical Selection Day window |
Southampton does not publish a fixed advance UCAT cut-off score for BM5 or BM4. The threshold varies each year based on the quality and number of applications received. For 2023 entry, the BM5 home student UCAT cut-off was reported as 2,810 out of the old 3,600 scoring system (which included Abstract Reasoning). For 2024 and 2025 entry, applicants reported thresholds in the 2,600–2,750+ range. For 2026 entry (new 2,700 scoring system with Abstract Reasoning removed), the competitive score is expected to be in the region of 2,200–2,500+ — though this cannot be confirmed until after applications are reviewed.
Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad's perspective: "Southampton's refusal to publish a fixed UCAT cut-off is deliberate — it prevents applicants gaming the system and submitting 'just enough' scores. The practical effect is that you need to treat your UCAT preparation as a competition to reach the highest possible score, not as a threshold to cross. In recent cycles, the BM5 home cut-off has been among the highest of any UK medical school. If you are targeting Southampton, targeting a UCAT score in the upper quartile of all test-takers — roughly 2,300 or above out of 2,700 — is the sensible strategy."
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton BM5 A-Level Entry Requirements
Southampton's A-level requirements for BM5 are clearly defined. Biology is compulsory, and a specific second science must be included. The third A-level is flexible.
Standard Offer — AAA
AAA at A-level, including A-level Biology and one additional science
Additional science must be from: Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography
A pass in practical examinations is required where these are separately endorsed as part of the A-level
Third A-level: most subjects accepted — does not need to be a science
Contextual Offer — AAB
AAB at A-level, including Biology and one additional science (from the list above)
Available only to Home (UK) School Leaver applicants who meet two University contextual admissions criteria
Graduate, Mature Non-Graduate and International applicants are NOT eligible for the contextual A-level offer
Contextual applicants must still meet the standard GCSE requirements (7 GCSEs at B/6 or above)
Subjects NOT Accepted
Citizenship Studies
Applied Science
General Studies
Critical Thinking
Overlapping subject combinations — for example: Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education (these combinations will not be accepted)
A-Level Resit Policy
Southampton generally prefers first-time academic achievement. Resit applicants to BM5 may be considered, but should contact the admissions team directly (AdmissionsUG.MED@soton.ac.uk) before applying to discuss their specific circumstances, as resit policies can be applied case by case.
Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad says: "Southampton's subject flexibility for the third A-level is genuinely broad — unlike some schools that effectively require three sciences. Applicants studying History, a language, Music, Drama or any other subject alongside Biology and a science are welcomed. This reflects Southampton's commitment to producing well-rounded doctors who can communicate and connect with diverse communities. Do not feel you must choose a third science if your passions lie elsewhere — Southampton will not penalise you for it."
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton BM5 GCSE Entry Requirements
GCSEs are a gating requirement at Southampton — they are not scored or used to rank applicants. Meeting the threshold is what counts.
Standard and Contextual School Leavers (BM5)
Minimum 7 GCSEs at grade B/6 or above
Must include English Language at grade B/6 or above
Must include Mathematics at grade B/6 or above
Must include either: Biology AND Chemistry (both at B/6+); Combined Science (at BB/66+); or Science AND Additional Science (at BB/66+)
Graduate Applicants (BM5 and BM4)
Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above
Must include English Language, Mathematics, and either Biology and Chemistry, Combined Science, or Science and Additional Science
No A-level requirement applies — degree qualification replaces this
Mature Non-Graduate Applicants (BM5)
Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (same subjects as graduate GCSE requirements)
Must still meet the standard A-level entry requirement for BM5
Must be over 21 years of age at the point of application (15 October deadline)
GCSE Resit Policy
No restrictions on GCSE re-sits at Southampton
All GCSEs, including retaken ones, are considered as long as they meet the grade requirements
If you have not studied GCSEs, contact the Faculty Admissions Office: AdmissionsUG.MED@soton.ac.uk. Southampton will advise on equivalent qualifications and the required standard for international applicants who have not taken UK GCSEs.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton BM5 IB & Alternative Qualification Requirements
Southampton accepts a wide range of qualifications for BM5. Here is the full breakdown for the most commonly used alternatives.
Qualification | Southampton BM5 Requirement |
International Baccalaureate (standard) | 36 points overall; 18 points at Higher Level; Grade 6 in Biology at HL + Grade 6 in one additional science at HL from Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography; subject overlap rules apply |
Scottish Highers | AAAAB to include Biology and one additional science; Advanced Higher qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis alongside Highers |
Irish Leaving Certificate / European Baccalaureate | Contact Faculty Admissions Office for equivalencies — Southampton considers a wide range of international qualifications on an individual basis |
Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) | Accepted — 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 (or equivalent), all of which must be at Distinction; Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) specifically accepted; other access courses may be considered case by case; online access courses are NOT accepted |
Other Approved Access to Medicine Courses | Accepted if they contain appropriate scientific content; contact AdmissionsUG.MED@soton.ac.uk to confirm eligibility |
T Level qualifications are NOT accepted for BM5 at Southampton. If you are taking T Levels as your primary Level 3 qualifications, you should not apply to BM5 at Southampton and should seek advice from the admissions team about alternative options.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton UCAT Requirements & Cut-Off Score
The UCAT is a critical component of the Southampton Medicine selection process. All applicants to BM5, BM4 and BM6 must sit the UCAT — and for BM5 and BM4, it is the primary tool used to determine who receives a Selection Day invitation.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: How Southampton Uses UCAT — BM5 and BM4?
All applicants must sit UCAT before the 15 October UCAS deadline in the year of application
For BM5 and BM4, applicants who meet academic requirements are ranked by UCAT score; the highest-scoring applicants are invited to a Selection Day
Southampton does NOT publish a fixed UCAT cut-off threshold in advance — the score required varies each year based on applicant numbers and overall UCAT performance
The UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is NOT used or considered at any stage of Southampton's selection process
Where applicants who are UCAT exempt (rare exemption cases) have applied, their personal statement is used as a substitute shortlisting tool
University of Southampton graduates applying to BM4 are ranked separately by UCAT, with the highest-scoring Southampton graduates guaranteed a Selection Day invitation
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: How Southampton Uses UCAT — BM6?
BM6 applicants must also sit UCAT in the year of application
However, UCAT ranking is NOT used to determine BM6 interview invitations — instead, applicants answer three questions that are reviewed by the BM6 staff panel
BM6 invitations to a Selection Day are based on the answers to those three questions, not UCAT ranking
What Is the Southampton UCAT Cut-Off Score?
Southampton does not publish a fixed advance cut-off. The threshold varies year to year. Available historical data from student applicants (sourced from The Student Room and published discussions):
Entry Year | Reported BM5 Home UCAT Threshold / Context |
2023 entry | 2,810 out of 3,600 (old system including Abstract Reasoning) |
2024/2025 entry | Estimated 2,600–2,750 range (out of 3,600 old system) — not officially confirmed |
2026 entry (new 2,700 scoring) | Threshold not published; competitive score estimated ~2,200–2,500+ out of 2,700 based on cohort patterns and 40th percentile comparisons |
Important note | From 2025 testing (for 2026 entry), Abstract Reasoning was removed from UCAT; all scores now out of 2,700. Historical comparisons require care — raw numbers are not directly comparable. |
Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad's UCAT strategy for Southampton: "Southampton has historically had one of the highest UCAT cut-offs of any UK medical school. Even in the new 2,700 scoring system, aiming for the upper quartile is advisable. Crucially, remember that SJT plays no role whatsoever in Southampton's selection — this means you can focus your preparation entirely on the four cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and — in previous years — Abstract Reasoning, now removed). Perfect your cognitive subtest speed and accuracy."
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Medicine Selection Day — The Interview Process
Rather than a traditional MMI, Southampton runs a 'Selection Day' — a full-day event that combines individual and group assessment components. All offers are based entirely on Selection Day performance; UCAT is only used as a tiebreaker if two applicants score identically.
Feature | Detail |
Format | Individual MMI-style stations + group tasks (panel and group format) |
Basis of Offers | Solely on Selection Day performance — UCAT only used to break ties |
Attendance | In-person only — no online alternative is offered for any programme |
Invitation Notice | Typically 2-3 weeks' notice; some flexibility within the week on offered dates |
Local BM6 Places | Reserved interview places exist for BM6 applicants with a Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire address on their UCAS form |
Timing | Invitations sent from early January; Selection Days typically January–March; decisions aim for end of March |
Personal Statement | Selectors use the personal statement to inform Selection Day interview questions — it is not scored separately |
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Graduate Entry Medicine (BM4 - A101)
The BM4 Graduate Entry Medicine programme (UCAS code A101) is a four-year accelerated course for graduates who want to become doctors. It is designed for Home applicants only — international students must apply to BM5 instead.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: BM4 Academic Requirements
A minimum 2:1 Upper Second-Class Honours degree in any subject — no subject preference applied
Degree must be equivalent to a UK Honours degree
No A-level requirements — degree qualification replaces A-level academic threshold
Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and Biology + Chemistry, Combined Science, or Science + Additional Science
UCAT required: must be taken in the year of application; ranked by UCAT score for Selection Day
Applicants must be 18 or over at the start of the course
Full education and work history with no gaps must be provided — either via UCAS or by email to AdmissionsUG.MED@soton.ac.uk
BM4 Course Structure
Years 1 and 2 are bespoke to the BM4 programme, focused on foundational clinical knowledge in an accelerated format
Years 4 and 5 (described as Years 3 and 4 of BM4) are taught alongside Years 4 and 5 of BM5 and BM6
Early clinical contact from the first weeks
Intercalation opportunity available between Years 3 and 4
Reserved BM4 Places for Southampton Graduates
Southampton reserves a number of places on the BM4 programme specifically for graduates of the University of Southampton. Applicants must meet both the academic and non-academic criteria for this reserved pathway. Southampton University graduates who apply to BM4 are ranked by UCAT separately from other BM4 applicants — the highest-scoring Southampton graduates receive a guaranteed Selection Day invitation.
Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad notes: "BM4 is notable for accepting any degree subject — there is no preference for science graduates. This makes it genuinely accessible for career changers from any background. If you hold a 2:1 in History, Law, Engineering or any other discipline and want to study medicine, BM4 at Southampton is a credible pathway. The UCAT becomes even more important here since it is the sole ranking factor — invest substantially in your UCAT preparation."
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Medicine BM6 — Widening Participation (A102)
The BM6 course (UCAS code A102) is a six-year medicine programme designed specifically to widen participation in medicine for UK applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. It begins with an introductory Year 0 before joining the BM5 programme from Year 2.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: BM6 Eligibility — Who Can Apply
UK applicants only — international applicants are not eligible; must apply to BM5
Not open to graduates or applicants who have previously enrolled on a Higher Education course
Must meet THREE of the following six eligibility criteria (see table below)
Applicants who do not meet three criteria will not be considered for BM6
BM6 Eligibility Criterion | Description |
1. First Generation to HE | Neither parent nor guardian attended university in the UK or abroad and do not hold HE qualifications |
2. Means-Tested Benefits | Parents, guardian or self currently in receipt of a means-tested benefit |
3. Looked After by Local Authority | Young person looked after by a Local Authority for a period of longer than 3 months |
4. Deprived Area / Travelling Family | Current resident in an area with a postcode in the lowest 20% of IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation), or member of a travelling family |
5. Free School Meals / 16-19 Bursary | In receipt of free school meals during GCSE Years 10-11 (at least one term/2 months) and/or 16-19 Bursary/EMA |
6. Other WP Criteria | Additional criteria may apply — check Southampton's BM6 eligibility page for the full list and verification requirements |
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: BM6 Academic Requirements
A-levels: BBB including A-level Biology and one additional science (from the approved science list above)
GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 or above including English Language, Mathematics and Biology + Chemistry, Combined Science, or Science + Additional Science
UCAT: Required — but NOT ranked for BM6 shortlisting (see below)
BM6 Selection Process
BM6 shortlisting does NOT use UCAT ranking — it is based on answers to three questions sent with the eligibility form
A panel of BM6 staff review applicant answers against their criteria and decide who to invite to a Selection Day
BM6 Selection Day is in-person only — no online alternative
Local applicants (Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire UCAS address) receive reserved interview places
Aim to respond to BM6 applicants by end of March
BM6 Year 0 (introductory year): The first year focuses on key physiological, anatomical and biochemical concepts through small-group teaching, practical sessions at the Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences, and visits from guest speakers. Students then join Year 2 of the BM5 programme, studying alongside Year 2 BM5 students. BM6 students share Years 4 and 5 of the programme with BM4 and BM5 students.
Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: International Students
International students are welcome to apply to BM5 only. BM4 and BM6 are both restricted to Home (UK) applicants.
Open to international applicants via BM5 (A100) only
Same academic requirements apply as for home school leavers: AAA including Biology + one additional science; 7 GCSEs at B/6+
International graduate applicants to BM5 must hold a 2:1 equivalent degree; 4 GCSEs at C/4+
UCAT required: international applicants ranked by UCAT in the same process as home applicants for BM5
International applicants are not eligible for contextual offers
If you have not taken GCSEs, an equivalent qualification with comparable subjects and grades is required — contact enquiries@southampton.ac.uk to confirm eligibility
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: English Language Requirements
IELTS Academic: minimum overall 7.5 with minimum 7.0 in each of the four components
If English is your first language, equivalent qualification at C1 or above (CEFR scale) accepted
IB applicants without GCSEs: English Language requirement can be satisfied by Grade 5 in English A at Standard Level in the IB
TOEFL and other English language qualifications — check Southampton's English language requirements page for accepted tests and minimum scores
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: International Tuition Fees (BM5 — indicative)
Course Year | Approximate International Tuition Fee |
Pre-clinical years (Years 1–2) | Approximately £26,352 per year |
Clinical years (Years 3, 4 and 5) | Approximately £51,648 per year |
BM4 (years 1–2 bespoke; years 3–4 clinical) | Pre-clinical and clinical rates apply; Home only — international not eligible |
All fee figures are indicative. Always confirm current fees for your year of entry on Southampton's official fees page before applying. Fees typically increase annually in line with inflation.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Work Experience for Southampton Medicine
Work experience is not a formal scored component of Southampton's shortlisting process — UCAT ranking determines Selection Day invitations for BM5 and BM4. However, work experience is discussed at the Selection Day and is a meaningful part of demonstrating your motivation and insight into medicine.
Southampton expects applicants to:
Reflect on experiences gained in healthcare, caring, or related settings
Demonstrate an understanding of the realities and challenges of a medical career
Show evidence of commitment to caring for people and working in health-related environments
Be able to articulate what they learned from their experiences — reflection is more important than volume
Clinical shadowing, NHS volunteering, care home work, patient-facing employment and any experience that brings you into contact with people in a health or caring context are all relevant. Virtual or online work experience is also recognised as valuable, particularly where in-person access has been limited.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Southampton Contextual Admissions - How It Works for BM5
Southampton uses contextual data to support applicants from under-represented backgrounds. For BM5, the contextual offer (AAB instead of AAA) is available to Home School Leaver applicants who meet two University contextual admissions criteria.
Southampton's contextual criteria typically include:
Attending a school or college with lower-than-average progression rates to higher education
Resident in a postcode area that falls within the lowest quintiles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
Care experience — having been in local authority care
First generation to higher education — neither parent attended university
Other criteria as defined in the University's contextual admissions policy
To be considered for a contextual offer at BM5, you need to meet two of Southampton's University contextual criteria — not just one. Contextual applicants still meet the standard GCSE requirements (7 GCSEs at B/6+) but are considered at AAB rather than AAA for A-level grades. The Ignite Southampton programme (Southampton's widening participation scheme for Year 12-13 students) can help prepare applicants from under-represented groups for university and medicine applications.
University of Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions - Southampton Medicine Entry Requirements
Q: What A-level do you need for Southampton University Medicine?
A: For the standard five-year BM5 (A100), Southampton requires AAA at A-level including A-level Biology and one additional science from Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. The third A-level can be in most subjects (not Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, General Studies, or Critical Thinking). Subject combinations with considerable overlap are not accepted. A contextual offer of AAB is available for Home School Leaver applicants who meet two University contextual criteria. Graduate applicants to BM5 or BM4 do not need A-levels — a 2:1 degree in any subject is required instead.
Q: What UCAT score do you need for Southampton Medicine?
A: Southampton does not publish a fixed advance UCAT cut-off. BM5 and BM4 applicants are ranked by their UCAT cognitive score, and the highest scorers are invited to a Selection Day. The threshold changes every year. For 2023 entry, the BM5 home cut-off was reported at 2,810 out of the old 3,600 scoring system. For 2026 entry (new 2,700 scoring system), a competitive score is estimated at 2,200–2,500+ — but this cannot be confirmed until applications are reviewed. Southampton does not use the SJT in its selection process. For BM6, UCAT ranking is not used — shortlisting is based on written answers reviewed by the BM6 staff team.
Q: Is Southampton Medical School hard to get into?
A: Yes — Southampton Medicine is highly competitive. The acceptance rate is under 14%, and the UCAT threshold has historically been among the highest of any UK medical school. The Selection Day is a rigorous in-person process that cannot be attended online, making preparation and performance on the day decisive. That said, Southampton's holistic process — considering UCAT, personal statement content, and Selection Day performance — means a well-rounded, well-prepared applicant has a strong chance.
Q: What are the entry requirements for Southampton University Medicine BM5?
A: BM5 (standard school leavers): AAA at A-level including Biology + one additional science; 7 GCSEs at B/6+ including English, Maths and sciences; UCAT in year of application (ranked for Selection Day invitation). Contextual offer: AAB for Home School Leavers meeting two University contextual criteria; standard GCSE requirement still applies. Graduate applicants: 2:1 degree in any subject; 4 GCSEs at C/4+; no A-level requirement; UCAT required. IB: 36 points, 18 at Higher Level, HL 6 in Biology + one additional science.
Q: What is Southampton Graduate Entry Medicine and what are the requirements?
A: Southampton offers BM4 (A101) — a four-year Graduate Entry programme for Home applicants only. Requirements: 2:1 Honours degree in any subject; 4 GCSEs at grade C/4+ including English Language, Maths and science; UCAT in the year of application. No A-level requirement. Applications ranked by UCAT for Selection Day. Offers based on Selection Day performance. BM4 is Home students only — international graduates must apply to BM5 instead. Southampton University graduates have a reserved pathway with a guaranteed Selection Day invitation for the highest UCAT scorers.
Q: What is the University of Southampton Medicine Foundation Year (BM6)?
A: BM6 (A102) is a six-year Widening Participation programme with an introductory Year 0. It is only open to Home (UK) applicants who meet three of six specified eligibility criteria (including first generation to HE, means-tested benefits, looked after by Local Authority, deprived area postcode, free school meals, and others). A-level requirement is BBB including Biology and one additional science; 5 GCSEs at C/4+; UCAT required. Shortlisting is not based on UCAT ranking for BM6 — it is based on answers to three questions reviewed by the BM6 staff. Not open to graduates or those previously enrolled in HE.
Q: What is Southampton's UCAT cut-off for 2026 entry?
A: Southampton does not publish a fixed UCAT cut-off for BM5 in advance — the threshold varies based on applicant performance each cycle. For 2026 entry (UCAT tested July–September 2025, scores out of a new maximum of 2,700 following removal of Abstract Reasoning), the competitive threshold is estimated at 2,200–2,500+. Historical data: the 2023 entry BM5 home cut-off was reported at 2,810 out of the old 3,600 system. Southampton does not use the SJT in any part of its selection process. The UCAT is used only to rank applicants for Selection Day — all offers are based on Selection Day performance.
Q: What are the University of Southampton Medicine fees?
A: Home students pay the standard regulated undergraduate tuition fee for medicine — check Southampton's official fees page for 2026 entry confirmed figures. International students on BM5 pay approximately £26,352 per year for pre-clinical years (Years 1–2) and approximately £51,648 per year for clinical years (Years 3, 4 and 5). BM4 and BM6 are not open to international students. All fees are subject to annual increases. For confirmed 2026 entry fees, contact enquiries@southampton.ac.uk or visit southampton.ac.uk/study/fees-funding.
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