What is UCAT?

UCAT is an aptitude test used by many medical schools to assist in their selection procedures.

The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by university medical and dental schools as important. It consists of five separately timed subtests which each contain a number of questions in a multiple-choice format. Once started the test cannot be paused for a break but before each subtest, there is a timed instruction section.  

All applicants to Sunderland must take the UCAT test in the year of application. The test is valid for one year.

UCAT Subtests:

• Verbal Reasoning
  Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.
• Decision Making
  Assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.
• Quantitative Reasoning
  Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form.
• Abstract Reasoning
  Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
• Situational Judgement
  Measures the capacity to understand real-world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.

Please see the UCAT website for further information.

Our minimum UCAT cut-off scores are displayed below:

Find out further information on the UCAT test statistics.

Published: 1 July 2024