Admissions Policy

The University of Aberdeen has an equal opportunities policy to which the medical school adheres. An applicant's race, ethnicity, gender, marital or parental status, educational or social background will have no influence on how their application is assessed.

The University of Aberdeen believes a diverse student population is important from an educational and social perspective; enhancing the educational experience for all.

We welcome applications from students with disabilities and health conditions (both physical and mental). A disability or a health condition need not be a bar to becoming a doctor if the student can meet the outcomes set out in Outcomes for Graduates (Tomorrows Doctors) 2015. However, it is important that disabilities and health conditions are declared so that any reasonable adjustments required during the application process and during the course are put in place.

Note that dyslexia falls into the disability category as mistakes in prescribing can have serious results if dyslexia is not declared and if protective measures are not in place. Independent assessment of dyslexia is therefore important. 

The application for admission provides applicants with the opportunity to disclose a disability and the University of Aberdeen encourages early disclosure. Early disclosure enables the University to work with you to ensure that appropriate support systems are in place during the admissions process and during your studies.

The University’s Disability Advisers are the main point of contact for discussing any requirements you may have. They are based in the Students’ Union Building (Top Floor), Elphinstone Road, in the Student Advice and Support Office, Student Support Services. If you think it would be helpful, you are welcome to contact a Disability Adviser for a confidential discussion on your application. More information can be found on our web pages at www.abdn.ac.uk/disability or by email: student.disability@abdn.ac.uk 

consideration of individual cases is only possible by referral to Occupational Health for a full assessment. This is undertaken separately from the selection process and only once a provisional offer of admission has been made and accepted.

In exceptional circumstances, admission to medical school may be refused and a provisional offer withdrawn on grounds of fitness to practise. The General Medical Council has made recommendations (Gateways to the professions and Supporting medical students with mental health conditions) concerning Student Health and Conduct. Medical Schools should not admit students who would not be able to meet the outcomes set out in Outcomes for Graduates (Tomorrow’s Doctors), even with reasonable adjustments in place.

All applicants to Medicine must declare criminal offences on the UCAS form. Any declaration will be further explored and further details will be required.

All entrants to medical schools in the UK are required to undergo a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check. Applicants who accept an offer of admission to Medicine in Aberdeen will be contacted prior to the start of term and guided through the process of application through Disclosure Scotland for this criminal records check. Non-UK domiciled entrants will be required to supply the university with equivalent certification from their home government. This documentation must be received as soon as possible to allow consideration of the individual circumstances by the University prior to the commencement of studies. 

Not all convictions will result in being barred from the profession. Should potential applicants have uncertainty about a declaration, the Admissions Office will be able to offer advice about a future application for Medicine to Aberdeen

Applicants with serious criminal convictions may be refused entry on grounds of fitness to practise. Failure to declare information, which directly relates to your Fitness to Practise will result in the termination of your medical school course.

All applicants are judged on their merits and in particular, their potential benefit to the medical profession.

There is no fixed upper age limit. Mature applicants must have completed and achieved our minimum academic requirements within six years of their proposed entry to the MBChB programme.

All applicants are expected to have completed a normal programme of school studies. Scottish applicants are encouraged to participate and experience S6, even if the minimum entry requirements have been achieved at the end of S5.

We do not allow transfer into the programme to students who have commenced other degree courses, nor can the School consider applicants who have commenced an alternate degree course with the intention of making an application whilst they are an undergraduate student of that course.

We are well aware of the difficulties faced by students who, for various reasons, do not wish to complete their course of studies and would prefer to enter the programme. While sympathy is felt for the plight of such students, we are inundated with requests for transfer.

Our usual advice in these circumstances is to complete the current degree to at least 2:1 Honours level and then apply as a graduate.

For further information on how widening access will be addressed in the admissions cycle, please click here to read our policy.