UCLan Medicine: A Practical Pathway for Canadian Applicants
I’ve been mapping out UK medical schools as a Canadian student, and UCLan stood out for its grounded tone and community feel. If you’re weighing where you’ll learn best—and live well—this review walks through the course structure, admissions for Canadians, student voices, and what life looks like in Preston day to day.
🏥 Learning at UCLan
UCLan’s MBBS is designed for small-group learning and early patient contact, with a strong focus on developing clinical skills in a supportive environment.
📅 Year 1 – Foundations in biomedical sciences, anatomy, and clinical skills, plus early patient interaction through community placements.
📅 Year 2 – Systems-based teaching integrates pathology, pharmacology, and more advanced clinical skills, with continued community-based placements.
🏥 Year 3 – Transition to full clinical rotations in hospital and primary care settings across the region, supported by case-based learning.
🏥 Year 4 – Specialist rotations in areas such as paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics & gynaecology, and surgery, alongside research or elective opportunities.
🎓 Year 5 – Final preparation for practice with assistantship placements, shadowing foundation doctors, and intensive exam preparation.
🌱 How UCLan Ranks in the UK
UCLan’s MBBS program is relatively new compared to century-old medical schools, so it doesn’t appear in the Guardian or Complete University Guide’s top 20 lists for medicine. However, its reputation is steadily growing, particularly for its small cohort sizes and emphasis on personalised teaching. The university itself ranks in the mid-range nationally, but among students, UCLan is often seen as an approachable, clinically focused place to train.
📊 UCAT & Entry Requirements for Canadians
UCLan is unique among UK medical schools because it does not require the UCAT or BMAT for entry. Instead, selection is based on academic grades, a personal statement, references, and an interview. For Canadian students, you’ll need:
High School Grades – At least 85–90% average in senior-level Biology and Chemistry (Grade 12), plus a strong overall GPA.
English Language – IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall (with no component below 6.5) unless you’re exempt as an English-speaking high school graduate.
Interview – Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), often conducted online for international applicants.
Other Requirements – Evidence of work experience, voluntary service, or healthcare-related exposure is strongly recommended.
🗣️ Real Student Quotes
"The small class sizes mean you actually get to know your lecturers and they know you by name, which makes asking for help so much easier." – MedStudent123, The Student Room
"Preston isn’t the most glamorous city, but the cost of living is low and everything you need is within walking distance." – u/ukmedlife, Reddit
🧑🎓 Student Societies & Support
One thing UCLan does well is variety—you’ve got faith-based groups like the Islamic Society, Christian Union, Jewish Society, Hindu Society, Sikh Society, Buddhist Society, and Catholic Society. Then there are cultural communities such as the Afro-Caribbean Society, South Asian Society, and others that celebrate food, music, and traditions. Identity-based groups include the LGBTQ+ Society, Women in Medicine, and more. If you want to add an academic angle, there’s the Medical Society, Surgical Society, and several other healthcare-related groups.
From my perspective as a Canadian Muslim student, it’s reassuring to see these spaces exist—it means you can balance the intensity of medical school with a supportive social life where you feel understood.
🌆 City Life in Preston
Preston might not be Manchester or London, but it’s got a surprisingly lively student scene. Fishergate is your go-to high street for shopping and cafés, while the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre host regular events. For food, you’ll find several halal spots like Alis BBQ House and Jaffa, plus late-night takeaways popular with students. Avenham and Miller Parks offer green escapes right by the city centre, perfect for study breaks. And with Manchester and Liverpool under an hour away by train, big-city weekends are within easy reach.
🇨🇦 Canadian Applicant Tip
With no UCAT or BMAT required, UCLan levels the field for Canadians who excel in academics and interviews. Build a strong portfolio of healthcare-related volunteering, shadowing, and leadership roles—these can tip the scales in your favour.
✅ Pros
No UCAT or BMAT required for entry
Small class sizes with personalised teaching
Early patient contact from Year 1
Lower cost of living compared to larger UK cities
Strong support from approachable staff
⚠️ Cons
Newer MBBS program without long-established reputation
Preston is quieter than bigger UK student hubs
Limited exposure to high-volume tertiary hospitals compared to London or Manchester
🧭 Final Thoughts
If your strengths are academics, interview skills, and building real-world experience, UCLan plays to those advantages. Without the UCAT hurdle, you can focus on crafting a strong application and getting the most out of a program designed for hands-on learning. For Canadians aiming for a practical, focused medical education, it’s a smart option.
– Malik Ulch
