Dentistry (first-year entry) BDS

The best way to get a feel for what it's like to study at the School of Dentistry is to come and visit us on one our open days
.

37 points overall including a minimum of:
7,6,6 in the Higher Level subjects, which must include Biology and Chemistry with 7 and 6
5,5,5 in the Standard Level subjects
1 core point
If you have an Irish Leaving Certificate you must apply for entry to the Dentistry (pre-dental entry) (6 Years) [BDS]
(A204).
We normally require AAAAA including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language and Mathematics.
Two Advanced Highers including Biology and Chemistry are required at grades AA.
Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications although we do expect to see grades from examinations that include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language and Maths. We welcome your application if you are studying for this qualification, your application will be considered on an individual bachelorsis.
We welcome applications from overseas students. A wide range of qualifications are considered but if you meet the entry requirements then applications are more straightforward.
Where clarification is required with respect to the acceptability of particular qualifications, you should contact the admissions secretary.
We do not accept applications from individuals already holding a dental qualification awarded by another country.
Access courses are accepted if you have not previously studied at University and have usually had a minimum of 2 years out of education gaining work experience prior to starting an Access Course. An Access Course must be Science bachelorsed. 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at Level 3.
Minimum of 15 graded Credits each in Biology and Chemistry plus a minimum of 15 Credits in Physics of which a minimum of 9 must be graded. Distinctions in all Level 3 credits is required. GCSE English Language and Maths are also required with a minimum of B grades.
We welcome applicants with the Advanced Placement qualification. Your application will be considered on an individual bachelorsis.
We welcome the introduction of the level 3 specialised diplomas. We look forward to providing guidance regarding progression opportunities and subject and grade requirements when further details on equivalences are published.
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines
We encourage applications from older candidates; there is no upper age limit. The competition for places is keen and the standard of applications is high. Each application is carefully considered in light of individual circumstances.
Graduates are required to have obtained a First/2:1 pass in the first degree. In addition to this a minimum of BBB at A-level, including Biology and Chemistry, from before the first degree started and GCSE B grades in English Language, Maths and Physics are also required.
If you do not hold a degree, you should have an appropriate Access qualification.

Any queries regarding qualifications required for entry onto the course should be directed to the admissions secretary
.

Deferred applicants


If you wish to defer entry for one year, you will not be disadvantaged and should apply through UCAS
for deferred entry in the normal way.
You must be proficient in the use of the English Language. The minimum acceptable level of proficiency is:
GCSE English Language grade B or above
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade B or above

If English is not
your first language and you do not reside in the UK, we accept the International English Language Testing (IELTS) score of 7.0, with no less than 6.5 in any component.
Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
A minimum of 2 weeks shadowing a General Dental Practitioner is required prior to application. UK applicants must complete this in the UK in either NHS or Private practices and must have taken place within the last two years.
Application and selection
Applications for this course are made through UCAS


Please refer to our Application process
page for guidance
Please refer to the Application process
page for further guidance on the following:
How to apply
How your application is considered
Personal statement guidance
Interview requirements
Aptitude test requirements
It is important for those with non UK standard qualifications to have high grades, certificated, in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths from High School plus a recognised English Language qualification as well as meeting the A-Level/IB or equivalent requirements.
UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT): All applicants for the BDS course will be required to sit the UKCAT.

See:
Application process
for more information.
Health screening

In Manchester, you will be introduced to the clinic in the first term. Therefore, you will have to produce satisfactory evidence on non-infectivity with respect to the blood-borne viruses HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tuberculosis. In addition, you must pass a health screening in Student Occupational Health prior to entry to ensure you are fit to practice.
All potential students have to undergo a Disclosure and bachelorrring Service (DBS) check. This will reveal any criminal convictions, spent or unspent, as well as any police cautions, warnings or reprimands. Applicants must declare any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands on their UCAS application. Some criminal convictions may preclude candidates from working as a dentist.
If you are re-sitting your A-Levels, you will be considered for entry, though you should have only re-sat either Year 12 or Year 13.
If you have taken three A levels, you are expected to have obtained a minimum of Grade B in each subject at the first sitting.
If you are re-sitting Year 13, you are expected to achieve Grades A*AA in the A level subjects specified above with the A* in Biology or Chemistry and the A* is expected to be achieved in the additional year. All previous grade achievements must be included in the UCAS form.
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Transfers to the School of Dentistry from other courses are not possible.
You are required to have observed a general dental practitioner at work before applying. A minimum period of two-weeks experience in a general dental practice (either NHS or private or both) is required.
Course details