- Desire2Study
- Mar 26
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Table of Contents
What is Medicine Clearing?
Securing a place in medical school is an important milestone for aspiring doctors in the UK, but the journey is rarely simple. With high entry standards, limited spaces, and fierce competition, even the most qualified candidates can face setbacks. Sometimes, students fail to meet their required grades, or their plans change due to unforeseen personal or academic challenges. For these students, medicine through clearing can be a crucial lifeline, providing another opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor. But we will also look at the alternative routes to UCAS medicine clearing like choosing medical schools in Europe taught in English.
So, can you apply for medicine through clearing? Absolutely. The clearing process offers students a chance to secure unfilled places at universities, particularly if their original plans didn’t go as expected. However, it's important to note that clearing places for medicine are highly competitive, with universities receiving hundreds of inquiries for a very limited number of spots. As such, students must act swiftly, stay organized, and have a clear strategy in mind to maximize their chances.
Clearing not only gives students a second chance but also demonstrates their resilience and determination—qualities highly valued in the medical field. The process may feel daunting, but with the right preparation and approach, it can serve as a gateway to fulfilling your lifelong ambition. Knowing the ins and outs of clearing medicine and staying proactive throughout the process are key to turning this opportunity into a reality.
This guide provides an in-depth exploration of what medicine clearing entails, how to navigate the system effectively, and what alternative routes you can consider if things don’t go as planned. From understanding the basics of UCAS clearing to exploring options like medicine foundation courses abroad, you’ll find all the essential details here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Can You Get into Medicine Through Clearing?
Can you get into medicine through clearing? Absolutely, but the process is highly competitive due to limited spaces and rigorous entry requirements. Medicine is one of the most sought-after fields in clearing, and universities offering these places often have stringent criteria to ensure they admit only the most capable and determined students.
Typically, universities participating in medicine clearing prioritize candidates with exceptional academic achievements, especially strong A-Level grades in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and occasionally Mathematics or Physics. Most institutions expect grades of AAA or AAB, reflecting the demanding nature of medical studies. Beyond academic performance, universities may also consider additional factors such as relevant healthcare experience, a strong personal statement, and a commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.
While medicine clearing places are scarce, there are success stories that prove it’s possible to secure a spot through clearing. Universities such as the University of Sunderland and University of Lincoln have previously offered medicine places via clearing, giving determined students a chance to achieve their goals. However, it's important to remember that availability changes every year. Some institutions may only offer places under specific circumstances, such as under-enrollment or last-minute withdrawals by other candidates.
To improve your chances of getting into medicine, flexibility is crucial. Being open to studying at universities outside your preferred location broadens your options. Additionally, acting quickly is essential; clearing places for medicine can fill up within hours on A-Level results day. Start researching potential universities in advance, and ensure your application materials—such as your personal statement and references—are polished and ready to go.
Ultimately, securing a place in medical school through clearing is challenging but not impossible. For students who are prepared, proactive, and willing to adapt, clearing can provide a valuable second chance to turn their medical aspirations into reality. Persistence and determination are key to navigating this competitive process successfully.
How Does the Clearing System Work for Medicine?
The UCAS clearing system is designed to match students without offers to universities with available spaces. For medicine, the process typically works as follows:
Key Steps:
Check UCAS Track: If you haven’t met your offer conditions, you’ll automatically become eligible for clearing.
Research Clearing Universities: Identify clearing universities for medicine with open places.
Prepare Your Application: Have your personal statement and reference letters ready to submit.
Contact Universities Directly: Most universities require students to call their admissions offices to inquire about availability.
Attend Interviews (if required): Some institutions may conduct interviews before making offers.
Confirm Your Offer: Update your UCAS application to accept your place.
Acting swiftly and being prepared can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot.
Can I Apply for Medicine Through Clearing?
Eligibility for medicine clearing depends on meeting specific requirements, and universities offering medicine clearing places typically demand high grades (AAA or AAB) in A-Levels, often including Biology and Chemistry.
Can I get into medicine through clearing? Yes, but universities also favour applicants who:
Just missed their conditional offers.
Have relevant healthcare experience.
Meet GCSE and UCAT criteria.
In addition to academic achievements, universities often look for candidates who can demonstrate strong motivation and a genuine passion for medicine. Highlighting your personal experiences, such as voluntary work in healthcare or shadowing medical professionals, can strengthen your application and set you apart from other applicants. Staying prepared with an updated personal statement and being ready to articulate your commitment during potential interviews can significantly enhance your chances in the competitive clearing process.
How to Find Out if a University Has Medicine Clearing Places?
Locating clearing universities for medicine requires a combination of thorough research and quick, decisive action. Since places for medicine clearing in medicine are extremely limited, staying proactive and well-prepared is key. Here are some effective strategies to help you identify available spots:
UCAS Clearing Search Tool: This essential tool is regularly updated with information about available places for clearing. By checking it frequently, you can stay informed about medicine clearing places and act quickly when opportunities appear.
University Websites: Many universities post updates about their clearing vacancies directly on their websites. These are often listed under their admissions or clearing sections, so keep an eye on institutions that commonly participate in clearing medicine.
Admissions Offices: Contacting universities directly is one of the most reliable ways to get up-to-date information. Speaking with admissions staff allows you to confirm availability and get insights into specific entry requirements.
Student Forums: Online communities and forums, such as The Student Room, can be valuable resources. Current and former applicants often share their experiences and tips, as well as updates on which clearing universities are offering places.
Social Media and Newsletters: Many universities announce clearing updates via their official social media channels or newsletters. Following universities on platforms like Twitter or signing up for their mailing lists can give you real-time updates.
By combining these approaches and staying organized, you can quickly identify opportunities as they arise and increase your chances of securing a place in medicine clearing process.
Which Medical Schools in the UK offer Medicine Clearing?
While medical school places in UCAS Clearing are limited, some universities have historically offered spots due to last-minute withdrawals or unfilled seats. Some of the UK medical universities with medicine clearing places in the past are:
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) – Known to offer Clearing places in medicine during certain years.
University of Buckingham – Occasionally provides Clearing opportunities for medicine.
Aston University – Participates in Clearing for medicine, depending on the year.
University of Hull York Medical School – May offer Clearing spaces for medicine in some cases.
University of Southampton – Has been known to offer Clearing places for medicine in the past.
Availability can vary each year, so always check the UCAS website and contact the admissions teams directly. Clearing places for medicine are highly competitive and often fill up quickly, so acting fast is essential.
How to Prepare for Medicine Clearing
Preparation is essential for successfully navigating the competitive and fast-paced clearing process. With limited spaces for medicine UCAS clearing, having a clear strategy and being ready to act quickly can significantly improve your chances. Here are some steps you can take to prepare effectively:
Research Potential Universities Early: Identify institutions that are known to participate in medicine clearing and gather information about their entry requirements, selection processes, and contact details. Being familiar with universities’ preferences will save valuable time when places become available.
Update Your Personal Statement: Ensure your personal statement reflects your dedication to medicine. Highlight relevant experiences, such as volunteer work in healthcare, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment and suitability for a medical career.
Ensure You Meet Entry Requirements: Review the criteria for each university offering medicine clearing places, including A-Level grades, GCSEs, and UCAT scores. Confirm that you meet their academic expectations before applying, as this will help you focus on universities where you are most likely to succeed.
Practice Communication Skills: If interviews are required as part of the clearing process, rehearse discussing your passion for medicine and your qualifications. Being confident and articulate during conversations with admissions staff can leave a strong impression.
Be Ready to Act on Results Day: Clearing universities for medicine release spaces quickly, so be prepared to contact admissions offices immediately after receiving your A-Level results. Have all necessary documents, including your UCAS ID, results, and references, ready to streamline the process.
By combining thorough research, preparation, and quick action, you can maximize your chances of securing a place in medical school through clearing.
Alternative Routes if You Don’t Get a Medicine Clearing Place
Not securing a medicine clearing place doesn’t mean the end of your journey. Consider these alternative options to pursue medical career:
A-Level Resits
If your grades fall short, retaking A-Levels can help you meet entry requirements for medical school next year.
Graduate Entry Medicine
Complete an undergraduate degree in a related field, like Biomedical Science, and apply for Graduate Entry Medicine programs.
Studying a Healthcare-Related Course
Degrees in nursing, pharmacy, or biomedical sciences can provide pathways to medicine later on.
Choosing to Study Medicine Abroad in the best European Medical Schools
Studying medicine abroad is increasingly popular. Countries like Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Cyprus, Hungary or Latvia offer flexible entry requirements, affordable tuition fees and lower living costs than the UK.
Summary
Medicine clearing provides a critical opportunity for students to secure a place in medical school, but it requires preparation, flexibility, and quick decision-making. Can you apply for medicine through clearing? Yes—but success depends on meeting stringent requirements and acting swiftly.
If clearing doesn’t work out, alternative routes like A-Level resits, Graduate Entry Medicine, or studying abroad can still lead to fulfilling your dream. With options like medicine foundation courses, international programs, and healthcare-related degrees, there’s always a way forward.
For personalized guidance on applying to medical school in Europe taught in English or exploring alternative pathways like graduate medicine entry, contact Desire2Study today!
