School of Dentistry – admissions policy for undergraduate programmes
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This policy provides details of the additional requirements for the following programmes offered by the School of Dentistry:
- BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery (A200)
- BSc Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (B752)
- DipHE Diploma in Dental Hygiene (B750)
Note: this policy should be read in conjunction with the Cardiff University Admissions Policies and published entry requirements.
1. Pre-application eligibility checks
1.1 To be eligible to apply for these programmes, you must:
a) be 18 years old on the first day of the programme when starting Year 1 (please see the age on entry policy for more information);
b) fulfil the Fitness to Practise regulations and eligibility-to-pursue-regulated programmes requirements (please see the Fitness to Practise and eligibility to pursue regulated programmes policy for more information); and
c) meet the minimum entry requirements at Level 2 (typically GCSE) and Level 3 (typically A level), including grade and subject requirements.
2. Entry requirements
2.1 The typical entry requirements for GCSEs, A level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate (IB), and T Level applicants are published on Coursefinder and UCAS (including grade and subject requirements, and whether or not these qualifications are accepted). Additional entry requirements are outlined in Appendices 1 – 3.
2.2 All applicants must provide evidence of prior academic capability in externally moderated, publicly validated examinations, e.g., GCSE, IGCSE, or equivalent qualifications. For applicants with UK qualifications, only those that are defined in the National Database of Accredited Qualifications are acceptable.
2.3 English Language requirements must be met at the point of application. Applicants with an English Language test result that meets the minimum requirements but expires between the application deadline and the date of enrolment (e.g. IELTS) will be subject to a conditional offer if successful.
2.4 Non-standard entry requirements: Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements should refer to the appendices for further guidance.
2.5 Resits:
- For the BDS programme (A200), applicants resitting A levels are not considered. Resits will be considered for applicants applying with predicted grades who receive a conditional offer after interview and accept it as their firm choice. The offer will be honoured for one year only, provided that the minimum entry requirements are achieved at resit.
- Resits are acceptable for entry to B750 and B752, in line with the University’s resit policy.
- GCSE resits are acceptable for entry to A200, B750 and B752, but the resit grade must be achieved by the relevant application deadline.
2.6 UCAT (A200 only): Applicants to A200 are required to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) during July to October of the year of application. Test results obtained in previous years are not accepted. The UCAT score may be used as part of the interview shortlisting or offer selection process. There is no minimum score and the cut-off (if the UCAT is used) varies each cycle.
2.6.1 Any extenuating circumstances relating to the UCAT must be submitted to UCAT in accordance with its policies and procedures.
2.7 Transfers: Transfers (also known as RPL) onto A200, B750, and B752 are not accepted.
2.8 Current undergraduate students: Applicants applying before the final completion of an honours degree should be in their final year. Any offer will be based on achieving a 2:1 or higher (A200) or 2:2 (B750 and B752) as well as having achieved the minimum entry requirements for graduates.
2.8.1 Applicants who have started a degree but chosen not to complete it may apply. However, they must provide the Dental Admissions Team (dentalcentralenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk) with a letter from their university confirming that there is no evidence of failure to progress because of poor academic performance or probity concerns. Provided this condition is met, the application will be considered within the Page 3 of 14 applicant cohort for the year of application and will be subject to the full selection process, in line with applications from candidates with achieved A levels.
3. UCAS application deadlines
3.1 For the BDS programme (A200), you must submit a fully completed application (including all achieved and pending academic qualifications, achieved English Language qualifications, a reference and a personal statement) via UCAS by 15 October 20266 at 18:00 (UK time).
3.1.1 Applications submitted after the stipulated UCAS deadline will not be considered and will be rejected as late.
3.1.2 Where we are unable to give an academic score to your application due to missing information, including where a personal statement or reference has not been supplied, your application will be rejected as incomplete.
3.2 For the BSc Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (B752) and DipHE Dental Hygiene (B750) programmes, you must submit a fully completed application (including achieved and pending academic qualifications, achieved English Language qualifications, a reference and a personal statement) via UCAS by the Equal Consideration Deadline (13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time) to be guaranteed consideration.
3.2.1 Applications received after the Equal Consideration Deadline (ECD) will be considered subject to interview places being available. If no places are available, applications submitted after the ECD will not be considered and will be rejected as late.
3.2.2 Where time permits, we will contact applicants to request additional relevant information so that we can make a decision. Because this is time-sensitive owing to the highly competitive nature of the programmes, applicants will be given a strict deadline for responding. If you are asked for more information and do not supply it by the stipulated deadline, your application will be rejected as incomplete. In these circumstances, however, you may reapply through UCAS Extra or Clearing if applications remain open.
3.3 If you have non-standard qualifications or Level 3 or higher qualifications that have already been achieved, we recommend that you email certificates and transcripts to us when you submit your UCAS application. You can upload copies of your qualifications to our application portal (sims.cf.ac.uk) after receiving your Cardiff University username and password. Alternatively, PDF or JPEG copies can be sent directly to admissions@cardiff.ac.uk from the email address provided on your UCAS application. Use ‘Dentistry application – supporting documents’ as the subject line and include your full name, the programme to which you have applied and your UCAS ID in the body of the email.
4. Selection process
4.1 If you meet the minimum entry requirements at Level 2 (typically GCSEs) and Level 3 (typically A levels), have submitted an acceptable personal statement and reference, and have completed the UCAT within the required timeframe (A200 only), your application will be given an academic score based on the qualifications you have completed.
4.1.1 Applications are scored based on achieved qualifications only.
4.1.2 Mandatory subjects (excluding English Language) are scored first, then a score is given to the remaining highest graded subjects.
4.1.3 If you fail to submit two grades for double science by the deadline, you will be given an assumed grade at one grade lower than the grade given. For example, if you state you achieved an A grade, you will be scored assuming you achieved AB grades.
4.1.4 The UCAT may be used in the A200 selection process where the number of applicants with the same score exceeds the number of interview places.
4.2 Additional consideration is given in the scoring process for:
- - Applicants classified as contextual. Please see the contextual admissions policy for more information about who is considered contextual and how this is applied to each programme;
- Welsh-domiciled applicants;
- - Applicants who have completed or are participating in one of the following widening-participation initiatives in the year of application and who meet the minimum entry requirements will be guaranteed an interview:
- Cardiff University Step-Up to University programme;
- Cardiff University Sutton Trust Dental Summer School;
- Deintyddion Yfory (Tomorrow’s Dentists); or
- the North Wales Dentistry Scheme;
- Applicants who are part of our High Performance Sports programmes. Please see the full policy for more information about eligibility and how this is applied to each programme;
- Applicants who are currently enrolled on the International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences at the Cardiff University International Study Centre.
- B750 or B752 only: applicants who are currently enrolled on the Cardiff University Pathway to Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
- B750 or B752 only: applicants who are domiciled in Wales and have either completed or are pending an accepted Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Diploma (Bioscience, Health Science or Medicine are preferred, Nursing and Health Professions is accepted), these applicants do not need to meet the Level 2/GCSE requirements, except English Language.
4.2.1 If you are eligible in more than one category listed above, you will only be given additional consideration in one of these categories.
5. Oversubscription
5.1 The School of Dentistry has in place an oversubscription policy to manage numbers on each course, as these are capped by the Welsh Government. Please see the oversubscription policy for more information on who this may apply to and how and when it may be used.
Appendix 3 - DipHE Dental Hygiene (B750)
| Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education in a health/science related subject | Applicants studying an accepted health-related Agored Access course do not need to meet the Level 2/GCSE requirements (except English Language), and they are guaranteed an interview. Accepted health-related subjects: Bioscience, Health Science or Medicine are preferred., Nursing and Health Professions is also accepted. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 15 distinctions and 30 merits |
| Access to Higher Education in a science or health-based subject (with Biology or Human Biology) | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Access to Higher Education Diplomas must have a minimum 15 credits in Biology. All Access courses must be recognised by the QAA. If you are unsure whether your course meets this requirement, you are advised to contact dentalcentralenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk before applying so that the qualification content can be verified. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 15 distinctions and 30 merits |
| Dental nursing qualification | A recognised qualification will be accepted in lieu of one A Level (not including Biology) |
| Graduate applicants with a Cardiff University MSc in Oral Biology | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level CC must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the MSc must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: MSc in Oral Biology with an overall pass in all modules |
| Graduate applicants with an Honours Biology degree | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in one of the subjects listed below
|
| Graduate applicants with an Honours degree in any subject | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level CC including grade C in Biology or Medical Sciences must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in any subject. |
| International qualifications | If you are offering international qualifications, you can only be considered if you have been assessed as Home in relation to Fee Status. International applicants should refer to the equivalency tables published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/adm issionscriteria Subject requirements and grade equivalencies at Level 2 and 3 must be met. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | In place of the typical Level 2 requirements, you will need to have achieved grades H4 in English and H4 in four other subjects. Typical offer: H3 in Biology and H3 in three other subjects |
| Other UK qualifications | Applicants offering other qualifications not listed here, or a combination of qualifications, may be considered on a case-bycase basis. Equivalent level, grade, and subject requirements must be met. If you are intending to apply with any qualifications not listed on our website or in this policy, we recommend you discuss your eligibility with the School of Dentistry in advance. Applicants should also refer to the information published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/policies |
| Pathway to Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy (delivered by Cardiff University) | Typical offer: 60 pass credits overall |
| Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers | National 5s: 5 subjects required at grade C including English. SQA Highers: CCC (including Biology or Human Biology)
|
Appendix 1: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (A200)
| Access to Higher Education | Access courses are not accepted for this programme |
| Graduate applicants with a Cardiff University MSc in Oral Biology | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Typical offer: MSc in Oral Biology with an overall pass in all modules |
| Graduate applicants with a sciencebased degree (with Biology and/or Chemistry) | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level BBB including Biology and Chemistry must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:1 Honours degree in one of the subjects listed below
Other degrees may be accepted for this route but will be subject to module review. Applicants wishing a module review must email their transcript before or at the time of application. |
| Graduate applicants with an Honours degree (without Biology and/or Chemistry) | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level AAB including AA in Biology and Chemistry must be met. |
Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:1 Honours degree in any subject | |
| International qualifications | International applicants should refer to the equivalency tables published on our website for further information: Subject requirements and grade equivalencies at Level 2 and 3 must be met. Applicants unable to sit Level 2 qualifications due to their local educational system will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | In place of the typical Level 2 requirements, you will need to have achieved grades H4 in English and H3 in six other subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Typical offer: H1 and H1 in Biology and Chemistry and H2 in four other subjects |
| Other UK qualifications | Applicants offering other qualifications not listed here, or a combination of qualifications, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Equivalent level, grade, and subject requirements must be met. If you are intending to apply with any qualifications not listed on our website or in this policy, we recommend you discuss your eligibility with the School of Dentistry in advance. Applicants should also refer to the information published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/policies-and-acceptance |
| Scottish National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers | National 5s: Minimum of seven subjects required, to include Biology Chemistry and English at Grade B. SQA Highers: AAAAB by end of S5 (including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry). Offers would then be subject to BB at Advanced Higher in S6 (in Chemistry and Biology).
|
Appendix 2: BSc Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (B752)
| Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education in a health/science related subject | Applicants studying an accepted health-related Agored Access course do not need to meet the Level 2/GCSE requirements (except English Language), and they are guaranteed an interview. Accepted health-related subjects: Bioscience, Health Science or Medicine are preferred. Nursing and Health Professions is also accepted. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 30 distinctions and 15 merits |
| Access to Higher Education in a science or healthbased subject (with Biology or Human Biology) | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Access to Higher Education Diplomas must have a minimum of 15 credits in Biology. All Access courses must be recognised by the QAA. If you are unsure whether your course meets this requirement you are therefore advised to contact dentalcentralenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk prior to application so that the qualification content can be verified. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 30 distinctions and 15 merits |
| Dental nursing qualification | A recognised qualification will be accepted in lieu of one A Level (not including Biology). |
| Graduate applicants with a Cardiff University MSc in Oral Biology | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level BCC including Biology or Medical Sciences must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the MSc must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: MSc in Oral Biology with an overall pass in all modules |
| Graduate applicants with an Honours Biology degree | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level BCC including Biology or Medical Sciences must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in one of the subjects listed below
|
| Other degrees may be accepted for this route but will be subject to module review. Applicants wishing a module review must email their transcript before or at the time of application. | |
| Graduate applicants with an Honours degree in any subject | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level BCC including grade B in Biology or Medical Sciences must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in any subject. |
| International qualifications | If you are offering international qualifications, you can only be considered if you have been assessed as Home in relation to Fee Status. International applicants should refer to the equivalency tables published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/admissionscriteria Subject requirements and grade equivalencies at Level 2 and 3 must be met. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | In place of the typical Level 2 requirements, you will need to have achieved grades H4 in English and H4 in four other subjects. Typical Offer: H2 in Biology and H3 in five other subjects |
| Other UK qualifications | Applicants offering other qualifications not listed here, or a combination of qualifications, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Equivalent level, grade, and subject requirements must be met. If you are intending to apply with any qualifications not listed on our website or in this policy, we recommend you discuss your eligibility with the School of Dentistry in advance. Applicants should also refer to the information published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/policiesandprocedures/qualification-acceptance |
| Pathway to Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy (delivered by Cardiff University) | Typical offer: Pass with 60 credits |
| Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers | National 5s: Five subjects are required at grade C including English. |
| SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 (including Biology or Human Biology) and offers would then be subject to CC at Advanced Higher in S6 (including Biology or Human Biology). Subject requirements: * Highers must be in one sitting * Applications will not be considered from anyone who only offers four S5 Scottish Highers without additional S6 studies |
Appendix 3: DipHE Dental Hygiene (B750)
| Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education in a health/science related subject | Applicants studying an accepted health-related Agored Access course do not need to meet the Level 2/GCSE requirements (except English Language), and they are guaranteed an interview. Accepted health-related subjects: Bioscience, Health Science or Medicine are preferred., Nursing and Health Professions is also accepted. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 15 distinctions and 30 merits |
| Access to Higher Education in a science or health-based subject (with Biology or Human Biology) | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Access to Higher Education Diplomas must have a minimum 15 credits in Biology. All Access courses must be recognised by the QAA. If you are unsure whether your course meets this requirement, you are advised to contact dentalcentralenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk before applying so that the qualification content can be verified. Typical offer: 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3 including 15 distinctions and 30 merits |
| Dental nursing qualification | A recognised qualification will be accepted in lieu of one A Level (not including Biology) |
| Graduate applicants with a Cardiff University MSc in Oral Biology | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level CC must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the MSc must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: MSc in Oral Biology with an overall pass in all modules |
| Graduate applicants with an Honours Biology degree | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in one of the subjects listed below
|
| Graduate applicants with an Honours degree in any subject | Level 2 requirements must be met (subjects and grades). Level 3 requirements equivalent to A Level CC including grade C in Biology or Medical Sciences must be met. Resits of modules are permitted but the degree must be awarded by the release of the A Levels results in the year of application. Typical offer: 2:2 Honours degree in any subject. |
| International qualifications | If you are offering international qualifications, you can only be considered if you have been assessed as Home in relation to Fee Status. International applicants should refer to the equivalency tables published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/adm issionscriteria Subject requirements and grade equivalencies at Level 2 and 3 must be met. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | In place of the typical Level 2 requirements, you will need to have achieved grades H4 in English and H4 in four other subjects. Typical offer: H3 in Biology and H3 in three other subjects |
| Other UK qualifications | Applicants offering other qualifications not listed here, or a combination of qualifications, may be considered on a case-bycase basis. Equivalent level, grade, and subject requirements must be met. If you are intending to apply with any qualifications not listed on our website or in this policy, we recommend you discuss your eligibility with the School of Dentistry in advance. Applicants should also refer to the information published on our website for further information: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/policies |
| Pathway to Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy (delivered by Cardiff University) | Typical offer: 60 pass credits overall |
| Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers | National 5s: 5 subjects required at grade C including English. SQA Highers: CCC (including Biology or Human Biology)
|