BDS Dentistry (first-year entry)

Overview

Course overview

Our BDS course offers a first step towards becoming a dentist.

• Train as a dentist by combining the study of basic and advanced dental sciences with extensive clinical experience in our dental hospital and local clinics.
• Study at a university ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for dentistry (QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Have the option to study for an intercalated BDS degree, where you interrupt the course for a year to achieve a BSc award in a related subject.

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

• Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
• Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
• Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Entry requirements

A-level

• AAA, including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. A combination of three sciences is equally acceptable at A-level. However, our offer will not include combinations of very similar subjects, for example, Biology and Human Biology or Maths and Further Maths together.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
• Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

A-level contextual offer

• AAB including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. A combination of three sciences is equally acceptable at A-level. However, our offer will not include combinations of very similar subjects, for example, Biology and Human Biology or Maths and Further Maths together.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
• Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

• ABB including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. A combination of three sciences is equally acceptable at A-level. However, our offer will not include combinations of very similar subjects, for example, Biology and Human Biology or Maths and Further Maths together.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
• Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

International Baccalaureate

• 36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects. If Maths and English Language are not offered as part of the Diploma, they should be offered at GCSE or IGCSE at grade 6 (B) or above.
• Major subjects must include Chemistry and Biology, plus one further subject at higher level. We accept both Maths options as part of the Diploma.

GCSE/IGCSE

• We require at least seven GCSEs at grade 7 (A) or above.
• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, including GCSE/IGCSE English Language, Mathematics and at least two science subjects, at a minimum of grade 6 (B). GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language. If Dual Award Science or Core and Additional Science are offered, the minimum required is 66 (BB).

Other entry requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
• Scottish requirements
• Welsh Baccalaureate
• Pearson BTEC qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
• Access to HE Diploma
• T Level
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and funding

Fees

• Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 were £9,535. Tuition fees for international students, including EU, will be £36,500 for year 1 of study. Clinical tuition fees (years 2-5) are charged at the future rate which is applicable when you enter Year 2. Clinical fees for students entering Year 2 in 2025 will be £58,000. These fees are subject to change with inflation each year.

Additional expenses

• When on the clinics you will need to wear a tunic - which cost approximately £25 each - as well as black trousers or skirt and black leather duty shoes that are close fitting around the toes and heels.
• There will be travel costs when attending community clinics in the Greater Manchester area from Year 4. There is no discounted parking on campus for students if you have a car.

Application and selection

How to apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to applicants

• Please ensure that you refer to the application process guide before making your application through UCAS for this course.

Home-schooled applicants

• If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.

Non-standard educational routes

• We welcome applications from graduates or those in their final year of study towards an undergraduate degree. You should have achieved or be predicted a minimum of an upper second (2:1) honours degree and should have achieved a minimum of BBB at A-level (32 in IB) in your first sitting.

Aptitude test requirement

• Applicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in the year they wish to make their application. Please note that the result is valid for one application cycle only. If applicants are reapplying, they must re-sit UCAT.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

• All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. The health screening is based upon the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) standards of medical fitness to train for dental students.

Course details

Course description

• Our Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course will prepare you for a dentistry career through a combination of clinical study and basic and advanced dental sciences.

Special features

• Early clinical experience
• Interdisciplinary learning
• Intercalation opportunities

Teaching and learning

• We use a range of teaching and learning methods on the course.
• You will participate in a wide variety of different learning activities including problem-based learning (PBL) sessions, small-group seminars, themed theatre events, case-based activities, computer-assisted learning (CAL), the use of web-based resources and project work.

Coursework and assessment

• The course has been carefully designed to ensure that assessment is appropriate in terms of both timing and quantity, and that there is consistency of assessment methods throughout the course. These include:
  • multiple choice questions
  • short answer written papers
  • assessed projects
  • presentation of completed cases with companion oral examinations (sometimes known as vivas)
  • objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) incorporating clinical competency tests
  • peer assessment
  • reflective journal writing.

Careers

Career opportunities

• Almost invariably, dental graduates apply for one year Dental Foundation 1 training posts when they graduate. These are salaried posts in NHS general dental practices, comprising four/five days per week of clinical work and 30 days of professional study over the year.

Accrediting organisations

• This Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree is accredited as a qualification registerable with the General Dental Council.

University of Manchester

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Overview:

The University of Manchester is a renowned public research university located in Manchester, England. It is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and vibrant campus life.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Manchester offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Social events:

The university hosts numerous social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to connect with their peers and explore different interests.

Student clubs and societies:

There are over 300 student clubs and societies catering to various interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural pursuits.

Campus facilities:

The university boasts modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions, providing students with access to resources and support services.

City life:

Manchester is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, offering students access to museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse range of restaurants and shops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic excellence:

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

Research impact:

The university is a leading research institution, making significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences.

Global reputation:

The University of Manchester has a strong international reputation, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Career opportunities:

The university provides excellent career support services, helping students to develop their skills and secure employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Manchester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Humanities:

Arts, Languages, History, Philosophy, and more.

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and more.

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.

Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences:

Law, Economics, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

The University of Manchester is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging in initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and environmental protection.