BMAT
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a 2-hour admissions exam, which tests the candidate’s logical aptitude, scientific knowledge and numeracy skills, and written and reasoning skills.
Always double-check before choosing your universities!
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
Imperial College London
Lancaster University
University College London
University of Cambridge
University of Leeds
University of Oxford
Early September (date TBC):
Registration opens (visit Cambridge Assessment)
Early October (date TBC):
Registration deadline
Mid October (date TBC):
Late registration deadline
2 November (confirmed):
BMAT exam day
Section 1: Thinking Skills (MCQ)
Number of Questions: 32
-
16 Problem-solving
-
16 Critical thinking
Time: 60min
Score: 1.0 to 9.0
Section 1 is divided evenly between critical reasoning and problem-solving questions. Critical thinking question subtypes include identifying a conclusion / assumption / flaw in a statement / method of argument / weakening or strengthening statements / inferences / explanations. Problem-solving question subtypes involve data analysis, word-based problems, spatial reasoning questions and identification of repetition / pattern.
Section 2: Maths & Science (MCQ)
Number of Questions: 27
-
7 Biology
-
7 Chemistry
-
7 Physics
-
6 Maths
Time: 30min
Score: 1.0 to 9.0
Applied science makes up Section 2 of the BMAT, and is divided roughly evenly between Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. The time pressure is more severe than in Section 1, with roughly a minute per question. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the BMAT content specification, as Cambridge Assessment have published a list of assumed knowledge for Section 2 - roughly summarised below:
Biology:
-
Cells
-
Movement across membranes
-
Inheritance
-
DNA
-
Gene technologies
-
Variation
-
Enzymes
-
Animal Physiology
-
Environment
Chemistry:
-
Atomic structure
-
Periodic table
-
Chemical reactions & equations
-
Quantitative chemistry
-
Oxidation, reduction & redox
-
Chemical bonding, structure & properties
-
Group chemistry
-
Separation techniques
-
Acids, bases & salts
-
Rates of reaction
-
Energetics & electrolysis
-
Carbon / organic chemistry
Physics:
-
Electricity
-
Motion & energy
-
Thermal physics
-
Waves
-
Electromagnetic spectrum
-
Radioactivity
Maths:
-
Numbers
-
Algebra
-
Geometry
-
Measures
-
Statistics
-
Probability
Section 3: Essay
Choose 1 of 3 options
Time: 30min
Score:
-
Quality and content: 0 to 5
-
Quality of written English: A to E
Section 3 of the BMAT is a writing task, for which you have 30 minutes in total. This includes selecting one topic of a choice of three, planning the essay, writing the essay, and proofreading. The essay is scored on both content and use of written English. The three options you have are general (philosophy) theme, science theme or medical theme. The essay should consist of three parts: explanation & argument of statement, counterargument and reconciliation & conclusion.
For more material on questions types within each section, guidance on recognising and tackling questions subtypes, and one-on-one personalised mentoring and access to practice questions, please sign up to the In2MedSchool Mentorship Programme.
-
-
Time pressured
-
Competitive peers
-
Often not as straightforward as GCSE / AS level exam questions
-
Requires a proactive & strategic approach with good application / synthesis of knowledge
-
No calculator is allowed (contrary to the UCAT)
-
Prior to Covid the BMAT was a pen-and-paper exam, recent transition to an on-screen exam has led to software glitches (as reported by test-takers)
The BMAT (contrary to the UCAT) has published all its past papers going back to 2003. In addition, the 2014, 2020, and specimen papers have full worked answers freely available online. This means that there is plenty of practice available.
-
UCAT Application Timeline: Important Dates
Leave Your Feedback!
Help improve In2MedSchool by filling in our feedback form.
This will allow us to better support aspiring medics aiming to study Medicine in the UK.