Those wishing to study Medicine or Dentistry in the UK:

Any student wishing to study medicine or dentistry in the UK or NI must sit the UKCAT tests as part of the application process and before making their UCAS Application.  Here are important UKCAT dates to consider:

1. Account registration is currently open (opened in May).
2. Booking opens on 23rd June 2026.
3. Deadline to apply is 16th September. 
4. Test days are from July 3^rd to September 24^th 2026.
5. There are test centres located in Ireland including; Dublin, Waterford, Galway, Belfast. 
6. You can chose what location you prefer upon application.
7. It is advised to apply early as spots fill up very quickly.
8. Practice makes perfect and there are lots of practice questions available https://www.ucat.ac.uk/

If making a UCAS application to study in Oxford and Cambridge and / or to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary in the UK you must have your application submitted by October 15^th 2026. 

This is a sharp deadline and students need to work on this application during the summer. Specifically they need have their personal statement ready to go prior to returning to school in September. 

This personal statement is a big part of the UCAS application and needs to be taken seriously.  It is broken down into three questions:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

There are lots and hints on the UCAS website about developing a high standard personal statement. 

Preparation for Interview Component of Studying Medicine in the UK:

Other course options in the UK:

For students who are considering applying to the UK for any other course not mentioned above I strongly advise them to work on their personal statement during the summer and have it ready prior to returning to school.

Bear in mind the UCAS application deadline is normally mid-January, students really don’t have much time to work on this when they are in school considering all the other commitments they will have. 

Considering Health Care courses or Nursing in Ulster University:

Students who are considering studying the following courses in Ulster University must sit the MSAT tests has part of the application process.

BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (UCAS code: B821)

BSc Hons Occupational Therapy (UCAS code: B930)

BSc Hons Physiotherapy (UCAS code: B160)

BSc Hons Podiatry (UCAS code: B985)

BSc Hons Radiotherapy and Oncology (UCAS code: B822)

BSc Hons Speech and Language Therapy (UCAS code: B632)

BSc Hons Nursing (Adult) (UCAS code: B740)

BSc Hons Nursing (Mental Health) (UCAS code: B760)

While this tests are not completed until March 2027, it is a good idea to practice and get familiar with the testing areas.  Please refer to https://www.ulster.ac.uk/faculties/life-and-health-sciences/health-sciences/msat  for more details and deadlines involved in the application process.

If you are thinking about Medicine in Ireland:

Perspective 6^th year students who are interesting in studying medicine in Ireland often spend time over the summer months practicing the HPAT tests.   Get familiar with them, get up to date on the new scoring system in place and put effort into your practice time.  Again these tests are not completed until 2027 normally February time.  There is lots of good information about the HPAT available here: https://www.medentry-hpat.ie/hpat

Thinking about studying in the European Universities:

For those wishing to study in any of the European Universities I advise you to start doing your research now, check out all deadlines as these vary from country to country and in some cases from course to course.

• Check out entry requirements, check out the application process and what is involved? 
• Is the course taught via English? 
• Is there some external tests needed and if so what is involved and how can I prepare, is there a letter of motivation involved, is there an interview and when is this likely to be? 
• Don’t get caught out here and miss deadlines, check the fine print in the requirements.   
• What fees and additional charges are applicable to studying here.
• Check out Eunicas for all details or go directly to the college of interest.  

Reflection of work done in 5^th year and gaps that need to be addressed:

• Review your summer exam results and convert to grades and points value.
• Take on board the feedback given by your teachers. 
• Reflect on what you could do differently to bridge any gaps needed. 
• Some students will do grinds / workshops over the summer to build on their previous learning from 5^th year and to address gaps.   (I definitely would not have done this but some students are much more motivated).

A Study Plan and Study Methods:

• Work on a realistic study plan for 6^th year. Get organised here it definitely reduces the challenges in 6^th year.
• Think about what you need to achieve, the time frame involved in this and how you can achieve it.
• If you are working part time reflect on how this will look in 6^th year.
• Refer to previous blog for hints and tips on alternative study methods. 
• Maybe try these out over the summer to see what works best for you.

Career Guidance:

Booking a career guidance appointment prior to returning to school is a good plan. 

• It helps to gain focus and perspective  
• Allows you to understand what you need to achieve a
• Opens up your mind to options that you may never have considered.
• It gives insight into alternative ways to qualify in your chosen area.  Remember the ‘scenic route’ is often the better route.
• It takes the pressure off when the conversation in school reverts to ‘what are you going to do after school’.  

If you can’t engage in individual career guidance why not purchase ‘The College and Career Companion’ book published with co-author Seamus. It has lots of evidence based research and is a tool that students and parents will find hugely helpful.

Thinking about a particular career:

If you are thinking about a particular career but want to get some real experience, use your summer to avail of this.  I had a perspective 6^th year student with me mid-May who is keen on the area of logistics.  He has now set up some experience with a logistics company and is shadowing the logistics’ manager in her role for 2 days per week for July and August. 

This will be hugely valuable in allowing this young person to make a more informed decision and indeed if he pursues this area to build networks around him that can lead to future opportunities including an apprenticeship secured, internships and college placements.

Some students who are committed to completing an apprenticeship specifically in the traditional trade areas are putting themselves out there over the summer months, offering themselves for some work experience. Seeking out the best opportunities to secure an apprenticeship and get their foot in the door of the company once the Leaving Certificate exams are completed.

If you are thinking about the ESB apprenticeship you could start bullet pointing what to include on the extensive application form, start practising for the aptitude testing part of the application process and also consider how you would approach the interview covering topics including but not limited to: Teamwork, Technical Questions, Work Experience, Knowledge of ESB Networks and the role of a Technician and Safety and Initiative.

The preparation used for the ESB apprenticeship recruitment process is transferable to other the recruitment process for other apprenticeship programmes including Irish Rail, Pfizer, Coca Cola etc.,

All this preparation really takes the pressure off once the application process opens and allows you to put your best self forward for consideration rather than rushing through the process.