BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy

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. There is no discounted parking on campus for students if you have a car.

Allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. The funding will be given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing, midwifery and many allied health students from September 2020. Please click here for more detail.

Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.

NHS bursaries are not available for this course.

Our standard A-level offer is AAB to include Biology.

NVQ Level 3 Oral Health Care (Dental Nursing) is acceptable in lieu of one A-level; however, Biology and one other A-Level is still required at least at grade B.

You must also meet the GCSE requirements.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there 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 offers you will receive.

Typical Contextual A-level Offer

BBB (including Biology).

We do not accept AS-levels in lieu of A-levels. AS-levels enable applicants to show evidence of a broad programme of study but they are not considered as part of our standard admissions process.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

We require at least five GCSEs at grade C (4).

English Language, Mathematics and either two sciences, Dual Award Science or Core and Additional Science are required at a minimum grade C.

We permit GCSE resits. If you are resitting any GCSEs at the point of application, we require you to list it as a pending qualification on your UCAS form.

We do not currently accept short courses; however, Level 2 BTEC qualifications are acceptable (at distinction grade or above) in lieu of one GCSE.

If you are offering an international equivalent to GCSE and this is not listed on our international entry requirements page, please contact the School of Medical Sciences Admissions Office to check the suitability of the qualification.

Due to the phased introduction of GCSE reform in England, we will accept a mixture of GCSE grading scales. We can confirm our position in terms of equivalencies:

• A* = 8
• A = 7
• B = 6
• C = 4

We require 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 in the higher level subjects (including Biology at higher Level). If Maths and English Language are not offered as part of the Diploma, they should be offered at GCSE or IGCSE at grade C (4) or above. We accept both Maths options as part of the Diploma.

Scottish Highers

We require grades ABBBB, to include two sciences, English Language and Mathematics.

Scottish Advanced Highers

We require two Advanced Highers at grades BB, one of which must be Biology.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-Level entry requirements.

Students will be required to have achieved grade B alongside Biology and one other A-level subject at grades AB.

We require an overall final result of 76% including 8 in Biology. We also require a minimum of grade 5 in Maths and English Language.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We do not consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to this course.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We do not consider the National Diploma for entry to this course.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We do not consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry to this course.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We do not consider the National Extended Certificate for entry to this course.

We do not consider legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Diploma for entry to this course.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry to this course.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry to this course.

We do not consider legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We welcome applications from those taking Access qualifications if you have not previously studied at University.

We do not accept Access courses to top-up A-level grades that do not meet the normal entry requirements at the first attempt. We also expect applicants to have had at least 3 years out of education prior to starting the Access course.

If you have spent 3 or more years out of education but have previously studied A-levels or other post-16 qualifications you must contact us before applying in order to determine the suitability of an application.

The Access course must be science based and you must have 60 credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 45 credits in graded Level 3 modules, which must include 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A minimum of 15 credits are required in Biology.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+, WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool, or a MAP applicant your Access course must be science-based and you must have 60 credits overall, with a minimum of 45 credits in graded Level 3 modules, with 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. A minimum of 15 credits are required in Biology.

Applicants are also required to meet the English language requirements listed above and must offer GCSE Mathematics at Grade C (4).

Due to the lack of a practical element, we do not normally accept qualifications from distance learning Access courses. However, we will consider an appropriate online Access to HE course if you graduated in the summer of 2021 or 2022 only.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

The same subject specifications as A-level apply.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us ug.dentistry@manchester.ac.uk

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your application.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise you to contact admissions at ug.dentistry@manchester.ac.uk , who will clarify whether your specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to your chosen course.

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 admissions office ug.dentistry@manchester.ac.uk who will be able to help you. 

If you have already achieved a degree, or are in your final year moving towards graduation, please contact the School of Medical Sciences Admissions Office to determine the suitability of an application.

Maths at minimum grade C (4) in GCSE and English Language requirements also apply.

Graduates and final year undergraduates must offer an academic reference on their UCAS form.

In most cases, we expect applicants to satisfy our English Language requirement by offering English language at GCSE grade C (4) or above (or a score of 5 in the International Baccalaureate diploma).

Applicants from outside the UK (including non-native speakers) need to meet specific English language requirements to study at Manchester. We accept:

• IGCSE English first language at grade C or second language at grade B;
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): A minimum average score of 6.5 and with no less than 6.5 in any one component taken at the same sitting;
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: An overall score of 58 with no less than 58 in each of the communicative skills domains taken at the same sitting. If you require a student visa, however, the UKVI require a minimum overall Pearson PTE score of 59 with no less than 59 in each component for visa purposes;
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): An overall score of 176 with no less than 176 in each of the scoring domains taken at the same sitting;
• a score of 5 at Standard or Higher level as part of the International Baccalaureate diploma.

You must declare your English qualification (including those which are pending) on the UCAS form.

Please contact us at ug.dentistry@manchester.ac.uk prior to application if you are unsure how to satisfy these language requirements.

At interview, if we have any concerns about your English language capability regardless of your origin, country of upbringing or existing qualifications, we may require you to take an additional English language test as a condition of any offer we make to you.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We require applicants to undertake some relevant work experience prior to application in order that they can gain some insight into what a career in dentistry involves.

Work experience may be paid or voluntary and should include some time spent in a dental setting but can also include examples from other healthcare and related environments. We do not have a requirement on the length of the work experience. We require applicants to demonstrate a commitment to their work experience placements.

As important as the detail of the work experience is the applicant's capacity to reflect on what they have gained from their experiences and the quality of that reflection will be reviewed as part of the selection process. A key element we are looking for is for applicants to be able to demonstrate some understanding of the qualities and attributes required to become a healthcare professional.

Applicants should be aware that we may request confirmation of their work experience.

Applications are first screened according to whether or not they meet our standard academic threshold as given on this page.

Those applications that do not meet the appropriate academic criteria will not progress to the next phase of the screening process, and will receive notification that their application has been unsuccessful through UCAS in due course.

For applicants who pass the initial assessment we will consider your application as part of a holistic assessment using all the information available to us to arrive at a decision.

When we read a UCAS form, we want to develop some insight into what has attracted you to a career in dental hygiene and therapy, and what has confirmed this choice.

No offer is made without a successful interview. Interviews will be held in person on the University campus.

We are pleased to consider applications from non-traditional applicants, but would ask that you contact the Admissions Office for advice on suitability for a potential application.

Overseas applicants are welcome to apply providing they meet the academic entry standard. If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet this standard, please contact the admissions office ug.dentistry@manchester.ac.uk

No aptitude test is required for this course.

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 [PDF, 71KB].

A potential student may be concerned that their health or disability may affect their ability to fulfil the competency standards of the course. Any such applicants are encouraged to contact the Occupational Health Service and/or The Disability Advisory and Support Service at an early stage in order to explore the situation in depth and consider the feasibility of making reasonable adjustments. Hopefully the process will prove helpful to the student in deciding whether to pursue an application.

In Manchester, you will be introduced to the clinic in the first term.

Therefore, you will have to produce satisfactory evidence on non-infectivity with respect to the blood-borne viruses HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tuberculosis. In addition, you must pass a health screening in Student Occupational Health prior to entry to ensure you are fit to practice.

The health screening requires the completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and also an appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. In order to be admitted and continue on the programme, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department.

General enquiries about health screening should be addressed to Student Occupational Health, Tel +44 (0)161 275 2858, Fax +44 (0)161 275 3137.

Please see also the Procedure for Admission to Courses Requiring Medical Fitness Assessment [Word 59KB].

You will be required, as part of the non-academic conditions of your offer, to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In the UK, this takes the form of an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and will reveal any criminal convictions, spent or unspent, as well as any police cautions, warnings or reprimands.

Regulations and record systems in other countries vary. Overseas applicants are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team.

Anyone who considers it possible that a criminal record or other disclosure may reveal any offence must contact the Admissions Team before applying.

We welcome applications from students who wish to defer their entry to the following year, but we prefer this to be indicated at the point of application.

It may not be possible to defer entry once an offer has been made and we are unlikely to be able to consider any requests after the release of A-level results.

We do not have any specific requirements for how you use your gap year, but we would expect it to have been used constructively.

We welcome applications from those re-sitting their A-levels, though applicants may only re-sit one of either Year 12 or Year 13.

Where A-levels have been attempted in Year 13, applicants are expected to have obtained a minimum of BBC at the first sitting for the re-sit grades to be considered.

All re-sitting applicants are required to achieve Grades AAB in the A-level subjects specified above, and an A is expected to be achieved in the re-sit year in Biology.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful we may permit one further application. You must contact us in advance to determine the suitability of a re-application. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

We would require re-applicants to continue with their work experience in their year out and would also expect to see a material difference in their application from the previous year. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Applicants applying with achieved qualifications must explain in their personal statement what they are doing during the gap year.

Transfers from other courses are not possible.

You cannot transfer to the Dentistry BDS course from the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course.

You will gain the knowledge and skills to begin to manage patients in a clinical setting. You will cover:

• basic sciences
• human diseases
• general dentistry
• behavioural sciences
• basic clinical skills, including patient contact.

You will build on the clinical skills you developed in Year 1 by studying dental radiography and restorative dentistry.

You will focus on integrating the clinical skills you have developed so far with more complex treatment plans. You will also undertake a critically appraised topic.

We guarantee interviews on the BDS course for those students who have performed exceptionally well in the final year of the Dental Hygiene and Therapy course at The University of Manchester. Details of this scheme are published internally for eligible students.

A small number of scholarships may be available to overseas applicants. Details will be made available once confirmed.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Upon graduation, you will hold a qualification that is recognised by the General Dental Council to allow you to work as a dental therapist or dental hygienist.