The UKMLA Content Map Explained: All 430 Conditions & 217 Presentations
A clear breakdown of the GMC UKMLA Content Map — what it covers, how it is structured, and how to use it to plan your revision so no condition is left uncovered.
The GMC UKMLA Content Map is the definitive syllabus for both the UKMLA AKT and PLAB 1. It defines exactly which clinical conditions and patient presentations may be tested, making it the single most important document for exam preparation. This guide explains how the Content Map is structured and how to use it to plan your revision.
Structure of the Content Map
The Content Map is organised into two dimensions: conditions and patient presentations. The conditions list contains 430 clinical diagnoses spanning 13 specialties — from Cardiovascular and Respiratory to Psychiatry and Paediatrics. The presentations list contains 217 clinical presentations (symptoms, signs, or investigation findings) through which these conditions may be tested.
Each question in the UKMLA AKT and PLAB 1 is mapped to at least one condition and one presentation. For example, a question about a 72-year-old presenting with sudden-onset unilateral weakness would be mapped to the condition "Stroke" and the presentation "Weakness/Paralysis".
High-Yield Specialties
Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Gastroenterology conditions together account for the largest share of Content Map conditions and are consistently high-yield in both exams. Neurology, Endocrinology, and Psychiatry are also heavily represented. Rare specialties such as Ophthalmology and ENT have fewer conditions but should not be neglected entirely.
Using the Content Map for Revision
The most effective way to use the Content Map is as a checklist. Work through each specialty systematically, and for each condition, ensure you can answer SBA questions covering: the most likely diagnosis given a typical presentation, the most appropriate first-line investigation, and the most appropriate management in line with current NICE guidelines. Tracking which conditions you have covered — and which remain — prevents the common mistake of over-revising familiar topics while neglecting gaps.
Content Map Coverage on UKMLA Revision Platform
Every question on the UKMLA Revision Platform is tagged to a specific Content Map condition and patient presentation. The platform's progress dashboard displays a real-time coverage map showing which of the 430 conditions you have practised and which remain — giving you a clear, data-driven picture of your revision completeness at any point in your preparation.