Part of the beauty of secondary school is that you can focus on your studies without making any substantial decisions throughout your years of schooling.
However, you will be tasked with deciding the subjects you will take for your A-levels.
This is a bigger decision than many students might realise, given that it is likely the first time you will have to start thinking about the career you want and creating a blueprint of how you plan to get there.
It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into doing it.
Mother Teresa
Choosing the right A-level subjects is a big decision for students pursuing a career in medicine. The subjects you opt for can significantly influence your chances of getting into a school. Biology and Chemistry are subjects that provide the groundwork for comprehending the body and its various functions.
In addition to these, your choice of a subject can impact your medical school prospects. Although Physics is a choice, subjects like Mathematics or Further Mathematics could set you apart by showcasing analytical and problem-solving abilities, all traits highly sought after in medicine.
It's important to consider the requirements of universities when selecting your A-level subjects, as certain institutions may have preferences or require additional admission assessments.
What A Level Subjects Are Required to Study Medicine?
When considering a career in medicine in the UK, selecting the right A-level subjects is crucial as they form the foundational knowledge required for medical school. Most medical schools require Chemistry and at least one other science subject, typically Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
Chemistry and Biology are deemed essential by medical schools nationwide.
24 institutions require Chemistry A Level, while 13 mandate Chemistry and Biology.
Although these subjects are prerequisites, there is flexibility in choosing the subject at certain medical schools. Common pairings include Chemistry with Biology, Physics, or Maths as the subject accepted by 19 medical schools. This flexibility allows you to explore your interests while meeting the requirements. However, understanding how to choose medical specialities in the UK can help you tailor your A-Level choices for your desired future.
Furthermore, some institutions allow for Chemistry or Biology combined with another science subject, a choice supported by around 8 schools. The emphasis on A-level subjects highlights the significance of readiness in core sciences for prospective medical students.
Hearing first-hand from a medicine student will help provide clarity on the topic. While there are many umbrella subjects that will set you up for the majority of medicine courses across the UK, it's worth mentioning that the A Level prerequisites can differ between schools.
For instance, certain schools such as Newcastle don't mandate science A levels for their 5-year program. Knowing where you want to study in advance of making the decision will help you to narrow your subject choice.
On the other hand, if you are interested in keeping your options open, then you will want to select the subjects that are typically included in the minimum entry requirements of most courses.
Choosing A levels for medicine can greatly influence your likelihood of getting into your school. While Chemistry is a must-have, having Biology or another science/math subject as your A Level can broaden your choices and showcase your suitability for the medical school criteria.
Preferred Additional Subjects
While Chemistry and Biology are considered essential A-level subjects for medicine, many medical schools also accept or prefer certain additional subjects.
Here are some common preferences:
Physics: Most medical schools will accept Physics as a third A-level subject, as it provides a strong foundation in understanding scientific principles and concepts relevant to the medical field.
Mathematics: Although not always a strict requirement, Mathematics is highly recommended as it helps develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for understanding medical concepts like statistics & diagnostic.
Psychology: A few medical schools also accept Psychology as a second science subject, as it can provide valuable insights into human behaviour and mental processes, essential for effective patient care.
Some medical schools may also prefer or require a fourth A-level subject, which could be another science subject like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, History, or English.
These additional subjects can demonstrate a well-rounded academic profile and help students stand out in the competitive med school requirements process, especially for those aiming to study medicine in the UK.
| Recommended Additional A-Levels |
|---|
| Physics |
| Mathematics |
| Psychology |
| Biology (as a fourth subject) |
| Chemistry (as a fourth subject) |
| History |
| English |
It's important to note that while most medical schools don't specify a strict preference for the third or fourth A-level subject, some institutions like Cambridge recommend taking two subjects from Biology, Physics, and Mathematics.
Subject Combinations to Avoid
When considering which A-level subjects to choose for a medical school application, it's important to know combinations that may need to be better well-regarded or accepted by institutions.
Many medical schools acknowledge that courses like General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Global Perspectives, and Thinking Skills. These subjects are usually not considered as A Levels. It may not showcase the academic rigour needed for a medical degree.
When deciding on combinations, you must meet the criteria of medical schools, which typically require at least two science subjects, like Chemistry and Biology. Opting for Biology and Physics without Chemistry could limit your choices since some universities may not approve of this combination.
It's wise to consider your A-level selections to ensure they align with the expectations and prerequisites of prospective medical schools. It's worth mentioning that medical schools typically expect applicants to have three A Levels, with grades already achieved or predicted in each.
To keep your options open, choose Chemistry and Biology and add a subject like Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology. This combination is widely used as it shows a strong grounding in the sciences.
While having an extra A Level subject isn't necessary, it could boost your application if you are interested in it and can maintain high grades. However, taking on subjects at the expense of your overall performance is not recommended.
The grades that you can realistically expect to achieve in these subjects should certainly be taken into account when deciding which A levels to take. For instance, if you've struggled with maths throughout your GCSEs, bear in mind that most universities will require an A in A level in maths for entry into a medicine programme.
University-Specific Requirements
Chemistry and Biology are A Level subjects when applying for school, but different universities may have their preferences or stricter grade requirements. Investigating your desired schools' admission criteria is important to ensure you fulfil them.
| University | A-Level Requirements |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | A*AA, with an A in Chemistry and another science |
| Imperial College London | AAA, with an A in Biology and Chemistry |
| University College London | AAA, with an AA in Chemistry and Biology |
| University of Cambridge | AAA, with Chemistry and another science |
| King's College London | A*AA, with an A in Biology and Chemistry |
When looking at university examples, reviewing the specific criteria for the medical schools you're interested in is important, as they might have particular preferences or extra entrance exams. The majority of schools typically look for candidates with 3 A levels.
Expect high grades across all subjects. Having 4 A levels could be advantageous if you can consistently achieve marks.
Admissions Test Preparation
When applying to schools in the UK, it's important to choose your A Level subjects. Many schools also require applicants to take admissions tests as part of the application process.
These tests help the admissions teams distinguish the candidates for medicine courses. Most institutions in the UK require the UCAT for entry into their medical programmes.
The UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) is required for admission into most medical programmes in the UK.
The BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) is required by institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London.
The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) is often necessary for graduate entry medicine programs.
Both tests evaluate reasoning in humanities and social sciences and written communication skills. The UCAT evaluates abilities, situational judgment, and decision-making skills relevant to medicine and dentistry studies. Doing well in these admissions tests is crucial for securing a spot in school and starting a medical career.
| Admissions Test | Description |
|---|---|
| UCAT | Assesses cognitive abilities, situational judgement, and decision-making skills for medicine and dentistry. |
| BMAT | Tests scientific knowledge, problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills. Used by Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and others. |
| GAMSAT | Required for graduate-entry medicine programs. Assesses reasoning in humanities, social sciences, and written communication. |
It's crucial to prepare for these entrance exams since they play a role in the selection process for schools. Start your preparation early and use study materials and resources provided by the test administrators. Creating a study plan over months can help you excel in these tough exams.
Knowing which A levels are required to become a doctor is one part of the medical school application process. Other key factors include your grades, statement, relevant experience, and performance on entrance exams, like the UCAT or BMAT. By performing well in all aspects of your application, you can improve your chances of getting accepted into the school of your choice.
What to Consider When Selecting Your Subjects
Balancing academic challenges and maintaining high grades is important when choosing your A Level subjects for a degree. A third A Level, such as Mathematics or Physics, can showcase your problem-solving skills.
Aiming for grades (AAA or AAA*) in three A Levels rather than lower grades (A* AAA or below) in four A Levels is advisable. Most medical schools typically ask for three A Levels, with usual offers being AAA or above. Opting for four A Levels can make your application more competitive only if you can sustain grades.
Possible choices for the subject include History or English. Nevertheless, universities like Oxford and Cambridge clarify that taking only more than three rollup towels is unnecessary.
While pursuing medicine without A Levels is feasible by going through an Access to HE Diploma route, this approach might limit your options when applying to universities. Ultimately, the key is attaining the grades since medicine is known for its fierce competition.
Alongside A Levels, other significant aspects considered in medical school admissions encompass results, personal statement quality, relevant work experience in medicine, and performance on entry tests, like the UCAT.
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