What A levels do you need to be a doctor?

As you may well already know, medicine is both an exceptionally competitive course and a demanding yet rewarding career. Gaining entry onto a medical degree course at university will require you to show that you can achieve top marks at school; whilst also engaging in a healthy amount of extra curricular activities.

What A-levels and grades do you need to be a doctor?

The qualifications required to be a doctor go up slightly year-on-year as competition levels increase. Despite falling numbers of 18-year-olds in the UK, competition for medicine, dentistry and courses at Oxford and Cambridge remains high.

We have compiled a list of all the standard entry undergraduate medicine courses in the United Kingdom. Where the university has given us the data we have also recorded the competition ratios at both the application and interview stage. The differing entrance exam and interview styles have also been recorded for each individual medical school.

Your average medical school will expect biology and chemistry at A-level standard, evidence of strong extracurricular activities and work experience, alongside a personal statement which demonstrates an understanding of the rigours of both the course and the career.

Which A-levels are not accepted?

With As and A* expected across the board, some students are tempted to bolster their results with peripheral subjects. Universities of course have been doing this for years, and will not be fooled by any substandard applications. While the actual list will vary from medical school to medical school you can assume that general studies, critical thinking and global perspectives are simply not accepted.

Be warned however that routinely accepted subjects may become null and void if they significantly overlap with other A-levels. The main culprit is further maths, which is not accepted when presenting maths as an A-level. Others such as human biology, sports studies and physical education cannot be used in combination due to their similarity.

Becoming a well-rounded doctor

As many medical school applicants are scientifically minded, they are more than happy to study physics to A2 level, alongside the requirements of biology and physics. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this, studying a humanities or art subject as your third choice would demonstrate that you have a more global outlook on your education.

The Importance of your Personal Statement

As you review any potential future medical school, make sure to look at the expectations of your personal statement. Different universities take a very different approach, with some scoring your personal statement at the application stage while others don’t even look at it until you reach the interview.

Either way, your personal statement is the one part of your application that can show the real you and is not simply numbers based. It is therefore very important to know what is expected of you and what should not be missed when you are applying to certain medical schools. Check out our personal statement guides here or contact us for a personal statement review before you send off your application.

Standard Entry Medicine Courses – 2019 Entry

In alphabetical order we have listed every university that offers medicine. Beneath the A level requirements we have detailed how your personal statement will be used in the admissions process and which admission test and interview method you will sit. Where possible we have also listed the number of applicants per place and interview.

University of Aberdeen Medical School

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2.4
Number of applicants per place 11.6

A levels AAA at A level taken together at first sitting over a maximum of two years of study, including Chemistry and one of either Biology/Human Biology, Maths or Physics. AS levels are not part of the academic requirements.

Personal statement Personal statement is reviewed prior to interview but not scored. Review is for evidence of preparation for a medical application.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-Interviews

Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine

A Levels AAA at A level taken within two academic years prior to the time of application, to include Chemistry or Biology and one of either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, a pass is required in the practical element.

Personal statement The personal statement is examined during the interview, looking to understand the candidate’s motivation to study medicine, their appreciation of the role and responsibilities of being a doctor, as well as evidence of any work experience undertaken to support the application. Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Aston University Medical School

MB ChB Medicine

A Levels AAA –AAB at A level in three subjects including Chemistry and Biology (with passes in the practical elements) and a third subject excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Personal statement Personal statements are read but not used in scoring.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Birmingham Medical School

MB ChB Medicine and Surgery
Number of applicants per interview 2
Number of applicants per place 6

A Levels A*AA at A Level, including Chemistry and Biology. Predicted AAA at A level.

Personal statement Not scored but needs to showcase relevant work experience and evidence of significant extracurricular involvement.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Brighton and Sussex Medical School

BMBS Medicine
Number of applicants per place 10

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology.

Personal statement Personal statement is not used in any part of selection process.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Multiple-mini interviews

University of Bristol Medical School

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 3.9
Number of applicants per place 10.5

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry and either Biology, Physics or Maths.

Personal statement Personal statement is not scored. May be used to differentiate between candidates with identical scores after interview stage.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Buckingham Medical School

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2.5
Number of applicants per place 4.8

A Levels A minimum of AAB at A Level to include Chemistry and one from Maths or Biology.

Personal statement Not scored but considered during application review.

Admissions test None.

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine

MB BChir Medicine
Number of applicants per place 5

A Levels Typical offers are A*A*A at A level, or AAA in Scottish Advanced Highers. On entry, applicants must have A level passes in Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, Maths (two required by some Colleges). Please note that the success rate for students offering three or more Science/Maths A levels has often been higher than for those without.

Personal statement Personal statement is reviewed prior to interview but not scored.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Panel interview/s (usually two interviews lasting 25–30 minutes at one College).

Cardiff University School of Medicine

MB BCh Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2
Number of applicants per place 8

A Levels AAA at A level which should include Chemistry and Biology. The Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted in the place of a third A level. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Further Maths are not accepted.

Personal statement Non-academic criteria assessed; medical motivation and awareness of the career, sense of responsibility, evidence of a balanced approach to life, evidence of self-directed learning and extracurricular activities, caring ethos and a sense of social awareness; referee’s report.

Admissions test UCAT (GAMSAT for graduates)

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Dundee School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 3
Number of applicants per place 10

A Levels awaiting data

Personal statement Personal statement is reviewed prior to interview but not scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of East Anglia, Norwich Medical School

MBBS Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 1.8
Number of applicants per place 8.3

A Levels AAA including Biology/Human Biology, with two further subjects of the applicant’s choice. Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element. Grades must be achieved in two consecutive years. A-level resits are considered provided that they achieved no less than ABB/AAC at first sitting, and are predicted A* in any subject being retaken where less than A was achieved at first sitting.

Personal statement This is reviewed but not scored. During the interview process, the personal statement forms the basis of a discussion

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Edinburgh Medical School

MB ChB Medicine

A Levels AAA in A level including Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Maths and Physics (Biology preferred). Only one of Maths or Further Maths will be considered. Human Biology may replace Biology but General Studies will not be considered.

Personal statement Career exploration, non-academic achievements and personal qualities are assessed and scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method School leavers are not normally required to interview. Graduate and mature applicants, if short-listed, are invited for interview. These are conducted as multiple-mini interviews.

University of Exeter Medical School

BMBS Medicine

A Levels A*AA–AAA at A level to include Biology and Chemistry at minimum grade A. General Studies is not considered.

Personal statement Ranked but not scored.

Admissions test For direct school leavers, the UCAT is required. For applicants with A levels (or equivalent) taken more than two full academic years previously, the GAMSAT is required.

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Glasgow School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine

A Levels A level grades AAA including Chemistry and one of Maths, Physics or Biology. Each must be gained in one sitting. If Biology is not studied at A2 level, it must have been taken at AS level and a grade A is required.

Personal statement Reviewed prior to interview but not scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Panel interview

Hull York Medical School

MBBS Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 1.7
Number of applicants per place 7.9

A Levels typical offer is AAA at A Level obtained in your first sitting, including Biology and Chemistry (with a pass in practical experiments for reformed A levels completed in 2017 or later).

Personal statement Not scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Imperial College London School of Medicine

MBBS Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 3
Number of applicants per place 7

A Levels Minimum AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology plus a third subject. Please note that the standard offer is likely to be A*AA with the A* in either Chemistry or Biology.

Personal statement Evidence of motivation to study medicine, understanding of medicine as a career, community activities, leadership qualities, ability to work in a team and general interests.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Panel interview

Keele University School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2.5
Number of applicants per place 10

A Levels Predicted grades are not used in selection. Applicants who are made an offer will be required to achieve A*AA in three A levels completed within two years, including Chemistry or Biology plus a second science. It is likely that a number of applicants achieving AAA in the subjects listed above will also be admitted.

Personal statement Not assessed. Home applicants are required to submit a post-application roles and responsibilities form.

Admissions test UCAT (Home applicants) BMAT (International applicants)

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews plus numeracy assessment

King’s College London School of Medical Education

MBBS Medicine

A Levels  A*AA, including Biology and Chemistry.

Personal statement Reviewed for evidence of commitment to community, e.g. voluntary work. We are looking particularly for evidence of appropriate commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a medicine degree programme and career.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Lancaster University Medical School

MB ChB Medicine and Surgery
Number of applicants per interview 1.7
Number of applicants per place 8.2

A Levels Each applicant will be considered on their own merits. Offers will be made taking into consideration the mix of reformed and unreformed A levels taken and whether or not applicants have had the opportunity to take a fourth AS subject or an EPQ. The offers will be in the range AAA to A*AA, including both Biology and Chemistry at A level.

Personal statement Not assessed.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Leeds Medical School

MB ChB Medicine and Surgery
Number of applicants per interview 2.9
Number of applicants per place 7.8

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken.

Personal statement Not formally scored, but it is essential that applicants take this opportunity to demonstrate their motivation and enthusiasm to study

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Leicester Medical School

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2
Number of applicants per place 8.7

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry and one of; Biology, Physics or Psychology with predicted or achieved grades.

Personal statement Not routinely read.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Liverpool School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine and Surgery
Number of applicants per interview 1.6
Number of applicants per place 8.5

A Levels A levels in three subjects taken at one sitting after two years of study at a minimum of AAA including Chemistry and Biology

Personal statement Personal statement will not be used in making the decision to invite to interview but will be assessed at interview.

Admissions test UCAT (Non-graduates) GAMSAT (Graduates)

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Manchester School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 1.6
Number of applicants per place 5.6

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology, a second science (one from Chemistry; Biology or Human Biology; Physics; Maths or Further Maths).

Personal statement Personal statement no longer used in assessment. An electronic nonacademic information is required instead.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Newcastle University Medical School

MBBS Medicine and Surgery
Number of applicants per interview 1.9
Number of applicants per place 5.9

A Levels AAA at A level. Subjects include Chemistry and/or Biology at A or AS level.

Personal statement Not used prior or at interview, read prior to offers being made but is not scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews for Home/EU students. Panel interviews for international students. International students can opt to have a Skype interview in their home country or attend a panel interview on campus in Newcastle.

University of Nottingham School of Medicine

BMBS Medicine

A Levels AAA at A level including Biology and Chemistry (a pass is required in science practical tests, where assessed separately). The third A can be in any subject except Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies and global perspectives. A levels must be taken within a two-year period.

Personal statement Scored as part of selection for interview. Assessment is based on motivation, experience of helping others, commitment, voluntary experience, extracurricular activities, school/college contribution and supporting evidence in reference.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Oxford Medical School

BM BCh Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 3.4
Number of applicants per place 10.4

A Levels A*AA at A level achieved in one sitting, to include Chemistry, plus at least one of Biology, Physics or Maths.

Personal statement Considered by admissions tutors alongside all other aspects of the application.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Four-panel interviews at two colleges.

Plymouth University Peninsula Medical School

BMBS Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 4
Number of applicants per place 8

A Levels A*AA–AAB at A Level to include Biology and one other science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Psychology.

Personal statement Not scored.

Admissions test UCAT (GAMSAT for graduates)

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

Queen Mary University, Barts and the London School of Medicine

MBBS Medicine

Number of applicants per interview 3

Number of applicants per place 7

A Levels Grades A*AA. First A level to include Chemistry or Biology, second A level to include a secondary science subject (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths). Any third A level can be taken excluding Further Maths, General Studies or Critical Thinking. For applicants who achieved their A levels in 2016 or earlier, the requirement also includes a minimum grade B in AS level.

Personal statement Not scored, used to support interview.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Structured panel interview

Queen’s University Belfast, Medical School

MB BCh BAO Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 2
Number of applicants per place 3

A Levels A*AA at A-level (incl. Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology) or A*AA at A-level (incl. Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics) + ASlevel Biology grade B, or AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject (incl A-level Chemistry + at least one other A-level from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics). Grade A in the EPQ or advanced Welsh Baccalaureate can replace the 4th AS.

Personal statement Personal Statements are not scored as part of the selection process. There should be evidence of commitment and motivation in the personal statement and it should state explicitly that Medicine is their career choice.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Sheffield Medical School

MB BCh Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 1.7
Number of applicants per place 6.6

A Levels AAA at A level, including Chemistry or Biology, and another science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology), taken in one sitting. We do not accept A levels in Further Mathematics, Critical Thinking or General Studies. Where A levels have a separately graded practical component, this is required and must be passed.

Personal statement Not scored. Interest in medicine, work experience/volunteering and outside interests are all explored at interview.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine

BMBS
Number of applicants per interview 2
Number of applicants per place 8

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology, and including a pass in the practical examinations.

Personal statement Personal statement is considered only if the applicant is invited to attend a Selection Day.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Selection day

University of St Andrews Medical School

MB ChB or MBBS Medicine

AAA at A level including Chemistry and one other of Biology, Maths or Physics.

Personal statement Not scored but health-related work experience required for applicant to be considered for interview.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

St George’s, University of London

MBBS Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 1.8
Number of applicants per place 6.9

A Levels AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology. Completed within two years.

Personal statement Not scored.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University of Sunderland School of Medicine

MB ChB Medicine

A Levels AAA in three A levels completed within two years, including Chemistry or Biology plus a second science. It is likely that a number of applicants achieving AAB in the subjects listed above will also be admitted

Personal statement Not assessed. Applicants are required to complete a post-application roles and responsibilities form.

Admissions test UCAT

Interview method Multiple mini-interviews

University College London Medical School

MBBS BSc Medicine
Number of applicants per interview 3
Number of applicants per place 7

A Levels A*AA to include Biology and Chemistry.

Personal statement Personal statements are read and priority scored using the following criteria: work experience, motivation to study medicine, evidence of team work, leadership and communication skills, independent learning skills and other interests.

Admissions test BMAT

Interview method Panel interviews

University of Central Lancashire Medical School

MBBS Medicine
Number of applicants per place 14

A Levels Minimum grades AAB (At least two science subjects to include Chemistry and a third academic subject).

Personal statement The personal statement, academic reference and transferable skills statement are used to shortlist applicants for interview.

Admissions test None

Interview method Multiple mini-interviewsfacebook
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