If you’re considering a career as a doctor, planning ahead and carefully choosing your A-level subjects is imperative especially if picking between studying biology or chemistry.
If you’ve already chosen your A-levels but now want to study medicine, there is still hope!
Here we’ll walk you through which A-levels are best for studying medicine, as well as all your options to secure a place at medical school from any set of A-level subjects in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Exclusive to our guide, we’ll also provide you with the most up-to-date information about EVERY UK medical school A-Level entry requirements with 2024/2025 updates - look no further.
This was updated in May 2024 - please always check the respective websites of each medical school for their latest entry requirements.
What A-Levels Are Essential For Studying Medicine?
Different universities have different A-Level requirements for medicine.
As you can see in our mega list below, the most common essential subjects include chemistry and biology.
If you’re in the process of choosing your A levels, we recommend studying both biology and chemistry. This will enable you to apply to all UK medical schools, meanwhile providing a good scientific background, before starting the medicine degree.
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What are the general A-Level Requirements?
There are generally four types of A Level requirements that medical schools in the UK have, they usually require one of:
A Level Chemistry only
A Level Biology only
A Level Chemistry or Biology
A Level Biology & A Level Chemistry
We will now go into each of these requirements
Which Universities Require A-Level Chemistry Or Biology To Study Medicine?
Several UK medical schools require A-level chemistry and/or biology to study a medicine course at their university.
If you’ve already chosen your A-Levels, you may now be limited as to which universities will accept your application.
Here we’ve summarised this for you:
Medical Schools Requiring A-Level Chemistry Only
There are 9 medical schools in the UK that only require A Level chemistry. This means that there are 9 medical schools that don't require biology in the UK.
These are good choices to apply to if you have not done A Level biology.
Medical Schools Where Only A-Level Biology Is Required For Medicine
Currently, there are only 5medical schools in the UK where Biology is the only A Level required. These are the 5 medical schools that do't require chemistry in the UK.
By requiring biology, these are the medical schools where you can still apply if you have not done chemistry A Level.
Medical Schools Requiring A-Level Chemistry OR A-Level Biology
There are 8 UK medical schools which require either chemistry or biology A-Levels.
This means you can apply to these medical schools if you have not done chemistry or biology (ie you have done one of them).
Medical Schools Requiring Both A-Level Chemistry AND Biology
There are 15 UK medical schools for which you must have studied both A-level chemistry and biology to apply.
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How Many A-Levels Do You Need For Medicine?
There are limitations on the combinations of A-Levels that these can be.
For instance, some universities do not accept Critical Thinking or General Studies as acceptable studies.
Additionally, some universities do not accept Maths and Further Maths as 2 individual A-Levels.
For more information, check out our megalist below, or the individual university websites that you are interested in.
Some universities offer decreased A-Level grade requirements if 4 A-Levels are studied, or, if an EPQ is completed such as at Hull York Medical school.
We believe that there is generally speaking a limited benefit of doing 4 A-Levels, except in certain Cambridge colleges, and other medical schools, you may be better off spending that time on your UCAT or other A Levels.
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What Are The Best A-Levels For Applying To Medical School?
The “best” A-Level choices for applying to medical school will depend on what your strengths are.
Generally, Universities require either A-Level Chemistry, Biology or both.
We recommend students study both A-level chemistry and Biology, as these most closely reflect the pre-clinical content learnt at the very beginning of medical school. These subjects will provide a strong foundation of knowledge for studying medicine.
There is no specific subject requirement for the 3rd A-Level subject, however, we recommend another STEM subject, such as Physics or Mathematics.
A-level Mathematics develops and maintains important skills required for a medical degree, including basic statistics and dosage calculations.
A-Level Physics may cover topics such as medical physics. This may provide useful background information for understanding the use of medical equipment such as MRI scanners.
Alternative useful A-levels may include psychology, law or computer science. Your personal statement will provide you with an opportunity to justify how your third A-Level has helped you progress towards a career in medicine.
Ultimately, the best 3rd A-level choice for medical school will be a subject in which you are able to excel and which aligns with your interests.
What Are The Minimum A-Level Grades Required To Get Into Medicine And Become A Doctor?
For most UK medical schools, the minimum a-level grades required sit at around AAA. There are a few UK medical schools, such as Hull York Medical School, that offer students a place if they receive AAB.
In 2024, the lowest A-level grades to study medicine in the UK are offered by The University of Buckingham at ABB.
There are also lower entry requirements at some universities for students with a widening participation background, or those with a contextual offer. The lowest offer for widening participation students is ABB. However, lower grades may be accepted by universities on a case-by-case basis.
👉🏻 Read more: How To Accept a Medical School Offer
Grades And Subject Requirements For Medicine For EVERY UK University
Find below the A-Level subject and grade requirements for every UK university.
University | Grades: | Required Subjects: |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Maths / Physics Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA ABB (widening participation) | Subject 1 - Chemistry or biology Subject 2 - Biology / Maths / Physics / Chemistry Subject 3 - Any except General Studies and Critical Thinking | |
A*AA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry / Physics / Economics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA AAA (contextual offer) ABB (widening participation) | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA AAB (widening participation) | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
ABB | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
A*A*A | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Maths Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA ABB (widening participation) | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA or A*AB if the A* is in chemistry or biology | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Reasoning, Citizenship and Key Skills | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Any Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA A* in chemistry | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Maths Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Mathematics Subject 3 - Any | |
AAB | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Applied Science, Citizenship and Critical Thinking | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies | |
A*AA, AAA + EPQ at A or A*; criteria | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Biology / Chemistry / Economics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Physics / Psychology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies | |
AAB | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Physics / Chemistry / Psychology / Maths / Computer Science Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives | |
AAA AAB + EPQ AAAB | Subject 1 - Biology / Chemistry / Psychology Subject 2 - Biology / Chemistry / Psychology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking. | |
A*AA AAA + EPQ | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Maths / Psychology Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives | |
AAA AAB if firmed choice or widening participation | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Maths Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry / Biology / Physics / Psychology / Maths / Further Maths Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subjects 1, 2 and 3 - Any except General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking. | |
AAA AAB (Widening Participation) | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Maths Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA - AAB | Subject 1 - Biology - at Grade A Subject 2 - Chemistry / Maths / Physics / Psychology - at Grade A Subject 3 - Any | |
A*AA | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Maths Subject 3 - Any except Further Maths if Maths already taken | |
A*AA AAA + A in a fourth AS Level | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Maths / Physics Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry / Biology Subject 2 - Biology / Chemistry / Maths/ Physics / Psychology Subject 3 - Any except Further Maths, General Studies, Critical Thinking. | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry / Physics / Psychology / Sociology / Environmental Studies / Geography Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking. | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry / Physics / Psychology / Sociology / Environmental Studies / Geography Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking. | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Biology / Chemistry Subject 2 - Chemistry / Biology / Physics / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics Subject 3 - Any except General Studies, Critical Thinking. | |
A*AA Chemistry or Biology at A* | Subject 1 - Biology Subject 2 - Chemistry Subject 3 - Any | |
AAA | Subject 1 - Chemistry Subject 2 - Biology / Physics / Maths / Further Maths Subject 3 - Any |
👉🏻 Read more: Ultimate Medical School Guide
What Should You Do If You Chose The Wrong A-Levels For Medicine?
Have you decided that you want to study medicine at university but chose your A-Levels with another career in mind? Here we’ll discuss all of your options!
Firstly, consider what A-Levels you’ve taken, and whether any universities in the UK accept them. You can compare your A-Levels to our mega list above.
The University of Newcastle does not require any specific A-Level subjects to have been studied, and therefore this is your first and best option to enter a UK medical school.
This is dependent on you having studied 3 A-Levels, achieving at least AAA (this is dropped to BBB in contextual applicants) in any subjects other than General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking.
Other options into medical school include clearing, graduate entry medicine, studying abroad or completing an additional a-level/s during a gap year.
It may also be worth considering the medical degree apprenticeship.
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A-Level Subjects For Medical School Applicants: Frequently Asked Questions
What A-levels Are Required To Study Medicine In The UK?
Most UK medical schools require students to have A-level chemistry and one other science, typically Biology, though Physics or Mathematics may also be acceptable depending on the university.
Can I Apply To Medical School With A-levels In Subjects Other Than Sciences?
While the focus is on science subjects, many medical schools accept one non-science A-Level, though subjects like General Studies or Critical Thinking are often not accepted.
What Are The Minimum A-Level Grades Needed To Apply For Medicine?
The typical requirement is AAA at A-Level, though requirements can vary by university, with some programs offering places with AAB or even ABB under certain conditions.
Are There Any Medical Schools That Do Not Require Biology At A-Level?
Yes, some medical schools require only Chemistry at A-Level, allowing flexibility with the other subjects, though these are in the minority.
How Does Having An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Affect My Medical School Application?
An EPQ can be beneficial as some universities lower A-level grade requirements if an EPQ is completed, reflecting the student’s ability to undertake independent research.
Can I Apply To Medical School If I've Taken Maths And Further Maths?
Yes, but be aware that some universities do not count Maths and Further Maths as two separate A-Levels, so check specific university requirements.
What Should I Do If My A-Levels Do Not Meet The Typical Medical School Requirements?
Consider pathways such as taking additional qualifying A-Levels, applying for Graduate Entry Medicine if you pursue a bachelor's degree first, or studying medicine abroad.
Which A-Level Subjects Best Prepare Me For Medical School?
Chemistry and Biology are crucial, but Physics and Mathematics are also valuable for developing analytical skills and understanding medical technologies.
Are There Medical Schools With Lower Entry Requirements For Certain Demographics?
Yes, some medical schools have lower requirements for students from widening participation backgrounds or offer contextual offers based on personal circumstances.
How Can I Find Out The Specific A-Level Requirements For Each UK Medical School?
Check the UCAS website or the individual medical school's website for the most up-to-date entry requirements and consider contacting the admissions office for further clarification.
