What A-levels and grades do you need to be a doctor?
We look at what A-levels are needed for applying for medicine. Chemistry is no longer essential and there are options for non science based A-levels.
Students frequently ask us what A-levels they should choose for medicine and what grades they need. The good thing is that things are starting to change. Traditionally medicine would require 2 science-based subjects plus a third ‘academic’ subject. That means subjects like critical thinking and general studies were out. In addition, you were not allowed to have two similar A-levels combinations, such as biology and human biology, or maths and further maths.
Whilst the similar A-level combinations are still not usually permitted, there are now medical schools that do not require A-level chemistry, which was virtually unheard of. Examples of these are Kent and Plymouth, but there are others. These medical schools may however insist on A-level biology if you are not offering chemistry. There have been research papers over the years linking the success of students at medical schools with A-level grades in chemistry and biology, so they remain a good predictor for potential academic progress at medical school. Blue Peanut has helped students research and get places with unusual combinations of A-levels (for example Biology, Art and English) into the standard 5-year MBBS.
However, some less welcome news. The standard for medical school in terms of A-level grades was AAB. It is now likely to be AAA with some medical schools making you an offer requiring A* in one subject (usually chemistry). Competition is likely to be driving the academic requirements higher rather than the course becoming more academically more demanding. We also now have the introduction of ‘widening participation’ and this may result in lower offers for certain candidates – but that is for another blog.
Those of you aspiring to Oxbridge will likely need A*A*A. Finally, if you have non science-based A-levels, you may be able to apply for a ‘foundation’ year or ‘premedical’ course. If you go for these, check what the procedure is for progression from any premedical year to the normal 5-year MBBS course – there may be conditions and it could be competitive. If your application for a foundation year is not successful, you may have to sit science A-levels for 2 years, or perhaps find a sixth form that allows you to study one chemistry A-level over 1 year.
Dr Mannan has done a video discussing A-levels in more detail. Have a look below. Subscribe to our newsletter and to our Facebook and Instagram pages and be kept updated with medical school admission news and priority access and discounts to our courses and seminars.