A-Level Choices for Medicine: What You Really Need
What A-Levels Do You Need to Study Medicine in the UK?
If you’re planning to apply to medical school, it’s essential to understand the A-Level requirements for Medicine. While each medical school sets its own entry criteria, most have clear subject preferences, and some even have strict rules about which A-Levels are accepted or rejected.
In this guide, we’ll explore which A-Levels are essential for Medicine, which subjects give you the best chance of being accepted, and which combinations are accepted by different medical schools across the UK.
How Many A-Levels Do You Need for Medicine?
To apply for Medicine, most UK medical schools require three A-Levels, with predicted or achieved high grades (usually A or A*) in all three.
To maximise your options and keep your medical school choices open, the most recommended A-Level subjects for Medicine are:
Chemistry (essential at many universities)
Biology (strongly preferred or required)
One additional science or science-related subject: Physics, Maths or Psychology are the most widely accepted.
Essential A-Levels for Medicine: Subject Breakdown
1. Chemistry – A Core Requirement
Chemistry is the most commonly required A-Level for Medicine. 24 UK medical schools list Chemistry as essential. Many also require a second science alongside Chemistry, typically Biology.
2. Biology – Required or Highly Recommended
Although not always mandatory, 14 medical schools require both chemistry and biology. Others will accept biology with another science subject instead of chemistry.
3. Third Subject – Science, Maths or Psychology
For your third A-Level, most medical schools recommend choosing another science (Physics or Maths) or Psychology, which is recognised by eight UK medical schools as a science equivalent.
Some universities, such as Brighton and Sussex, also welcome applicants who study a third subject outside the sciences, as they believe it can broaden academic horizons.
Come to our Medical School Interview Course and convert interviews into offers.
Subject Combinations Accepted by UK Medical Schools
🔬 Medical Schools That Require BOTH Chemistry and Biology:
Aston
Birmingham
Brighton & Sussex
Cardiff
Edge Hill
Exeter
Hull York
Imperial College London
King’s College London
Leeds
Lincoln
Nottingham
St George’s
UCL
🔬 Medical Schools That Require Chemistry PLUS Another Science:
Aberdeen
Bristol
Cambridge (recommends your third A-Level be another science)
Dundee
Glasgow
Liverpool
Oxford
Queen’s Belfast
St Andrews
UCLan
🔍 Medical Schools Where Chemistry is NOT Essential:
These universities accept either Chemistry or Biology, often with a second science subject:
Anglia Ruskin
Barts
Brunel
Keele*
Kent and Medway
Lancaster
Leicester*
Manchester*
Newcastle
Norwich (UEA)
Plymouth
Sheffield*
Southampton
Sunderland
*Some of these schools also accept Psychology as a science subject; Keele accepts Economics as well.
🧬 Medical Schools Where Biology is Required:
Bangor – requires Biology and another science (Chemistry, Physics, Economics, or Maths/Further Maths/Statistics)
Plymouth – requires Biology plus Chemistry, Physics, Maths, or Psychology
Southampton – requires Biology plus another science, including subjects such as Sociology, Psychology or Geography
Which A-Levels Should You Avoid for Medicine?
Most UK medical schools do not accept the following A-Level subjects for medicine:
General Studies
Critical Thinking
Citizenship Studies
Global Perspectives
Additionally, subjects with overlapping content, such as Maths and Further Maths or Biology and Human Biology, may only be counted as one A-Level.
Other Key Admissions Factors for Medical School
A-Level grades are crucial, but they are not the only part of your Medicine application. Here are other key components that can influence your success:
📚 GCSEs
Strong GCSE results (particularly in core subjects like English, Maths, and Science) demonstrate academic ability. Although not all universities weigh GCSEs equally, many will consider them as part of their selection process.
✍️ Personal Statement
Your personal statement presents an opportunity to convey your motivation, commitment, and suitability for studying Medicine. Remember to emphasise relevant experiences, skills, and reflections, not solely academic achievements.
🏥 Work Experience
Gaining experience in healthcare environments—whether through shadowing doctors, volunteering, or engaging in research projects—demonstrates dedication and an understanding of what a career in medicine entails.
🧠 Admissions Tests
Most UK medical schools require an admissions test. The most common is the UCAT, which assesses your aptitude for critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making – all vital skills for future doctors.
FAQS: Choosing A-Levels for Medicine
🔹 What are the best A-Levels to take for Medicine?
The best combination includes Chemistry, Biology, and another science or Mathematics. This will make you eligible for the widest range of medical schools in the UK.
🔹 Are any A-Levels compulsory for Medicine?
Yes – approximately 24 medical schools require Chemistry, while 14 require both Chemistry and Biology. Others offer some flexibility, depending on the combination of subjects.
🔹 Can I study Medicine without A-Level Biology?
Yes, some medical schools will consider applicants with Chemistry along with Physics or Maths instead. In total, 19 medical schools accept this, and 8 also accept Psychology.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Choose Wisely
Selecting the right A-Levels for Medicine is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in sixth form. To maximise your chances, aim to take Chemistry, Biology, and another accepted science or related subject.
Always verify the specific entry requirements on each medical school’s website before applying, as they may change from year to year.
