What A-Levels Do I Need for Medicine for 2027 Entry?

Written By The Blue Peanut Team

If you want the widest possible choice of UK medical schools, the safest A-level combination is:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • A third subject you enjoy and can realistically achieve a high grade in

That is the simple answer. It is not, however, the only possible route into medicine.

Newcastle University does not specify any compulsory A-level subjects. Lincoln requires Biology but not Chemistry. Bristol requires Chemistry but not necessarily Biology. Bangor accepts Biology alongside subjects including Economics, while Southampton has an unusually broad definition of a second science.

Most standard-entry medicine offers for 2027 are between AAA and A*AA. Cambridge has a minimum offer of A*A*A, while Buckingham publishes an ABB requirement.

🟦 The important point: there is no single A-level rule covering every UK medical school. Your subjects, predicted grades, resit history and even the order in which you completed your qualifications can affect where you are eligible to apply.

Last updated: August 2026. This guide covers standard undergraduate medicine courses listed for 2027 entry. Requirements can change, so always make a final check on the medical school’s own website before submitting your application.

What are the best A-levels for medicine?

For most Year 11 students planning to apply for medicine, the strongest all-round combination is:

Chemistry + Biology + one other academic subject

This keeps almost every standard-entry medical school open to you.

Your third subject could be:

  • Maths
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • English Literature
  • History
  • Geography
  • A language
  • Another well-established academic subject accepted by your chosen universities

Once you have Chemistry and Biology, many medical schools are flexible about the third A level. It is usually better to choose a subject in which you can achieve an A or A* than to take Maths simply because you think it looks more impressive.

An applicant with AAA in Chemistry, Biology and History will normally be in a stronger position than an applicant with AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Maths, assuming the university requires AAA.

Do I need A-level Maths for medicine?

No. A-level Maths is not a universal requirement for medicine.

Maths is useful and may complement Chemistry and Biology, but you do not need it simply because you want to become a doctor. Some universities allow Maths to meet a second-science requirement. Others are happy for your third A level to be a humanities or social science subject once you have the required sciences.

Some universities will not count Maths, Further Maths and Statistics as three separate subjects. Taking all three can therefore restrict your choices.

Do I need A-level Chemistry for medicine?

Chemistry is required by many medical schools, but not all of them.

Universities where Chemistry is not necessarily compulsory include:

  • Anglia Ruskin
  • Bangor
  • Brunel
  • Cardiff
  • Dundee
  • Keele
  • Kent and Medway
  • Leicester
  • Lincoln
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Plymouth
  • Sheffield
  • Southampton
  • Sunderland
  • UEA

The exact alternative varies. Some require Biology instead, while others accept either Biology or Chemistry alongside another approved science.

Newcastle is the most flexible example because it does not specify any compulsory A-level subject for its standard AAA offer.

🟩 Could you study medicine without A-level Chemistry? Yes. But your choice of universities would be smaller, so Chemistry remains the safer option if you are choosing your A levels now.

Do I need A-level Biology for medicine?

Biology is also not compulsory at every medical school.

For example, Aberdeen, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Oxford and St Andrews allow applicants to combine Chemistry with another approved science or Maths.

Queen Mary University of London accepts either Biology or Chemistry as the first required science, provided your second A level is another approved science.

Again, taking both Biology and Chemistry gives you the greatest flexibility.

Is Psychology a good A level for medicine?

Psychology is accepted by a growing number of medical schools. It can form part of the required science combination at universities including Anglia Ruskin, Cardiff, Keele, Lancaster, Leicester, Manchester, Plymouth and Southampton.

Lancaster is particularly unusual because it asks for two subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.

Psychology is not treated as a science by every medical school, however. Never assume that a university will accept it in place of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths.

Which A levels may not be accepted for medicine?

Commonly excluded subjects include:

  • General Studies
  • Critical Thinking
  • Thinking Skills
  • Global Perspectives at some universities
  • Citizenship at some universities
  • Applied Science at some universities

There can also be restrictions on subjects considered too similar:

  • Biology and Human Biology may not count as two separate A levels.
  • Maths and Further Maths may not both count towards a three-subject offer.
  • Maths, Further Maths and Statistics may be treated as overlapping subjects.
  • Sports Science, Human Biology, Further Maths and Statistics are accepted only as fourth A levels at Leeds.
  • St Mary’s has similar restrictions on several of these subjects.

Check the exact wording used by each university rather than relying on a general list of “facilitating” or “preferred” subjects.

🟦 Blue Peanut tip: Your A levels determine where you are eligible to apply, but your UCAT can determine where you are competitive. Students applying for 2027 entry can prepare through the Blue Peanut UCAT Course, which combines doctor-led teaching with structured practice and ongoing support.

What A-level grades do I need for medicine in 2027?

The most common offers are AAA and A*AA.

Medical schools asking for A*A*A

The University of Cambridge has a minimum offer level of A*A*A. Some individual Cambridge colleges can impose additional subject requirements or specify where an A* must be achieved.

Medical schools asking for A*AA

Examples include Aston, Birmingham, Exeter, Imperial, Keele, King’s College London, Leicester, Queen Mary University of London and UCL. The required A* may need to be in a particular science at some universities but can be in any of the three subjects at others.

Medical schools asking for AAA

A large proportion of UK medical schools publish a standard AAA offer, usually with one or two compulsory sciences. These include Aberdeen, Anglia Ruskin, Bangor, Brighton and Sussex, Bristol, Cardiff, City St George’s, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Sheffield, Southampton and Sunderland.

Can you study medicine with AAB or ABB?

Potentially, but your options are more limited.

  • Buckingham publishes an ABB requirement.
  • The University of Greater Manchester publishes an AAB requirement for its 2027 international applicants.
  • Brunel publishes an offer range of AAA to AAB.
  • Lancaster accepts AAB when accompanied by an additional qualifying EPQ, AS level or fourth A level.
  • Edge Hill can accept A*AB where the A* is in Biology or Chemistry.
  • Liverpool can accept A*AB, provided the A* and A are in the required sciences.
  • Many contextual offers are reduced to AAB or ABB.

Do not confuse a minimum grade needed to apply with the offer you are likely to receive. Hull York, for example, allows applicants to apply with predicted grades of at least AAB, but its published typical A-level offer is AAA.

Medicine A-level requirements for 2027 entry by university

This section covers standard undergraduate medicine courses. Gateway, foundation, graduate-entry and access programmes may have different academic and eligibility rules.

A–B

  • University of Aberdeen: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Maths or Physics. A-level resits are not accepted. Eligible contextual applicants may receive AAB.
  • Anglia Ruskin University: AAA including Chemistry or Biology, plus one from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology, and a third subject. A levels must normally be completed within three academic years. Resits are accepted under specified conditions; the contextual offer is ABB.
  • Aston University: A*AA including Chemistry and Biology, with the A* in one of these subjects. Aston does not use predicted grades when selecting applicants. Resits can be accepted within its maximum three-year study period. Its contextual offer is AAB, with A grades in Chemistry and Biology.
  • Bangor University: AAA including Biology and one from Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Maths, Further Maths or Statistics. Chemistry is therefore not compulsory. Bangor does not accept Level 3 resits. Eligible contextual applicants may receive AAB.
  • University of Birmingham: A*AA including Biology or Human Biology and Chemistry. Eligible contextual applicants may receive an AAA offer.
  • Brighton and Sussex Medical School: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. A-level resits may be considered where the applicant achieved at least AAB at the first sitting. The contextual offer is AAB.
  • University of Bristol: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths. Resits are considered. The contextual offer is ABB, including A in Chemistry and B in the second required science.
  • Brunel University London: AAA to AAB. Applicants need A in Biology or Chemistry, A in a second science from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths, and A or B in the third subject. Resits are considered.
  • University of Buckingham: ABB including Chemistry or Biology. This independent university has a 4.5-year medical degree beginning in January 2027. Its application deadline and course calendar differ from most UK medical schools.

C–E

  • University of Cambridge: Minimum A*A*A including Chemistry and at least one of Biology or Human Biology, Maths, Further Maths or Physics. Some colleges impose additional subject requirements, specify particular A* grades or make higher offers. Cambridge normally expects the grades in one sitting.
  • Cardiff University: AAA including Biology or Chemistry and another subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Predicted grades are not used in selection, and A-level resits are not routinely accepted.
  • City St George’s, University of London: AAA including Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology. The three A levels must normally be completed in one sitting over no more than two years. Contextual offers can be up to two grades below the standard offer.
  • University of Dundee: AAA including either Chemistry or Biology and another science, with Maths accepted as a science. Where Biology or Chemistry is not taken at A level, the missing subject must meet Dundee’s GCSE requirement. A-level resits are not accepted. The contextual offer is ABB.
  • Edge Hill University: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. An A* in Biology or Chemistry may allow an A*AB offer. Resits are accepted. The course is restricted to eligible UK applicants.
  • University of Edinburgh: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Human Biology, Maths or Physics. Edinburgh counts only one of Maths and Further Maths, and only one of Biology and Human Biology. The required grades must be achieved at the first attempt. The minimum contextual offer is AAB.
  • University of Exeter: A*AA, including A in both Biology and Chemistry. Resit applicants are considered on the same basis as other applicants. Contextual adjustments can reduce the requirement by up to three grades, depending on eligibility.

G–K

  • University of Glasgow: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Maths. International applicants are normally expected to offer Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Maths. A-level resits are not accepted.
  • University of Greater Manchester: AAB including Chemistry or Biology and another subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. For 2027 entry, the course is available only to international applicants. The published policy does not require an admissions test, and resits may be considered.
  • University of Hertfordshire: AAA including Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology, achieved in one sitting over a maximum of two years. For 2027 entry, the course is open only to international applicants.
  • Hull York Medical School: Three A levels including Biology and Chemistry. The typical offer is AAA, while applicants applying with predicted grades must normally be predicted at least AAB. Subjects must be studied concurrently and completed within three years. Applicants repeating Year 13 must have achieved at least BBB in the first sitting.
  • Imperial College London: The minimum requirement is AAA including Chemistry, Biology and a third subject, but the standard offer is expected to be A*AA, normally with the A* in Chemistry or Biology. All qualifications must be achieved in one sitting. Resits are not accepted.
  • Keele University: A*AA including Biology or Chemistry and another approved subject from Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Further Maths, Maths, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. Keele does not use predicted grades in selection and has a restrictive resit policy.
  • Kent and Medway Medical School: AAA or AAB including Biology or Chemistry and another science. KMMS contextualises school-leaver applications by comparing academic performance with the applicant’s school, but does not operate a separate lower contextual offer. Predicted grades are not used. Level 3 resits are normally accepted only with approved extenuating circumstances.
  • King’s College London: A*AA including at least grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Resits can be considered, although applicants who achieved the required grades within the standard two-year period may be viewed more favourably.

L–N

  • University of Lancashire: AAA with at least two science subjects, one of which must be Chemistry. The three A levels must be achieved in one sitting. One resit attempt per subject may be accepted if taken in the same academic year. The contextual offer is AAB.
  • Lancaster University: AAA including two subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. Lancaster also accepts AAB in the three main A levels with an EPQ, fourth AS level or fourth A level at grade B. Only one of Maths and Further Maths can count. The contextual offer is ABB.
  • University of Leeds: AAA including Chemistry and Biology. A fourth A level gives no advantage, and Leeds will not accept A*A*B instead of AAA. Human Biology, Sports Science, Further Maths and Statistics are accepted only as fourth subjects.
  • University of Leicester: A*AA including Chemistry or Biology and another approved science, with the A* in a science. Alternatives include AAA plus a qualifying EPQ, AS level or Welsh Baccalaureate at grade B, or AAAB across four full A levels. Resits are accepted only in restricted circumstances.
  • University of Lincoln: AAA including Biology. Chemistry is not compulsory at A level, although science requirements still apply at GCSE. Predicted grades are not used. Resits are accepted, and the contextual offer is AAB. The course is restricted to eligible UK applicants.
  • University of Liverpool: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Maths, plus a third academic subject. Liverpool can alternatively accept A*AB where the A* and A are achieved in Chemistry and the accompanying required science.
  • University of Manchester: AAA including Biology or Human Biology, or Chemistry, plus another subject from Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Maths or Further Maths. Predicted grades are not used. Resits may be accepted where the first sitting was at least ABB, but limits apply to which year can be repeated.
  • Newcastle University: AAA with no compulsory A-level subject. Certain subjects are excluded. Resits are allowed once, but the expected grade in a repeated subject normally rises by one grade. Newcastle also operates several contextual routes.
  • University of Nottingham: AAA including Biology or Human Biology and Chemistry. Predicted grades are not used. Applicants may resit up to two A levels under Nottingham’s conditions, normally after achieving at least ABB at the first sitting.

O–Q

  • University of Oxford: A*AA, achieved in the same academic year, including A in Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths. Resit applicants can apply, but Oxford warns that they may be less likely to secure a place.
  • University of Plymouth: AAA including A in Biology and A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. Resits are considered, although applicants applying with predicted resit grades must normally have achieved at least ABB previously. The contextual offer is AAB.
  • Queen Mary University of London — Barts and The London: A*AA achieved in one sitting over no more than two years. Applicants need either Chemistry or Biology, followed by another science from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths. The A* can be in any of the three subjects. Further Maths is not counted alongside Maths. Resits are accepted only in narrowly defined exceptional circumstances.
  • Queen’s University Belfast: Routes include AAA plus A in a fourth AS-level subject, or A*AA including Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology. A*AA with Chemistry and Maths or Physics also requires AS-level Biology at B. An EPQ at A, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate at A or fourth A level at B can replace the fourth AS level. The resit policy is exceptionally restrictive.

S–U

  • University of Sheffield: AAA including Chemistry or Biology and another science. Resits are accepted. The contextual offer is AAB, and an alternative offer may be available to applicants completing an EPQ.
  • University of Southampton: AAA including Biology and another science. Southampton’s definition of science is unusually broad and can include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Resits are considered; the contextual offer is AAB.
  • University of St Andrews — A100: AAA, with AAB shown as a minimum for qualifying applicants. Chemistry and one of Biology, Maths or Physics are required. Resits are not normally considered. Students begin at St Andrews and later transfer to a partner medical school for the clinical phase, depending on their route.
  • University of St Andrews — ScotCOM: AAA, with AAB as a published minimum in defined circumstances, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Maths or Physics. This route is restricted to eligible UK applicants and expects relevant caring or health-related experience.
  • St Mary’s University, Twickenham: AAA including Chemistry or Biology and another science from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Human Biology, Sports Science, Further Maths and Statistics are accepted only as fourth A levels, and the EPQ is not considered. The course is available only to international applicants for 2027 entry. Resits are accepted only exceptionally.
  • University of Sunderland: AAA including Biology or Chemistry and another designated science. Only one of Maths, Further Maths and Statistics can count. Qualifications must normally be completed in the same sitting. The course is restricted to eligible UK applicants, predicted grades are not used, and only limited resit combinations are accepted.
  • University College London: A*AA including Biology and Chemistry, with the A* in either subject. Resits and restarted Year 12 programmes are not normally accepted for school-leaver applicants. The contextual offer is AAB, with A grades in Biology and Chemistry.
  • University of East Anglia: The currently published requirement is AAA including Biology or Chemistry. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Resits may be considered after a first sitting of ABB or AAC, but at least one A* is expected in the resat subject or subjects. At the time of checking, the Medical Schools Council course card still displayed a September 2026 start date, so applicants should confirm the final 2027 wording directly with UEA.

Unusual medical school admission policies for 2027

Newcastle does not require science A levels

Newcastle’s standard requirement is AAA without compulsory A-level subjects. This can be relevant to someone who decided on medicine after choosing non-science A levels, although the rest of the application must still be competitive.

Queen’s Belfast may require a fourth qualification

An applicant offering AAA may also need A in a fourth AS level. The requirement can instead be met through one of its specified A*AA combinations or, in certain routes, through an EPQ, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate or fourth full A level. Read the complete subject combination, not just the three main grades.

Cambridge requirements can vary by college

Individual Cambridge colleges can require an additional science, specify the subject in which an A* must be achieved, set a higher offer or apply their own detailed subject preferences.

Leeds will not exchange A* grades for a B

Leeds asks for AAA and states that it will not accept A*A*B as an alternative. An offer is not always based on an equivalent total tariff.

A fourth A level normally gives no advantage

Most medical schools make offers based on three A levels. Leeds explicitly says a fourth A level does not provide an advantage. Exceptions include Lancaster, Leicester and Queen’s Belfast, where an additional qualification can form part of a defined alternative route.

Several universities do not use predicted grades

Predicted grades are not used, or are not used as part of the main selection process, at universities including Aston, Cardiff, Keele, Kent and Medway, Lincoln, Manchester, Nottingham and Sunderland.

Some 2027 courses restrict who can apply

  • Hertfordshire, St Mary’s Twickenham and the University of Greater Manchester are open only to international applicants.
  • Edge Hill, Lincoln and Sunderland are restricted to eligible UK applicants.
  • St Andrews ScotCOM is restricted to eligible UK applicants.

Buckingham begins in January

Buckingham’s medical degree begins in January 2027, lasts approximately 4.5 years and is delivered by an independent university. Its application arrangements and tuition fees require particularly careful checking.

Southampton accepts some unexpected second sciences

Alongside Biology, Southampton’s additional science can include Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography.

Do medical schools accept A-level resits for 2027 entry?

Some do. Others do not. Several accept resits only after particular first-sitting grades or documented extenuating circumstances.

Medical schools that generally do not accept A-level resits

Published examples include Aberdeen, Bangor, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Imperial and UCL. St Andrews states that resits are not normally considered.

Medical schools with highly restricted resit policies

These include Brighton and Sussex, Cardiff, Kent and Medway, Leicester, Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University Belfast and St Mary’s Twickenham.

Medical schools that may accept resits with conditions

Examples include Anglia Ruskin, Aston, Brunel, Edge Hill, Exeter, Hull York, King’s College London, Lincoln, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield, Southampton, Sunderland and UEA.

Conditions can include:

  • A minimum first-sitting result such as ABB, AAB or BBB
  • Resitting no more than one or two subjects
  • Completing all resits in the same academic year
  • Repeating only Year 12 or Year 13, but not both
  • Achieving an A* in a resat subject
  • Applying within a specified number of years
  • Supplying evidence of mitigating circumstances

⚠️ Never choose your medical schools from a general list of “resit-friendly universities”. Read the policy for your exact grades, subjects and timeline.

How do contextual offers for medicine work?

A contextual offer recognises that an applicant’s educational or personal circumstances may have affected their opportunities or academic performance.

Eligibility can take account of care experience, free school meal eligibility, school performance, home postcode, participation in an approved widening-access programme, refugee status, being the first person in the family to enter higher education or serious personal disruption.

Published contextual offers include:

  • Anglia Ruskin: ABB
  • Aston: AAB
  • Bangor: AAB
  • Brighton and Sussex: AAB
  • Bristol: ABB
  • Dundee: ABB
  • Lancaster: ABB
  • Lincoln: AAB
  • Plymouth: AAB
  • Sheffield: AAB
  • Southampton: AAB
  • UCL: AAB

Newcastle offers several contextual routes, including its standard contextual pathway, PARTNERS programme and Sutton Trust route. Exeter can make adjustments of up to three grades, depending on circumstances.

Contextual consideration does not always produce a lower offer. Kent and Medway contextualises school-leaver applicants during selection but does not publish a separate reduced contextual grade offer. A contextual offer is also not automatic: you must meet the university’s specific criteria.

Should I take four A levels for medicine?

Usually, no. Medical schools generally assess three full A levels. Four subjects do not compensate for a missing required subject, weak UCAT score or unsuitable university choice.

Four A levels may be sensible when:

  • Your school requires you to begin with four.
  • You are genuinely strong across all four subjects.
  • A fourth qualification forms part of a specific alternative offer.
  • You are undecided and plan to drop one after Year 12.

🟦 Your goal is not to collect the largest number of qualifications. Your goal is to meet the exact requirements of four carefully chosen medical schools.

Does an EPQ help with medicine?

An EPQ can develop independent research, critical appraisal, academic writing and discussion skills. It can also give you useful material to reflect on at interview. It does not usually replace a compulsory A level such as Chemistry or Biology.

  • Lancaster can accept AAB plus a qualifying EPQ at B.
  • Leicester publishes an AAA route accompanied by a qualifying EPQ or other additional qualification.
  • Queen’s Belfast can accept an EPQ at A in place of its fourth AS-level requirement.
  • Sheffield may make an alternative offer linked to an EPQ.
  • St Mary’s states that it does not consider the EPQ for its medicine requirement.

How should I choose my third A level for medicine?

1. Choose a subject in which you can achieve a high grade

Medicine offers are demanding. Your third subject should strengthen your grades rather than simply sound impressive.

2. Check for overlapping-subject rules

Be especially careful with Maths and Further Maths, Maths and Statistics, Biology and Human Biology, and similar applied science qualifications.

3. Check all four likely medical schools

Do not select A levels on the basis of one favourite university. A flexible subject combination gives you more options when you eventually build your UCAS shortlist.

4. Think about workload

Chemistry and Biology are already content-heavy. Your third A level should be academically credible but manageable alongside UCAT preparation, work experience and your wider application.

5. Do not choose a subject solely because someone calls it “essential”

Maths is an excellent choice for students who enjoy it and perform well in it. It is not automatically better than Psychology, History, Geography or another accepted subject.

What happens after choosing your A levels?

Meeting the academic requirement makes you eligible. It does not guarantee an interview. Medical schools may also consider GCSE results, UCAT performance, the UCAT Situational Judgement Test, contextual information, personal statement responses, work experience and reflection, and interview performance.

Once interview invitations arrive, preparation needs to move beyond memorising stock answers. You may be assessed on communication, ethical reasoning, motivation, teamwork, NHS awareness, data interpretation and your ability to reflect under pressure.

The Blue Peanut Medical School Interview Course prepares students for both MMIs and panel interviews through live, doctor-led teaching.

Students who want realistic interview practice can also attend the Blue Peanut Mock MMI Circuits, completing 40 stations across four full circuits with individual feedback.

Why students trust Blue Peanut

Blue Peanut is run by practising NHS doctors and medical educators who understand medical training as well as the admissions process.

Dr Mannan is a practising NHS GP, medical school placement supervisor and former MBChB admissions assessor. Blue Peanut’s team also supervises medical students, Foundation doctors and GP trainees, helping to keep its teaching connected to the qualities expected throughout a medical career.

More than 5,000 aspiring medical and dental students have been supported through Blue Peanut’s courses and educational programmes.

The aim is not to give students scripts to recite. It is to help them understand what medical schools are assessing, communicate naturally and make better-informed application choices.

Frequently asked questions about A levels for medicine

What A levels should I take for medicine in 2027?

The safest combination is Chemistry, Biology and a third academic subject in which you are likely to achieve a high grade. This keeps the greatest number of UK medical schools available.

Can I study medicine without Chemistry?

Yes. Several medical schools accept Biology alongside another approved science, while Newcastle does not specify compulsory A-level subjects. Your university options will be narrower, however.

Can I study medicine without Biology?

Yes. Universities including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Oxford and St Andrews accept Chemistry with another approved science or Maths subject.

Do I need Maths for medicine?

No. Maths is accepted and useful, but it is not a universal requirement for standard-entry medicine.

Is Chemistry, Biology and Psychology a good combination?

Yes. This combination is accepted by a wide range of medical schools and may be particularly useful for universities that treat Psychology as an approved science. You must still check each school individually.

Is Chemistry, Biology and Maths better than Chemistry, Biology and Psychology?

Not automatically. Both combinations can be strong. Choose the third subject in which you are more likely to achieve the required grade, provided it is accepted by your shortlisted universities.

Can I get into medicine with AAB?

Possibly. There are universities and alternative offer routes that accept AAB, while contextual offers can also be reduced to AAB or ABB. Most standard offers remain AAA or A*AA.

Will four A levels improve my medicine application?

Usually not. Most offers are based on three A levels, and Leeds explicitly states that a fourth gives no advantage. A fourth subject can help only in a small number of defined alternative-offer routes.

Can I apply to medicine after resitting my A levels?

Yes, but only to universities whose resit policies match your circumstances. Some accept resits, some impose minimum first-sitting grades, and others do not normally accept them.

Are predicted grades enough to choose my medical schools?

No. Your subject combination, GCSEs, UCAT score, contextual eligibility, resit history and applicant status must all be considered before you make your final four choices.

Final 2027 medicine A-level checklist

Before finalising your subjects or medical school shortlist, check that:

  • You meet every compulsory subject requirement.
  • Your predicted or achieved grades meet the application threshold.
  • Your third subject is accepted.
  • Your subjects are not treated as overlapping.
  • You meet any one-sitting or maximum-study-period rule.
  • Your resit history is acceptable.
  • You are eligible for the course as a UK or international applicant.
  • You understand the difference between a minimum application threshold and a typical offer.
  • You have checked whether an EPQ or fourth subject changes the offer.
  • You have read the medical school’s own 2027 admissions page.

For most students who have not yet chosen their A levels, Chemistry, Biology and a strong third subject remain the most reliable combination for medicine in 2027.

The best application strategy is not to chase the university with the lowest published grades. It is to choose medical schools whose academic, UCAT and selection policies genuinely suit your individual profile.

Relevant official links

Medical Schools Council

Medical school websites

Blue Peanut application support

The Blue Peanut Team

This content is provided in good faith and based on information from medical school websites at the time of writing. Entry requirements can change, so always check directly with the university before making decisions. You’re free to accept or reject any advice given here, and you use this information at your own risk. We can’t be held responsible for errors or omissions — but if you spot any, please let us know and we’ll update it promptly. Information from third-party websites should be considered anecdotal and not relied upon.

Next

How Many GCSE 9s Do You Need for Medicine? 2027 Entry Guide