What A Levels Should I Study for Medicine?

Applying for Medicine

Applying for a medicine degree in the UK is a highly competitive process. Aspiring medical students must work through a rigorous application process that involves meeting specific entry requirements, demonstrating academic excellence and showcasing their passion for the field. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of applying for a medicine degree in the UK, including application statistics, entry requirements, example grades, UCAS points, deadlines, and other pertinent information.

Medicine Application Statistics

The demand for medicine degrees in the UK is consistently high, making it one of the most competitive university courses. According to recent statistics, the number of applicants consistently and significantly exceeds the number of available places each year. 

* The cap on the number of places available was lifted during the pandemic

Medicine Application Process and Deadlines

The application process for medicine degrees in the UK is coordinated through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The main application deadline for medicine courses is usually in mid-October, a year before the intended start date. For example:

• The UCAS medicine deadline for a September 2023 entry was 15 October 2022

• The UCAS medicine deadline for a September 2024 entry is 16 October 2023

Applicants must complete a UCAS application, including personal details, academic qualifications, personal statement and references. Additionally, most universities require students to either sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).

A Levels for Medicine and UCAS Points

While 144 UCAS points is equivalent to AAA at A level, this may not be sufficient to gain a place on a medicine course due to the specific requirements of individual universities. Each university has its own detailed set of requirements in terms of certain grades in specific subjects, which means that UCAS points are often irrelevant when applying for medicine. 

All universities require A level Chemistry, typically at a minimum of grade A with some universities expecting an A* grade. Certain universities also specifically require A level Biology while others state at least one other A level from:

• A Level Biology / Human Biology

• A Level Mathematics and / or Further Mathematics

• A Level Physics

As a general guide, the best A levels for medicine are Biology, Chemistry and one other subject as a minimum. It is also expected that you will have passed the Science Practical Endorsements of any relevant courses. 

Other non-STEM subjects are also considered however, it is always worth checking the entrance requirements of your intended university choices. Extended Project Qualifications may not be considered and the following A level subjects are commonly not accepted as part of the entrance requirements:

• General Studies

• Critical Thinking

• Thinking Skills

• Global Perspectives 

In addition to A-levels, universities may also consider the International Baccalaureate (IB), Scottish Highers or other equivalent qualifications. However, universities do not usually accept vocational courses such as BTEC and Access to Higher Education qualifications for admission to medicine degree courses.

Medicine Admissions Tests (UCAT / BMAT)

As part of your application, you will typically be required to sit a medical admissions test such as the UCAT or BMAT test. Although the BMAT is reportedly being withdrawn in 2024, there are still some universities that are using it for their entrance requirements. You should check which admissions test your chosen university uses and if there are any plans to switch from BMAT to UCAT.

UCAT is a computer-based aptitude test used in the United Kingdom and other countries. It is designed to assess your cognitive abilities, attitudes and professional behaviours, which are all important for success in healthcare professions. It consists of multiple-choice questions testing your verbal, quantitative and abstract reasoning, decision making and situational judgement.

BMAT is another admissions test used for medical, dental, and veterinary programs in the United Kingdom and some international universities. It assesses your abilities in scientific knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills. The BMAT consists of three sections:

• Section 1 covers aptitude and skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis

• Section 2 focuses on scientific knowledge and application

• Section 3 requires essay writing on a given topic.

Both UCAT and BMAT are designed to provide a standardised evaluation of the abilities and aptitudes of any applicant, related to healthcare professions. You should be aware that different universities place different degrees of importance on these tests during the admissions process. Each may have specific score requirements or weightings for different sections of the tests. Therefore, it is essential to check with your chosen universities about which test they use, their specific requirements and how they use the results of these tests.

Standard Entrance Requirements for Medicine

It is very common for any university place for medicine to require a minimum of AAA alongside a UCAT / BMAT. The following table shows the current requirements for several universities, although you should always check with UCAS and the individual university that these are correct (as of June 2023).

Other Entrance Requirements for Medicine

GCSEs for Studying Medicine

Due to the large number of applications, universities also have specific GCSE requirements. University prospectuses and websites frequently state that you require a grade 6 or above in GCSE:

• GCSE Biology

• GCSE Chemistry

• Double Award Combined Science

• GCSE English Language

• GCSE Mathematics.

Although, at least one university notably states a Standard Literacy requirement which is a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English or its equivalent. It is worth noting that with such strong competition for spaces, the actual GCSE grades of successful applicants are often higher than grade 6.

Work Experience for Medicine

Work experience will play a vital role in enhancing your application. It is not enough to demonstrate your academic strength, you need to show a deep understanding of the medical profession. It allows you to:

• Gain insight into the real working world of medicine by volunteering at hospitals, clinics, and care homes or shadowing healthcare professionals.

• Demonstrate your dedication and commitment by using your time to further your knowledge and experience.

• Develop essential skills such as effective communication, teamwork, empathy, problem-solving and resilience

• Understand the responsibilities associated with patient care such as ethics, confidentiality and professional integrity

• Show that your career choice is based on a realistic understanding of medicine as a profession

• Universities may also consider non-clinical work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Medicine Personal Statement

A well-written UCAS medicine personal statement is a crucial part of the application process and gives you the opportunity to capture the attention of admissions tutors, highlighting their commitment to the field and the potential they possess. It should:

• Demonstrate your motivation, passion and dedication, by offering a glimpse into the applicant’s personal experiences, reasons for pursuing a medical career, and the impact they hope to make as healthcare professionals

• Reflect on your relevant academic and non-academic experiences including volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, participating in research projects, or engaging in healthcare-related extracurricular activities.

• Showcase your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, empathy, leadership, and effective communication because medicine is not just about scientific knowledge but also requires a diverse set of skills.

• Show that you are self-aware and provide a space for you to share and discuss how your experiences have shaped your understanding of medicine, alongside your strengths and areas for growth.

• Set you apart because there is strong competition for every university place for medicine in the UK, with limited spots available.

An engaging and memorable personal statement, canddates can capture the attention of admissions tutors and increase their chances of being shortlisted for interviews.

Interviews for Medicine

The academic qualifications, UCAT / BMAT tests, work experience and personal statement are all tools to make you stand out from the rest of the applications and get an invite to interview. The purpose of the interview is to assess candidates' suitability for studying medicine and to evaluate their non-academic qualities, such as communication skills, empathy, and ethical reasoning. 

The actual interview process can include:

1. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)

This is the most common format used by UK universities and consists of a series of short interview stations, usually lasting around 5-10 minutes each. Candidates rotate through different stations, where they encounter various scenarios or questions. Each station assesses different skills or attributes, and candidates are usually given a short time to read and prepare before entering the station. The scenarios may involve role-playing, ethical dilemmas, teamwork exercises or discussions of healthcare-related topics.

2. Traditional Panel Interviews

Some medical schools still use traditional panel interviews, although they are less common. In this format, candidates face a panel of interviewers who ask questions related to their motivation to study medicine, their knowledge of the profession, ethical scenarios, and personal experiences. The panel may consist of medical professionals, academics, and individuals from other relevant backgrounds.

3. Ethical and Current Affairs Discussion

Interviewers may also engage candidates in discussions about current healthcare issues, medical ethics, and the challenges faced by the profession. They are interested in your ability to think critically, consider multiple perspectives, and articulate your thoughts clearly.

It's important to note that the interview process can be highly competitive, and each medical school has its own criteria for evaluation. It is advisable to thoroughly research the specific requirements and formats of the institutions you are applying to and to prepare by practising scenarios, reflecting on personal experiences, and staying up to date with current healthcare topics and medical ethics. 

Further reading:

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• How To Get Into Oxford University

• What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?