What A Levels for Medicine? Your Complete Guide

What A Levels for Medicine?

Choosing the right A Levels is one of the most important decisions for aspiring doctors. Medical schools have strict entry requirements, and your subject choices will determine whether you meet their academic criteria. Selecting the right combination of A Levels also equips you with the skills needed to succeed in a demanding medical degree.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential and recommended A Levels for medicine, highlight specific requirements from leading UK medical schools like Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL. We’ll also cover medical schools with atypical entry requirements, to which you could apply if you’re not taking commonly required subjects like Chemistry.

Why Are A Levels Important for Medicine?

Universities use your A Level subjects and grades to determine whether you have the scientific knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to succeed in a rigorous medical degree.

Most UK medical schools require specific science subjects, particularly Chemistry and/or Biology, as these form the foundation for understanding medicine. Without one or both of these subjects, you will not be eligible to apply for medicine. Chemistry A Level alone is strictly required by 25 out of 40 UK medical schools.

In addition to subject choices, medical schools set high grade expectations—typically AAA or A*AA—to reflect the competitive nature of the application process. Achieving top results demonstrates your academic ability and readiness for the demands of studying medicine.

What A Levels Do You Need for Medicine?

To apply for medicine, certain A Levels are commonly required or strongly preferred by UK medical schools. While exact requirements can vary, most universities expect students to have a solid foundation in science subjects to demonstrate their readiness for a medical degree.

Chemistry is required by the majority of UK medical schools. It provides an essential foundation for understanding biological and chemical processes that underpin medical sciences. However, a small number of medical schools—such as Keele and Buckingham—do not require Chemistry as long as other science subjects are included.

Biology is another core subject and is either required or highly recommended by most medical schools. It develops your understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and cellular processes, all of which are central to medicine.

For the third subject, many medical schools offer flexibility. While Mathematics and Physics are highly regarded, some universities also accept non-science subjects, such as Psychology, English, or Philosophy, as long as the other two A Levels are in science.

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Examples of Medical School Requirements

This table highlights the variability in A Level requirements across medical schools. Always check individual entry requirements to ensure you meet the criteria.

Subjects to Avoid for Medicine

When choosing your A Levels for medicine, it’s important to select subjects that align with medical school entry requirements. While many universities provide flexibility for your third subject, certain A Levels are often not accepted or considered less academically rigorous.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are the most commonly excluded subjects. These are often seen as supplementary qualifications rather than core academic subjects, and medical schools do not count them towards their entry requirements.

Some universities may also view vocational or applied A Levels, such as Applied Science or Health and Social Care, as less suitable for medicine. While these subjects may still demonstrate an interest in healthcare, they often lack the depth of traditional sciences like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Maths.

To ensure your A Levels are accepted, focus on subjects that demonstrate academic rigour and scientific ability. Opting for three STEM subjects is the safest bet; if you do want to study a non-STEM third subject, then a recognised academic discipline like Psychology or English Literature is best. Always check the specific requirements for the universities you are considering to avoid selecting subjects that may limit your choices.

How Dukes Plus Can Help

At Dukes Plus, our expert team is here to support your aspirations to a career in medicine. Our comprehensive medical school application support includes guidance on choosing the right A Levels, crafting a standout personal statement, and preparing for the UCAT and medical school interviews.

To impress medical school admissions teams, you will need top grades in you’re a Levels. Our A Level tutors provide personalised support in key subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Physics. With one-on-one tutoring, tailored lesson plans, and focused exam preparation, we ensure you excel in the subjects required by top medical schools.

Book a free consultation with our friendly and experienced team today to discuss how we can help with your medical school application.

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FAQs

What A Levels do I need for medicine?

The vast majority of UK medical schools require at least one of Chemistry and BiologyA Level. The third subject can often be flexible, but Maths or Physics are highly recommended to strengthen your application.

Can I study medicine without Chemistry?

Yes. A minority of medical schools, like Buckingham or Southampton, do not require Chemistry. However, these universities do require Biology A Level if you are not taking Chemistry.

Is Biology mandatory for medicine?

A Level Biology is a strict requirement for around half of UK medical schools. It is not required by the rest, though it is usually recommended.

What grades do I need to study medicine?

Medical schools typically require AAA or A*AA at A Level, particularly in Chemistry and Biology. Achieving top grades is essential for such a competitive field.

Can I take non-science A Levels for medicine?

Some medical schools allow a non-science third subject, such as Psychology or English Literature, alongside Chemistry and Biology. However, science-based combinations are generally preferred.

Are subjects like General Studies or Critical Thinking accepted?

No, most medical schools do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of their entry requirements, as these subjects are considered less academically rigorous.

How can Dukes Plus help me with my A Levels and medical application?

Dukes Plus offers tailored A Level tutoring in key subjects like Chemistry and Biology, as well as comprehensive medical school application support, including personal statement guidance, UCAT/BMAT preparation, and mock interviews to help you succeed.