Peninsula Medical School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as an alternative entry route to A levels. We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme, other than the internal transfer option from Biomedical Sciences or Medical Sciences. Candidates holding degrees or without suitable A levels should therefore sit the GAMSAT to meet the entry criteria.
A Levels
The typical offer is AAA GCE A level which must include the following:
Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Your third A level can be in any subject, we do not give preference to three science A levels. General Studies is not accepted.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
The typical offer is AAA Scottish Advanced Highers which must include the following :
Grade A in Biology
Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Your third Advanced Higher can be in any subject, we do not give preference to three Advanced Highers. General Studies is not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
36–38 points overall to include the following:
Higher Level 6 in Biology
Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology
GCSEs
Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes (minimum grade 4/C) which must include:
English Language
Mathematics
Two Science subjects – either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.
Scottish Nationals
Applicants need to achieve 7 National 5 passes (minimum grade C) which must include:
English Language
Mathematics
Two Science subjects – either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
Additional information
Teaching method
What is Enquiry-based learning?
Enquiry-based learning (EBL) starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios. Students will identify and research issues and questions to develop their knowledge. This style is generally used in small-scale investigations and projects, as well as research.
We use predicted grades as part of the selection for interview process.
Resit policy
Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:
If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of ABB must have been achieved on your first sitting of A levels.
Where ABB was not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved.
A level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than three years of study, unless otherwise advised.
A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt.
We do not have an AS level resit policy, however, full A levels must be completed within 3 years.
IB resit policy: A minimum of 34 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Biology and Higher Level 5 in another science must be achieved on first sitting.
The resit policy for Widening Participation students is ABC.
Non-academic requirements
Work experience
We do not require work experience.
Personal statement
Not scored.
Admission test
UCAT.
As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, the Medical School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) alongside Level 2 and 3 qualifications to select applicants for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel reserve the right to consider all aspects of the UCAT when shortlisting for interview.
Interview method
Online multiple mini interviews.
Widening participation
The University of Plymouth Faculty of Health has a regional and national reputation for its widening access and participation work, and as part of our commitment to access and participation to medicine, dentistry and health courses, we undertake a series of initiatives to raise aspirations and healthcare.
We are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to higher education for all students, through alternative entry routes such as the Widening Access scheme, to deliver better opportunities into medicine.
Widening participation criteria
To receive a contextual offer, applicants will need to meet a total of at least 5 points from any combination of the following criteria:
Each worth 2 points:
Being in care or care-experienced
In receipt of, or eligible for, free school meals
Refugee/asylum seeker status
Attending a low performing school/college based on 16-18 performance
In receipt of EMA or 16-19 bursary
In receipt of UCAT bursary
Each worth 1 point:
Living in an area categorised as being in indices of mass deprivation (IMD) 1-4 or local equivalent
Significant engagement in the Peninsula Pathways programme
Living in a low participation area as determined by POLAR4 quintile 1 postcode analysis
Being a south west resident (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
In receipt of service pupil premium
Contextual offer
For applicants from widening access backgrounds, we will accept AAB at GCE A Level, which must include the following:
Grade A in Biology
Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology
Your third A level can be from any subject area, we do not give preference to three science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
UCAT and GCSE requirements remain the same for all applicants.
For students sitting the IB, the widening access offer would equate to 35 points overall with Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in another science.
About the University of Plymouth
At the University of Plymouth, we are proud to be one of only a select number of UK universities to achieve triple gold – gold overall and gold for both underpinning aspects: student experience and student outcomes (Teaching Excellent Framework, 2023).
Set in the middle of beautiful countryside and stunning sandy beaches, we also have a unique and special location to match your gold-rated education.
With patient experience and student satisfaction at its heart, this hands-on degree will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to become an outstanding doctor primed for tomorrow’s healthcare needs.
