Medical school entry requirements for 2024 start

Applicants must be in their final year or have completed their initial degree. The offer for a place on A100 is subject to achievement of a BSc Honours degree 2:1 or above. 

A-levels: AAA at A-level. Students must offer three A-levels including Chemistry and Biology. If the Science subject has a separate practical endorsement a pass in this element is required. Applicants offering only one of Biology or Chemistry at A2 and a second science subject e.g., Physics or Maths, may be considered if they achieve an A grade at AS level in the subject (Biology or Chemistry) not offered at A2 level. Such candidates are advised to contact the Admissions Team, to confirm the acceptability of this arrangement prior to applying. Only one Mathematics subject at A-level (from Maths, Further Maths and Statistics) will be considered. Human biology and biology will not be considered as separate A-levels. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (WBA) with an overall grade A will be considered in lieu of an A-level alongside grade A in both Biology and Chemistry A level. Applicants offering applied subjects should contact Admissions Team for advice medadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers: Applicants offering two subjects at Advanced Higher level with AA grades (including Chemistry and Biology) along with five Scottish Higher A grades are eligible to apply for the A100 course. Mathematics and English language must be passed to at least Standard Level with grade 2 or grade B.

Mathematics and English language must be passed to at least Standard Level with grade 2 or grade B.

All applicants (including all graduates) must have grade 6/B GCSE (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics, English Language, and Double Award Science (6,6 or B/B) or Chemistry and Biology. Applicants receive a score based on the four subjects above and the five best other GCSE (or equivalent level) results. No results below 6/B are scored.

Applicants applying prior to having achieved the IB qualification must include details (including a breakdown of subjects and grades) of their achieved Level 2 examinations, GCSE and Middle Years Programme (MYP), in the Education Section on their UCAS application to be considered. We accept performance from the MYP in English qualification (either at SL or HL) as indicative of the expectation of IB English: A Language and Literature (first language) or IB English B (second language) being achieved at SL6 or HL5.

Successful candidates require an overall total of 36 points (excluding Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay) for entry. A minimum of 19 points must be achieved in Higher level subjects made up of a score of 7,6,6 points to include two science subjects. This must include at least one of Biology and Chemistry at Higher level (if both subjects are not offered then the second subject must be one of Physics, and either Mathematics or Statistics) with the score of 6 points being achieved in either Chemistry or Biology. Chemistry or Biology must be offered at Standard Level with a score of 7 points, if not at Higher level.

If Mathematics and English language are not offered within the diploma they should be offered as GCSE subjects with at least grade 6/B .

First class or upper second class (2:1) Honours degree in a relevant life science subject. 

AAA at A level to include Chemistry and another science. Widening access: ABB

AAAAB at Scottish Highers to include Chemistry and another science. Offers are conditional on BBB in S6 exams. Widening access: AAABB

GCSE - We require Biology, English, and Mathematics at least to Grade B/6, if not studied at A-Level (A2).

Scottish Nationals - We require Biology at least to grade A at National 5 and Mathematics and English at least to grade B at National 5, if not studied at Higher.

37 points (minimum) including 6, 6, 6 at Higher level, to include chemistry and another science (from biology, physics or mathematics) at Higher Level, plus three subjects at Standard Level with an average of grade 6, to include Biology at least to Standard level 6.

If you have already completed a degree, MBChB applications will be considered from graduates with a 2:1 or above who have studied a science related programme, including Psychology, which has been awarded in the two years prior to application. If you graduated prior to this but have undertaken postgraduate study in the past two years, you are also encouraged to apply.

Graduates must have grades ABB at A Level which must include Biology and Chemistry, at least one of which must be at Grade A or above with the other at minimum Grade B, as well as one other subject. A Levels in General Studies, Critical Reasoning, Citizenship and Key Skills will not be accepted. Graduate applicants must also meet the GCSE requirements outlined in the standard entry criteria above. There is no graduate entry point onto the MBChB. Graduates will therefore be required to undertake the full programme.

We will also consider applications from students who are in the early stages of another non-medical degree who wish to withdraw and/or have not completed a previous non-medical degree, as long as our standard MBChB entry criteria are met. No recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be considered on this basis.

We will not accept applications from students who wish to transfer from other medical programmes or who have previously started a medical degree but failed to progress on this.

Grades AAA at A Level are required. These must include Biology and Chemistry and one other subject. While Biology and Chemistry are both required at Grade A or above, where Grade A* is achieved in either Biology or Chemistry (or both Biology and Chemistry), the third A Level subject will be accepted at Grade B or above. A Levels in General Studies, Critical Reasoning, Citizenship and Key Skills will not be accepted.

Scottish Highers: Grades AAAAB - Subjects have to be taken in a single sitting and including Biology, Chemistry and three other subjects.

Advanced Highers: AAA in Biology, Chemistry and one other subject.

We may accept a combination of A-level and equivalent alternative qualifications. Before applying, please e-mail medicineadmissions@edgehill.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise you as to whether your qualifications will satisfy the entry criteria for this course.

All A Level qualifications, or accepted equivalents, must have been obtained within the two years prior to application.

Pass Diploma with 36 points or more to include three subjects at higher level, with at least 6 points in Biology, 6 points in Chemistry and one other subject, plus three further subjects at standard level with a minimum of 5 points each. If you are studying International Baccalaureate Biology and/or International Baccalaureate Chemistry in combination with other A Level subjects, this can be accepted as long as 6 points at higher level are achieved in these subjects.

You will also need at least five GCSEs at Grade B or Grade 6 or above (or equivalent) at the time of application, including Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Mathematics. GCSE Double Science Awards, at Grades 6-6 or B-B or above, will also be accepted in lieu of separate GCSEs in Biology and Chemistry.

Completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) approved Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine) which complies with the QAA's subject descriptor for Medicine.

Offer level- Achieve 60 credits overall with distinction in 45 Level 3 credits with at least 15 level 3 credits in Chemistry, Biology and one other subject. Must not have commenced the Access course less than 3 years since completing A-level or degree study. Access courses taken in place of resitting A-levels are not recommended. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine) must have been obtained within the two years prior to application. Applicants must meet the standard GCSE (or equivalent) requirement.

2.1 - Must meet subject requirement in either Biology or Chemistry related study. This can be met via recent A-Level study or recent degree study. Minimum GCSE and A Level requirements for graduates apply.

A Level: AAA including Biology or Chemistry in the first sitting

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: A minimum of three subjects to be studied at Secondary 6 (S6) and predicted or achieved either BBB in Secondary Six (S6) Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry in the first sitting or AB in Secondary Six (S6) Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry plus an additional Higher Level at grade A taken in Secondary Six (S6), in the first sitting.

36 points overall with Higher Level 666 including Biology or Chemistry.

Six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two single science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Science. Alternatively, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. Minimum GCSE English Language grade 6/B or above.
Scottish National 5s are accepted in lieu of GCSEs with a minimum of 6 subjects at grade A including Mathematics and two science subjects (Lifeskills Mathematics is not accepted). English Language required at grade B.

Access courses are accepted from applicants who have not previously studied two or more science subjects at A Level in the last 3 years.

These courses are currently accepted and are subject to change:

• College of West Anglia, King's Lynn Access to Medicine
• East Coast College, Norfolk Access to Medicine
• Lambeth College Access to Medicine & Dentistry (Medicine & Biomedical Science)
• City and Islington College Access to Medicine & Medical Bio Sciences
• The Manchester College Access to Medicine
• Bradford University Foundation in Clinical Science/Medicine
• Sussex Downs College Access to Medicine
• City of Liverpool College Access to Science
• Truro and Penwith College Access to HE Medicine

UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a preference for a medical related subject for example: Biomedical Sciences/Medical Sciences/Nursing/Paramedic Science. However we will also consider applicants with a UK 2:1 honours degree in other science subjects (Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics or Physics) and those with non-science subjects who also have an SQA Higher, A Level, or equivalent, in Chemistry at B.

A*AA at A level Chemistry at A* and one subject from Biology/Human Biology, Maths and Physics at A. Advanced Highers at grades BB in S6.

Highers: AAAAA by end of S5, to include Chemistry and two of Biology/ Human Biology, Maths/Applications of Mathematics or Physics. Best 5 Highers are scored including three required subjects.

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

SQA Highers: AAAAB by end of S5 and BC at Advanced Higher. GCE A Levels: AAA. IB 37 overall with 666 at HL.

National 5s: Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics at B. We accept Higher Applications of Mathematics at C in place of National 5 Mathematics at B.

GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry, English and Maths at A or 7 (B or 6 if eligible for minimum entry requirements).

40 points overall with 766 at HL: HL Chemistry at 7 and one other science subject at 6 or better. SL: 666 (to include Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Maths: Applications and interpretation, English and Biology (if not at HL).

SWAP Access to Medical Studies
College of West Anglia Access to Medicine Course
East Sussex College Lewes Access to Medicine Course

Where applicants have been out of Level 3 studies for more than 2 years they would be required to have taken the GAMSAT.

AAA at A 'Level to include grade A in Biology and Chemistry, excluding General Studies

AAB at Scottish Advanced Highers level to include grade A in Biology and Chemistry.

AAAAB at Scottish Highers level to include grade A in Biology and Chemistry

36/666 in the International Baccalaureate to include Higher level grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry.

All applicants are required to have achieved a minimum of Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language.

All QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas considered, where they include 15 L3 credits at Distinction in a Biology-related subject and 15 L3 credits at Distinction in a Chemistry-related subject.

Minimum of 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant science degree, obtained within seven years of the entry date. Applicants whose degree was obtained more than seven years from the date of entry, or graduated in a non-science degree will be required to have A-level/Scottish Higher Chemistry and A-level/AS-level/Scottish Higher Biology to be sat within seven years of entry (minimum grades AB, or AA with AS-level Biology).

SQA Higher Entry Requirements (by end of S6)

• AAAAA Higher at end of S5 + BBB Advanced Higher or AB Advanced Higher + B Higher in S6
• Additional requirements: Highers Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics.

A-level Standard Entry Requirements

• AAA
• Additional requirements: A-Levels Chemistry and Biology or Physics or Mathematics. 

GCSE English at Grade B (or Grade 6 or above).

English at National 5 level at Grade B or above.

IB Standard Entry Requirements

38 points (6,6,6 at Higher Level) including Chemistry and Biology. Standard Level Physics or Mathematics at 6 (Higher Level recommended) and Standard Level English at 6.

The school accepts an Access course from Kelvin College, Glasgow.

Upper second class / 2.1-degree class or above in a relevant UK Biomedical/Biochemistry/Biosciences degree (predicted or achieved). We may request an academic modular transcript to evidence that the Biology and Chemistry content meets our entry requirements if A grades in both A -Level Biology and Chemistry have not been achieved. You must have achieved your qualifications within the past 5 years. See website for details If you are studying a different programme, please contact the Admissions Team before 1 October in the year of application to check eligibility: admissions@hyms.ac.uk

A-Level requirements: A minimum of three A-Levels to include Biology and Chemistry should normally be completed within a two-year period of study with predicted grades of a minimum of AAB. For the third A-level subject we do not consider General Studies, Applied Science, Citizenship and Critical Thinking. Apart from these, equal consideration is given to any third A Level subject. For clarity, in addition to all arts and humanities subjects, we are happy to accept Psychology, Physics or Mathematics as a third A-level subject.
You must have achieved your qualifications within the past 5 years.

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers requirements: BBB at Advanced Higher Level, to include both Biology and Chemistry, plus AAAAB achieved at Higher Level. Where only two subjects have been studied at Advanced Higher Level we will also accept AA in Biology and Chemistry at Advanced Higher Level, plus AAAAA achieved at Higher level.
Highers and Advanced Highers must be completed within a three year period

Applicants applying with achieved grades must have either met the offer requirement, or be resitting to achieve the offer requirement.

36 points. Applicants must have 6,6,5 in three Higher level subjects with 6 in Biology and Chemistry.

Six GCSEs Grade 9/A* - C/4 or equivalent, including GCSE English Language grade 6/B or above and GCSE Maths grade 6/B or above.

Applicants whose education system does not include an equivalent to GCSEs, or who have undertaken an approved Access programme, will be scored for interview selection according to an upscaled UCAT.

• Medicine SDM - Truro and Penwith College (CAVA approved)
• Medicine SDM - Harlow College (CAVA approved)
• Medicine SDM - East Coast College
• Medicine SDM - College of West Anglia (CAVA approved )
• Medicine - East Sussex College Group
• OCN London Access to HE Diploma: Medicine - Morley College
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Medicine - York College
• Access to HE Diploma Medicine - UCEN Manchester
• OCN West Midlands: Access to HE Diploma Medicine

Minimum AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology plus a third subject (any subject except for General Studies). Please note that the standard offer is likely to be A*AA with the A* in either Chemistry or Biology.

AAA grades in Advanced Highers including Chemistry and Biology and one Science or Maths subject and one additional subject at Scottish Higher.

Minimum 38 points overall including 6 in Biology and Chemistry at Higher level. Grade 5 in Standard level English is required. Please note that the standard offer is likely to be 39 points overall including 7 and 6 in Biology and Chemistry at Higher level.

Minimum of GCSE grade B in English Language or equivalent qualification. There is no longer any other GCSE or Scottish Nationals requirement.

Minimum of 2i in any discipline

Must have either
(a) BBB at A-Level, including: biology or chemistry; plus one from biology, chemistry, economics, maths/further maths/statistics, physics, psychology; plus any third academic subject (not general studies/critical thinking/citizenship studies)
or
(b) GAMSAT (see web site for details of required scores)

Must also have GCSE minimum 6/B in English language, maths and sciences (combined science or biology + chemistry + physics); GAMSAT may be offered in lieu of science GCSEs

Standard offer is A*AA, or AAA + EPQ at A or A*; criteria for alternative offers are listed at https://www.keele.ac.uk/alternativeoffers/
Must include: biology or chemistry; plus one from biology, chemistry, economics, maths/further maths/statistics, physics, psychology; plus any third academic subject
Any practical non-exam assessment (practical endorsement) forming part of a science A-Level must be passed
Only one from maths/further maths/statistics will be accepted in the three subjects to meet the offer conditions

Higher: minimum of AAAA including chemistry or biology plus a second science (biology/chemistry/physics) must be achieved by the end of S5 (i.e. before applying) and
Advanced Higher: minimum of AB from two subjects (both sciences: biology/chemistry/physics) sat in S6; any additional subject sat at Higher in S6 must be achieved at B or higher

Minimum of five GCSEs/Scottish National 5s at grade 7/A
Minimum of grade 6/B in English language, maths and sciences (combined science or biology + chemistry + physics)

IB Diploma with a score of at least 37 points (including ToK/EE) including 7 or 6 in Higher Level biology or chemistry and 7 or 6 at Higher Level in one of biology, chemistry, economics, maths (any), physics or psychology
or
766 in three Higher Level subjects including biology or chemistry plus one from biology, chemistry, economics, maths (any), physics or psychology
Any science not taken at the higher level must be offered at Standard Level grade 5 or GCSE grade 6 (or equivalent).

Access to HE: any Access diploma accredited as conforming to the QAA subject descriptor for medicine.