Entry requirements

Bioscience graduates will be considered with minimum 2:1 (upper second class honours) undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a Biosciences subject.  All other graduates will be considered with minimum 2:1 AND grades AA at A-Level in both Biology and Chemistry (or international equivalent).

A levels at A*AA, including Biology and Chemistry. Applicants taking linear A levels in England will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects. A levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted.

A total of at least 35 points, with three Higher Level subjects at 766 including Chemistry and Biology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

GCSEs: Grade 6/B in both English Language and Mathematics required.

QAA Access to Medicine/Dentistry HE Diploma taken at a UK Further Education College full time over one year may be considered. Of the 45 Level 3 credits, 39 credits must be from units at Distinction with the remaining 6 Level 3 credits at Merit.

A 2:1 degree with an average transcript score of 65% or greater Biological, Biomedical or Health Science degree.  A-level requirements = BBB including two from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, achieved at first attempt, after 2 years of study.

If any other degree subject outside of those stipulated is held, A-level requirements = AAB including two from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, achieved at first attempt, after 2 years of study.

AAA at A level including two from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology or AAB in 3 A levels (as above) plus an EPQ, 4th AS-level or 4th A-level subject at B.

Scottish Highers: At least five subjects taken at one sitting, after one year of study including Biology (A), Chemistry (A), plus at least three other subjects.  Minimum grades required: AAAAB.

Advanced Highers:  Minimum grades required: AA including Biology and Chemistry

36 points overall, including three higher level subjects at 6,6,6, and three standard level subjects at 5,5,5.  Higher level subjects must include two from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology

GCSE: at least eight GCSEs, including English language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics (or Core and Additional Science). Minimum score of at least 13 points from 8 GCSEs, where A*/A or grades 7-9 = 2 points and B or grade 6 = 1 point.

National 5: At least seven subjects attained by the end of S4 including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Mathematics, plus at least two other subjects.  Required grades: mostly As, none less than B.

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medical Science at The Manchester College Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) at East Sussex College Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Professionals) at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group and any other courses that comply with the new national framework for the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine).

2.1 in appropriate topic. If Chemistry or Biology is not offered at A level grade B or above then equivalent content must be offered at degree.

A levels: AAA at A level including Chemistry or Biology. Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken.

Scottish Highers: Typical offer AAAAB at Higher including Biology and Chemistry, and AB at Advanced Higher, including A in Chemistry or Biology.

35 points with a mark of 6 in three Higher Level subjects one of which must be Chemistry or Biology. Two subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics must also be offered at either Higher or Standard Level if not offered at GCSE. If English not offered at GCSE, this must be offered with a mark of at least 5 at Standard level.

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) that conforms to the QAA subject descriptor from 2022 entry onwards. This must be studied in a face to face full time educational setting over one year.

As the purpose of the Diploma is to provide academic preparation for higher education study for adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications we will NOT accept applications from people who have:

• achieved below 2i in a previous degree unless there is evidence of substantial subsequent experience in a healthcare-based or academically and/or professionally demanding career
• commenced an Access diploma less that 3 years after completing A levels, other qualifications or a degree.

All units (60 credits) must be passed, with all graded level 3 units at distinction.

Six subjects at minimum grade 5 (B) including English Language, Maths, Double/Additional Science or Chemistry and Biology. This is a minimum entrance requirement and the majority of applicants will have qualifications well above this standard.

Applicants must have achieved or be predicted a minimum of an upper second-class honours (or equivalent) in their Bachelor’s or integrated Master’s degree in order to be considered. We will consider graduate applicants from any discipline, provided the applicant meets our minimum GCSE requirements and has BBB or ABC at A-level including a B grade in either Chemistry or Biology. Applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of their degree when they apply.

We will not consider a second undergraduate degree, Masters or PhD in lieu of obtaining 2:1 or 1st class honours in your first degree. Graduates in their final year who do not provide a suitable academic reference from their current institution will not be considered.

We require school leavers to have predicted or obtained grades of AAA at A-level, in three subjects including Chemistry or Biology and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology, but excluding General Studies, Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking or Global Perspectives. We will accept A*AB provided A*A in the 2 science subjects.

We will consider Scottish Advanced Highers either alone or in combination with A-levels. Our standard offer is AAA, to include Chemistry or Biology, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. We will also consider the two sciences at Advanced Higher (grade AA) plus 3 other subjects at Highers level (grades AAB). We will not consider you if you are only taking Scottish Highers.

GCSEs: Applicants must have achieved at least a grade B or 6 in English Language (as a first language), Maths, and two sciences (including Chemistry and Biology or Double Science).

We require a minimum score of 34 points overall, and a minimum score of 6 in three Higher Level subjects (or 7,6,5 provided you have at least a 6 in Chemistry or Biology) including Chemistry or Biology, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. 7,6,5 will be considered but with 7,6 in the 2 science subjects.

Only those that offer QAA approved medicine subject descriptor.

2:1 degree in any subject plus the A level requirements and a minimum of GCSE level 4 (C) in maths and English language.

If applying with an undergraduate (bachelors or undergraduate masters) degree, may not need to meet the standard A level requirements. We will review this if achieved or are predicted to achieve a first class honours degree at undergraduate level in a relevant subject with enough biology and chemistry content. Need to have achieved as least a 4 (C) in GCSE in both maths and English language. Any offers made without the A level requirements are conditional on you achieving a first in your primary degree before starting the course.

AAA at A level including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. 

If you are a contextual applicant and you're successful at interview, you will receive the standard A level offer. If you select us as your firm choice, your offer will then be lowered to the contextual offer of AAB

IB 36 (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including biology and chemistry, excluding core component) with GCSEs stated (or equivalent).

If you are applying with A levels or the IB, you must meet the following GCSE requirements unless otherwise stated.

We require a minimum of 6 GCSEs at Level 7 (A). These 6 GCSEs at Level 7 must include chemistry and biology – or double science if you have not taken the individual science subjects – and may include maths and English language. If maths and English language are not included in your 6 GCSEs at Level 7, you will need a minimum grade of Level 6 in both subjects. When selecting for interview, GCSE grades are scored and allocated points. We score a maximum of 8 GCSEs including the required subject grades.

If you are applying with a degree, you must have achieved at least a level 4 (C) in maths and English language.

If applying as a graduate, a 2:1 honours degree in a biological, biomedical or health sciences degree and A levels of BCC including Chemistry and one other science subject (e.g Biology, Maths, or Physics). If applying with a non-science degree, higher grades in science A levels would be required.

AAA, to include Chemistry together with either Biology, Physics or Mathematics and a third academic subject.

AA at Advanced Higher including Biology and Chemistry. AAAAB–AAAAA at Higher.

GCSEs in nine subjects. A score of 15 points from the nine including core and additional science (or Biology, Chemistry and Physics), English Language and Maths. In scoring system A*/A/9/8/7 = 2 points; B grade/6 = 1 point Minimum of Scottish National 5 ( intermediate 2) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Maths and at least two other subjects attained by the end of S4

36 points overall (at first sitting): Higher level a minimum of 6,6,6 to include Chemistry together with either Biology, Physics or Mathematics and a third academic subject. 5,5,5 at standard level (subjects not offered at HL).

Applicants with a 2:1 degree and A levels at BBB (IB 32) gained at the first attempt will be considered.

AAA at A level including Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology and one of Chemistry, Biology/ Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Maths or Further Maths.

AA at Advanced Higher by the end of Secondary 6. Any of the following combinations are acceptable: three Advanced Highers at AAA, including Chemistry or Biology; a second science (from Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Psychology or Physics); plus one other rigorous academic subject; two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus one A2-level subject at grade A (subjects as above); two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus one new Higher at grade A (subjects to include Chemistry or Biology at Advanced Higher, plus one other science at Advanced Higher, and a further subject at Higher level).

AAAA at Scottish Higher by the end of Secondary 5 to be achieved in the same sitting at first attempt. English language and any science subject (Maths, Chemistry or Biology) not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (National 5, Intermediate II or Standard Grade Credit level grade 2 or above).

37 points with 7,6,6 at Higher Level. If Maths and English Language are not offered as part of the Diploma, they should be offered at GCSE or IGCSE at grade B or above. Major subjects must include Chemistry or Biology, plus another science (one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics) and one further subject at Higher Level. We accept both Mathematics options as part of the Diploma.

Seven GCSEs at grade A (7) or A* (8+). English Language, Mathematics and at least two science subjects are required at GCSE minimum grade B (6).

If Dual Award Science or Core and Additional Science are offered, the minimum required is BB (66).

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ or WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool (https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/contextual-admissions/admissions/), we will accept 6 GCSEs at grade 7 (A) or above.

We permit GCSE resits. If you are resitting any GCSEs at point of application, we require you to list it as a pending qualification on your UCAS form.

We do not currently accept short courses; however, Level 2 BTEC qualifications are acceptable (at distinction grade or above) in lieu of one GCSE.

If you are offering an international equivalent to GCSEs and this is not listed on our international entry requirements page, please contact the School of Medical Sciences Admissions Office to check suitability of the qualification.

Manchester accept alternative qualifications such as Access to HE Diplomas. See website for details.

Applicants must have achieved, or expect to achieve, an honours degree in any discipline to at least an upper second class or first class Honours or integrated master's degree.

AAA at A level excluding General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element.

AA at Advanced Higher and AAAAA at Higher. No requirement for science subjects.

38 points with no subject graded less than 5. No requirement for science subjects.

No specific requirements.

We will accept Access courses from applicants who have been out of education for at least 3 years prior to starting the course. For those who have previously completed a degree an access course will not be accepted without the applicant having met our Degree requirement of a 2:1.

We will accept any Access to HE Diploma conforming to the QAA subject descriptor for Medicine, including distance learning courses. It is the responsibility of the applicant to evidence that the course they wish to complete meets the QAA subject descriptor.

Our grade requirement is Distinctions to be achieved in all graded credit modules. The further 15 ungraded credits can be a combination of level 2 and 3.

2:1 degree in any subject plus the A level requirements and a minimum of GCSE level 4 (C) in maths and English language.

If applying with an undergraduate (bachelors or undergraduate masters) degree, may not need to meet the standard A level requirements. We will review this if achieved or are predicted to achieve a first class honours degree at undergraduate level in a relevant subject with enough biology and chemistry content. Need to have achieved as least a 4 (C) in GCSE in both maths and English language. Any offers made without the A level requirements are conditional on you achieving a first in your primary degree before starting the course.

AAA at A level including Biology/ Human Biology and Chemistry. If you are a contextual applicant and you're successful at interview, you will receive the contextual offer of AAB.

AA Advanced Higher in Biology and Chemistry. AAAAB at Higher including Biology and Chemistry, Maths and English Language. Grade A must be achieved in Biology and Chemistry.

We require a minimum of 6 GCSEs at Level 7 (A). These 6 GCSEs at Level 7 must include chemistry and biology - or double science if you have not taken the individual science subjects - and may include maths and English language. If maths and English language are not included in your 6 GCSEs at Level 7, you will need a minimum grade of Level 6 in both subjects.

When selecting for interview, GCSE grades are scored and allocated points. We score a maximum of 8 GCSEs including the required subject grades.
We do not accept GCSE resits

36 points (6,6,6 at Higher Level including biology and chemistry, excluding core component) with GCSEs stated (or equivalent).

If you are a contextual applicant and you're successful at interview, you will receive the standard IB offer. If you select us as your firm choice, your offer will then be lowered to the contextual of IB - 35 (6,6,5 at Higher Level including 6 in either biology or chemistry, excluding core component) with the GCSE requirements (or equivalent).

A-levels: A*AA in three A-levels (excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies, and the international A-level in Thinking Skills) taken in the same academic year.  Candidates are required to achieve at least grade A in both Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. NB: If a practical component forms part of any of the A-levels taken, we expect candidates to have taken it and passed.  

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: AA in Advanced Highers (taken in the same academic year) and AAAAA in Highers (taken in the same academic year)  Applicants are required to offer Chemistry (compulsory) and one (or more, if desired) from Biology, Physics or Mathematics as Advanced Highers.

No specific requirements but most applicants hold a broad range of GCSEs in both sciences and art subjects. On average, our applicants hold around 80% of GCSE passes at grade 8 or 9 (A*) and have 8.5 passes at grades 8 or 9 (A*) – although successful applicants may have a higher proportion than this. Where school performance data are available, GCSE attainment will be measured relative to the average attainment at the candidate's school. Find out more here.

Overall score of 39 (including core points), and scores of 7, 6 and 6 in subjects taken at Higher Level. 

Applicants are required to offer the following subjects at Higher Level: Chemistry (compulsory) AND at least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics. If you choose to offer Mathematics at HL as part of fulfilling our requirements, note that we have no preference for either the Analysis and Approaches (AA) course or the Applications and Interpretation (AI) course.

We accept Access to HE Diplomas that contain sufficient Chemistry content and approximate the A-level Chemistry syllabus.