What A Levels do you need for medicine?

So, what do you need?

First things first, almost every medical school is going to ask for A Levels in science subjects.

You can’t exactly jump straight from history and drama to medicine (as much as that might be fun!).

The two A Levels that consistently come up as essential are chemistry and biology. These are the classic must-haves.

Here’s what some UK red brick universities ask for:

University of Birmingham: Chemistry plus a second science (biology, physics, or maths).

University of Manchester: Chemistry or biology, plus a second science (biology/human biology, physics, psychology, mathematics, or further mathematics.

University of Liverpool: Chemistry plus one of biology, physics, or maths.

University of Sheffield: chemistry or biology, plus a second science (biology/human biology, chemistry, physics, maths, or psychology).

In short, two scientific subjects are usually a strict requirement with chemistry very often being essential. Though at some universities, either chemistry or biology can count as the non-negotiable subject. That’s why it’s always important to check the entry requirements for each university!

What about the third A Level?

The third A Level is usually more flexible, giving you the freedom to choose something you enjoy or that plays to your strengths.

A lot of students assume their third A Level has to be something like physics or maths to look impressive, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Don’t stress about being ‘too science-y'. While med schools like science (obviously), having a humanities or arts subject as your third A Level can actually make you stand out and show that you’re well-rounded.

Yes, maths is a great choice and can really complement your science subjects, but medical schools aren’t looking for a perfectly engineered subject combo.

For example:

University of Birmingham/Manchester/Liverpool: Expect a second science but have no strict preference for the third subject.

University of Sheffield: Allows any academic third subject except critical thinking, further maths, or general studies.

But again, always check the specific requirements of the universities you’re interested in, just to be sure.

What universities are absolutely looking for, however, is strong academic performance.

Medicine is incredibly competitive, and top grades will always matter more than trying to second-guess the ‘ideal’ subject mix.

What grades do you need?

Most universities typically ask for AAA, sometimes A*AA.

Here are examples of grading requirements from red brick universities:

University of Birmingham: A*AA (predicted AAA minimum).

University of Manchester: AAA

University of Liverpool: AAA (or A*AB alternative with conditions).

University of Sheffield: AAA

What if I didn’t pick the right subjects?

If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘Fudge, I didn’t pick biology or chemistry’. Don’t panic.

That doesn’t automatically mean the door to medicine is closed. Many students decide a bit later and take alternative routes to meet entry requirements, such as:

Repeating or taking A Levels at school/college: Retaking or completing missing science A Levels in a traditional setting can be the most straightforward way to catch up.

Studying A Levels online: For students who want more flexibility, online A Levels are a popular option. You can study at your own pace while still covering the core science subjects that universities expect, like chemistry and biology.

Applying through a foundation year: Some medical schools offer foundation years for students who don’t meet standard A Level requirements. These give you a year to build the necessary skills and subject knowledge before starting the full medicine degree.

Conclusion

There’s no secret formula for choosing A Levels for medical school, but some patterns are clear.

Most universities expect two science subjects, with chemistry or biology almost always among them.

Beyond that, there’s some flexibility to pick a subject that suits your interests.

The key is to check the specific requirements of each university, as they can differ slightly. If you’re not sure where you’ll apply yet, look at a few universities you’re interested in to get a general sense of what they expect.

In summary:

• Most medical schools require two science A Levels, with chemistry usually mandatory, though in some cases biology can substitute as the core requirement.
• Your third A Level is usually more flexible and can be any subject you enjoy or excel in.
• Top grades (typically AAA or A*AA) are essential.
• Check each university’s requirements, as they can vary.
• If you lack required subjects, consider retakes, online A Levels, or a foundation year.