1.1 Requirements to Pursue a Medicine Degree

Most UK medical schools require Chemistry, and often Biology, at A-Level or Higher Level IB. A third subject is also required, but this does not need to be scientific. Universities generally don’t mind what it is, as long as you do well in it.

As with any competitive degree, predicted grades matter. Without predicted grades that meet minimum offers, strong final grades won’t help—most decisions are made before A-Level results are out.

Subjects like Maths and Physics can be useful, particularly if you're leaning towards more research-intensive or traditional courses. That said, non-science options like Psychology, English, or Art can demonstrate a broader skillset and help you stand out.

For IB students, Higher Level Chemistry is essential, and Biology is often expected. You’ll typically need at least 36 overall points, with 6s and 7s in sciences.

The UKAT is used by the majority of UK medical schools as part of their selection process. It's not a test of knowledge, but of cognitive and decision-making skills. While the test is designed to be preparation-proof - like an IQ test - performance improves with practice and familiarity, usually through extensive use of question banks.

The BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) was used by a few schools, but as of 2024 it has been discontinued. All UK universities have now transitioned to using the UKAT or alternative internal assessments.

Some medical schools pay close attention to GCSE grades, especially in English, Maths, and Science. Others don't weigh them heavily. If you don’t have perfect GCSEs, it doesn’t rule you out - but be sure to keep this in mind when applying to universities.

This area can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't have family connections in healthcare. The good news is: you don’t need a placement in a hospital to impress admissions tutors. What matters is that you understand what a medical career involves, and that you’re beginning to develop the values it requires.

Working in a care home, shadowing a GP, volunteering at a food bank, coaching a sports team - all of these are valid experiences. The key is to reflect on what you’ve learned: empathy, teamwork, resilience, communication, or insight into the challenges of healthcare. That reflection matters more than the setting.

Again, the point isn't to build an impressive list of achievements. It’s about identifying transferable skills and values. Playing team sports? You’ve developed teamwork and leadership. Working part-time in a shop? You’ve built communication and resilience. In applying to medicine, what matters most isn’t what you’ve done - it’s what you’ve learned from it.

That said, if you’re missing something important, such as an ethical awareness or evidence of working in a team, now’s the time to seek it out.

Although some universities are moving away from highly valuing personal statements, writing one is still essential. It’s your chance to reflect on your motivations, identify gaps in your experience, and prepare to speak about them at interviews.

Use your personal statement to convincingly show that you understand what the profession demands - and that you’ve begun developing those qualities. You don't need to have ticked every box, but by the time you write it, you should be able to evidence most of the following qualities:

• Motivation for medicine
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Resilience and emotional insight
• Commitment over time
• Understanding of the realities of medicine
• Ethical awareness
• Self-reflection

If there’s something you can’t evidence yet - like commitment or teamwork - don’t panic. Just ask: what’s something I’d be interested in doing that could also build those qualities?

Some universities consider an EPQ as a way to demonstrate independent research, written communication, and motivation. It can strengthen your application - especially if it relates to medicine or a relevant topic - but it’s never a formal requirement.

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview - most will be in the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format and some will be a traditional panel. Interviews can feel daunting, but they’re an opportunity to showcase everything you’ve worked hard for.

The competition is intense. Some medical schools receive over 10 applicants per place. That’s why your preparation, especially your self-awareness and ability to reflect, is just as important as your grades.

It’s a good idea to practice interviews with friends and family. Get comfortable using your experiences as evidence for a range of questions, then relating them back to medicine. Captain a sports team? Try using it as evidence for teamwork, resilience, commitment over time and even emotional insight. Getting comfortable using your experiences to evidence a diverse range of qualities will prepare you for whatever they may ask you

It’s helpful to practise using your own experiences to answer a variety of questions, then connect them to medicine. Captained a team? That could evidence teamwork, commitment, emotional insight - and more. Getting comfortable using your experiences to evidence a diverse range of qualities will prepare you for whatever they may ask you. Practice with friends, family, teachers - whoever’s willing to listen.

The application process is broadly the same, but international students face a few key differences:

• Fewer available places, as places are limited for non-UK students - for specific universities, check the competition ratios.
• Tuition fees are much higher (typically £30,000–£50,000 per year).
• Some universities require evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL).
• Certain schools are not open to international applicants at all—so checking early is essential.