medical schools council
 

Entry requirements for 2025 start

Select a course type above then use the filters below to learn about the courses. This information is provided directly by the medical schools but can change. Always confirm the information on medical schools’ websites. You can see when this information was last updated under the name of each course.

This information relates to entry requirements for entry into medical school in Autumn 2025, with UCAS applications to be submitted by 15 October 2024.

For more information on applying to medicine, visit our dedicated applicant website: www.studyinghealthcare.ac.uk

 


University of Leeds Medical School

Gateway to Medicine MBChB (A101)

6 years (progression onto A100 for those who pass the Gateway year)

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

A levels:
Applicants scored on 3 A levels, scoring capped at typical offer of BBC including Chemistry or Biology at B grade.

Physics or Maths must also be offered if Chemistry is not taken.

Human Biology, Sports Science, Further Mathematics and Statistics are only accepted as a 4th A level noting that 4th A levels do not form part of our scoring system.

Scottish Highers:

Typical offer BB at Advanced Higher including Biology or Chemistry, and BBBBC at Standard Level. Applicants with achieved or predicted Advanced Higher grades of AA, are not eligible for this course.

Candidates who meet or exceed the entry requirements for Access to Leeds for the A100 course should apply directly to the A100 5 year programme.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

A minimum of 6 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry (or Dual Science/Double Science).

Please note that candidates are scored on 8 GCSEs and that due to the competition in places most candidates will require a profile far higher than the minimum requirements at GCSE to be shortlisted to interview,

International Baccalaureate

29 overall including 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of 34 overall including 16 at Higher Level, who also meet the Widening Participation criteria, are not eligible to apply to A101 and should apply via the Access to Leeds route to the A100 course.

Two subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics 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.

Personal statement

Personal statement is not scored.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Face to face multiple mini interview.

Work experience

Reflection on experience in a healthcare setting, though this definition is broad.

Widening participation

All applicants will be sent an online form to indicate their Widening Participation criteria once their UCAS application has been received. Applicants meeting the WP criteria who are predicted ABB with the A in either Chemistry or Biology should apply to via the Access to Leeds route to the standard 5 year course.

www.leeds.ac.uk/access-to-leeds/doc/am-i-eligible

University of Leicester Medical School

Medicine with a Foundation Year MBChB (A199)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 4 | International: N/A

Number of applicants per place: Home: 17.6 | International: N/A

A Levels and Scottish Highers

We require school leavers to have predicted or obtained minimum A-level grades of BBB in Chemistry or Biology, and one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths or Psychology, and a third subject excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies or Global Perspectives. We will consider applicants with predicted or obtained ABC provided the grade C is in the third subject. All A-levels should be taken within 2 years of your GCSEs.

We accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science. We do not accept other BTEC National Extended Diplomas because they do not cover enough of the required science subject material. We will accept a single BTEC in conjunction with two A-levels, provided that one A-levels is Chemistry or Biology and the other is Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology provided there is not significant subject overlap with the A Levels.

T-Level: Distinction in Science, with a minimum of B in the core component and a minimum of merit in the occupational specialism

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

You must have achieved at least a grade C or 5 in English Language (as a first language), Maths, and two sciences, including Chemistry and Biology, or Double Science.

International Baccalaureate

We also accept the International Baccalaureate, for which we require at least 30 points overall, with 5 points each from 3 Higher Level subjects including Chemistry or Biology, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

Personal statement

Not routinely read or scored except in a tie-breaker situation.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

Healthcare-related work experience is not required but applicants, particularly those who are borderline, must showcase reflection in whatever type of work they have encountered (voluntary, paid work in retail, catering, health or social care).

Widening participation

There are a number of widening participation criteria that must be met to be eligible for this programme. See website for details.

 

University of Liverpool School of Medicine

Foundation to Health and Veterinary Studies Year 0

1 year (789S) allows progression to MBChB

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

This programme is designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications. Please note that we will not usually consider A level students who have sat the appropriate science subjects to be considered for direct entry to the A100 medicine programme or school leavers. However, consideration may be given to candidates who studied some time ago and are re-entering education.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

Typical Minimum Academic Criteria
5 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade 6 (B) to include Maths, English Language, single Science to include Biology and/or Chemistry or (dual combined science).

Please note: This programme is designed for mature students who have typically been
out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional
qualifications. Applicants with a degree would usually be expected to apply to the A101 programme at Liverpool which will be re-opening in 2024

International Baccalaureate

Applicants currently studying for International Baccalaureate will not be considered.

Personal statement

Part of the decision making process for offering an interview

Admissions test

None

Interview method

Semi-structured panel interviews

Work experience

We do not specify a minimum or type or work experience. We expect applicants to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the doctor and to demonstrate the appropriate core values and attributes required to study medicine . Applicants must have evidence of appropriate transferrable skills. Further details on our website.

Widening participation

The programme is designed for individuals who have been out of formal education for some time and who wish to take up further academic study.

Please note the 31 January deadline for applications.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for application is 31 January. 

University of Nottingham Medical School

Medicine with a Foundation Year BMedSci and BMBS (A108)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

Competition ratios

Number of applicants per interview: Home: 3

Number of applicants per place: Home: 11

A Levels and Scottish Highers

BBC: must include a B in both biology (or human biology) and chemistry
A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.
We do not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives.
A levels need to have been studied over a two year period and that three A levels have been passed at the required grades in one sitting.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

A minimum of five GCSEs at Level 6 (B). This must include:
Maths and English Language, Chemistry and Biology or double science, if you haven't taken the individual science subjects.

They need to have been studied over a two year period and that the required grades are achieved at one sitting.

We will consider one GCSE subject resit in Maths, English Language, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science qualifications.

The achieved overall resit grade must be a minimum of Level 6 (B) in Maths, English Language, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Double Science (6,6) qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

28 (5, 5, 5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry, excluding core component) and GCSE requirements (or equivalent)

We will accept either of the Maths qualifications for the IB at standard level (SL) or higher level (HL).

Personal statement

Personal statements and school references are checked post-interview before offers are made.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini interviews (online)

Work experience

We are not expecting you to have had any in person NHS work experience. However, we expect you to understand the role of a doctor and what it is like to work in the NHS today. If possible we'd advise you to speak to someone working in the NHS to ensure you are making an informed choice about a career in medicine. We usually expect applicants to have reflected on regular work experience that might include volunteering in a care related setting, volunteering with disadvantaged groups, or paid employment in a job working with the general public. We expect you to demonstrate a commitment to caring for people and a realistic idea of what working as a doctor entails.

Widening participation

In order to apply for this course applicants must be home students and meet the University of Nottingham widening participation criteria.

The University's contextual criteria are likely to change for 2025 entry: Please see Contextual Admissions Policy.

 

Contextual admissions

To apply for this course applicants must meet the widening participation criteria for University of Nottingham. Please see Contextual Admissions Policy.

University of Plymouth Peninsula Medical School

BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery with Foundation (Year 0) (A102)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

Applicants for this course must not meet the A level and GCSE grade requirements for the five-year BMBS Medicine (A100) course, including the re-sit policy. However, if you meet either the GCSE or A level requirements for A100 but not the other, then you would be considered for the foundation course.

A Level
The typical offer is BBB at GCE A level which must include the following:
Grade B in Biology
Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. General Studies is not accepted

BTEC National Extended Diploma
DDM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science.

BTEC National Diploma
DM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science
GCE A Level grade B in Biology

Access to Higher Education Diploma
Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a predominantly science subject area, meeting the following criteria:
60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits, of which 15 level 3 credits must be in Biology or Human Biology
You must achieve Distinction in 33 level 3 credits, and Merit in the remaining 12 level 3 credits

Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

Scottish Advanced Highers
BBB to include the following:
Grade B in Biology
Grade B in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

Irish Leaving Certificate
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:

  • 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.

International Baccalaureate

28-32 points overall to include the following:
Higher Level 5 in Biology
Higher Level 5 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology

Personal statement

The personal statement is not scored or assessed at any part of the admissions process.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Multiple mini-interviews

Work experience

No specific requirements.

Widening participation

The University of Plymouth Faculty of Health has a regional and national reputation for its widening access and participation work. The University works collaboratively with the Office for Students to provide the highest quality initiatives for disadvantaged pupils and under-represented groups. See website for details.

Contextual admissions

This course offers contextual admissions. See website for details.

University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine

Medicine BM6 Widening Participation (BMBS) (A102)

6 years

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

BBB to include A level Biology and one additional science (with a pass in the practical element where it is separately endorsed). Please note applicants must offer BB or above, we do not accept grade or tariff equivalents to BBB.

Additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (examples of combinations include, but are not exclusive to, Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education). If you believe there is a potential overlap, please contact us before applying.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English language, mathematics and either biology and chemistry, combined science, or science and additional science.

International Baccalaureate

Overall score of 30 points with 15 at Higher Level, with 5 in HL Biology and one additional Science

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography. Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (examples of combinations include, but are not exclusive to, Zoology/Biology; Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education). If you believe there is a potential overlap, please contact us before applying.

Personal statement

Selectors use the personal statement to inform interview questions related to the non-academic criteria if the applicant is invited to attend a Selection Day.

Admissions test

UCAT

Interview method

Selection Day consisting of a panel interview and group task (in person).

Work experience

Completion of formal work experience or volunteering is not required. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate what they have learned from their experiences of interacting with people in health or social care settings (this may include work experience, paid employment and personal experiences both in and outside health and social care settings).

Widening participation

In order to be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet three of the following six eligibility criteria.

  • First generation applicant to Higher Education (HE) – comes from a family where neither parent or guardian attended university in the UK or abroad and do not have HE qualifications.
    Parents, guardian or self currently in receipt of a means tested benefit.
  • Young person looked after by a Local Authority (for a period of longer than 3 months).
  • Current resident in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation), or a member of a travelling family.
  • In receipt of free school meals during GCSE Years 10-11 (for at least one term/2 months) and/or 16-19 Bursary/EMA. (Gap year students may still select this criteria if
    they are on their first gap year directly after GCE A Levels).*
  • A current young carer**, either registered with the local council or with a reference from a teacher/tutor to confirm.

*The bursary may cover free school meals, transport costs between home and college, text books/stationery/printing. The bursary criteria does not include the UCAT bursary or a bursary to pay for private school fees.

**someone aged 25 and under who is the carer for a friend or family member, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. This does not include looking after siblings because parents are at work for example.

Applicants should normally only submit eligibility criteria relating to one postcode/address and this is expected to be the address listed on the UCAS form.

The IMD score will be checked and verified by the Faculty of Medicine.

Parental/guardian means tested benefits will not normally be considered for mature employed applicants over the age of 21.

www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/medicine-bm6-widening-participation-degree-bmbs#entry

University of St Andrews Medical School

Gateway to Medicine

1 year (allows progression onto A100 Medicine programme)

Last updated: June 2024

A Levels and Scottish Highers

BBBB in Scottish Highers, to be obtained at one sitting in S5. Must include chemistry and one other of biology, mathematics or physics.
S6 entry, BBBB in S5 and CC in S6 subjects at Higher or Advanced Higher.

GCSEs and Scottish Nationals

If biology, mathematics and English have not been passed at Highers, each must normally have been passed at National 5 grade B.

International Baccalaureate

N/A

Personal statement

Insights into course and career in medicine is essential.

Admissions test

UCAT 

Interview method

Panel interviews 

Work experience

No specific experience required.

Widening participation

Only open to applicants who are classed as Home for fee purposes and meet specific WP criteria.

Applicants should also meet some of the following criteria:

  • have engaged with a Reach project
  • reside in an area of socio-economic disadvantage
  • are being looked after (or have been looked after) as a result of a local authority order
  • are a registered carer
  • attend a school which has low numbers of pupils who progress to higher education
  • attend a school which has low attainment in relation to Highers and Advanced Highers.

See website for more details.

Contextual admissions

This course offers contextual admissions. See website for details.