Entry requirements for 2025 start

Applicants with an Honours degree and appropriate A-levels are welcome to apply. Award (or prediction) of a first class or high second class degree is likely to be a relevant pre-requisite to demonstration of suitability for the academic demands of the course. Our standard academic requirements and selection processes apply for all applicants; a good Honours degree cannot compensate for relatively poor results in A-levels or equivalent qualifications or qualifications in subjects not directly relevant to our course.

A-levels: A*AA (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. If a practical component forms part of any of the A-levels taken, we expect candidates to have taken it and passed.

Scottish qualifications: typically 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 subject requirements, but GCSE performance data for schools in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are used, where available, to assess whether an applicant's grades at GCSE reflected an under- or over-performance within the context of the school at which they were taken.

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. Where applicants offer Mathematics at HL, we have no preference for either the Analysis and Approaches (AA) course or the Applications and Interpretation (AI) course.

Access and Foundation courses can meet the basic requirements for entry to the Oxford pre-clinical course, with certain provisos. They will only be acceptable alternatives to A-level where you can demonstrate that:

The course covers the same content as the A-levels we ask for in our entry criteria (and to an equal standard), particularly for Chemistry (which is compulsory).
Entry to the course is competitive in nature.
The syllabus is assessed by formal written examination.
The result is classified (a pass at Distinction level will be required).

Realistically, only an applicant who is performing consistently well across all elements of an Access or Foundation course would be capable of competing for a place on an even playing field with other applicants who are taking A-levels or the IB.
Please note that it will be your responsibility to demonstrate to us that your course is a suitable alternative to A-levels.
The Oxford Medical School does not recommend any particular Access or Foundation courses.

Peninsula Medical School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as an alternative entry route to A levels. We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme unless applicants graduate or are predicted with a first from any of the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Science degrees. This route is valid for two years post graduation and all applications must be made via UCAS.

A Level
The typical offer is AAA - AAB at GCE A level which must include the following:

• Grade A in Biology
• Grade A 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.

For applicants from widening access backgrounds, we will accept AAB at GCE A Level with the same subject requirements as above plus meeting contextual markers.

For applicants who are part of the UK WPMED scheme, we will accept ABB at GCE A Level, which must include the following:

• Grade A in Biology
• Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology

Scottish Advanced Highers
AAA to include the following:

• Grade A in Biology
• Grade A in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

We are unable to consider Scottish Highers for entry onto this course.

36-38 points overall to include the following:

• Higher Level 6 in Biology
• Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology

Applicants need to achieve 7 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.

A minimum 2:1 (upper second-class honours) undergraduate bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in a Molecular or Biomedical Sciences related degree. No further qualifications required.

Molecular or Biomedical Sciences related degree

• Biomedical Sciences
• Biomedicine
• Biochemistry
• Cellular and Molecular Medicine
• Genetics
• Human Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Pharmacy

To meet the subject requirements, the degree must be in a Molecular or Biomedical Sciences. We are unable to review transcripts prior to you making an application, and if your degree meets our entry criteria, then we would encourage you to make an application.

Or

A minimum 2:1 (upper second-class honours) undergraduate bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in any other degree subject.

In addition to your degree, you must also have passes at A-level of at least BB in Chemistry and Biology (or acceptable equivalent).

Degrees must be completed in the natural length intended for the qualification (generally three years for Bachelors and four years for integrated Masters).

A' Levels - A*AA

A-levels must include:

• First A Level - Chemistry or Biology
• Second A Level – A further science subject from (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Maths)
• Third A Level - Any A level subject. Further Maths is not accepted if Maths is taken as your second A level.  

Scottish Highers - Three Highers at grades AAA including Chemistry and Biology. Two Advanced Highers at grades AA including Chemistry or Biology plus one further science subject (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths)

At least six GCSEs at grades 777666 (AAABBB pre 2017) including Biology, Chemistry, English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. The Science Double Award may substitute all sciences at GCSE.

37 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 666 including Chemistry or Biology plus one further science subject from (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths).

Applications from graduates or those in the final year of their degree are considered and the full academic background is taken into account. The minimum A-level threshold (or equivalent in other qualifications) is either ABB/AAC at first attempt, ie two years post GCSE and prior to commencing degree studies for those with an Upper Second Class Honours in their primary (first) degree, or BBB/ABC at first attempt for those with a First Class Honours in their primary (first) degree or PhD and an Upper Second Class Honours degree in their primary (first) degree. The minimum grades that can be accepted is a grade C with grade B the lowest grade acceptable for A-level Chemistry.

Applicants must have an appropriate science background at GCSE and AS-level/A-level or equivalent (see below) and at least a 2.1 Honours classification in their first undergraduate degree, which can be from a wide range of different subjects. A-level Chemistry and at least one from A-level Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics, plus, if not offered at A-level, then Biology/ Human Biology to at least AS-level (or equivalent) are required. In addition, GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 and either GCSE Physics minimum grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science minimum grades CC/44 are required if not offered at AS-level or A-level. Graduate applicants who fulfil these criteria are then scored with their UCAT.

AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not offered at A-level then Biology/Human Biology grade A as a 4th AS-level or grade B as a 5th AS-level. Grade A in the EPQ or Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate or a grade B in a 4th A-level will be acceptable in lieu of the 4th AS-level.
OR
A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology.
OR
A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics + AS-level Biology grade B.

GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 and either GCSE Physics minimum grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science minimum grades CC/44 are required if these subjects are not offered at AS-level or A-level.

In considering applications, GCSE performance in the best 9 subjects will be scored with 4 points awarded for an A* (grade 9 on the 9-1 grading scale), 3 points for an A (grades 7 and 8), 2 points for a B (grade 6) and 1 point for a C*/C (grades 4 and 5). Please note that only GCSEs completed in Year 11 and Year 12 (Year 10 and Year 11 in England and Wales) will be counted for scoring purposes.

36 points overall, including 6,6,6 at Higher level. Higher level Chemistry and Biology required. If Physics is not offered as part of the IB then a pass in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science, or equivalent, is required.

2:1 any subject considered. BBB at A level to include Chemistry or Biology.

AAA at A level, including Chemistry or Biology, and another science (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology), taken in one sitting. Further Maths, Critical Thinking and General Studies are not accepted. 

AAAAB Scottish Highers plus AA in Advanced Highers to include Chemistry or Biology and a second Science

Five GCSEs at grade 7 (A). Applicants must have a minimum of grade 6 (B) in English Language, Maths and Science. 

36 Points overall with 6 in three Higher Level subjects to include Chemistry or Biology and another science subject, 4's in standard level subjects.

Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) in first degree. The degree can be in any subject and no preference will be given based on the subject taken.

AAA 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 AAA or above, we do not accept grade or tariff equivalents to AAA. BM5 graduate applicants please see BM4 entry requirements.

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.

Overall score of 36 points with 18 at Higher Level, with 6 in 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.

School leaver applicants must have a minimum of seven B grades (grade 6) at GCSE, including English language, Maths, Biology and Chemistry,
Additional Science and Science, or Combined Science (or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University).

Mature non-graduate applicants (applicants over the age of 21 at the time of applying who do not have a degree)- Applicants must hold four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English language, mathematics and either biology and chemistry, combined science, or science and additional science.

Graduates - must have a minimum grade C (grade 4) in GCSE Maths, English Language and either Chemistry and Biology, or Science and Additional Science, or Combined Science.

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) will be accepted. Other access courses may be considered on a case by case basis, however, online access courses will not accepted. We would expect there to be a significant amount of time between the previous qualification (where relevant) and the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) or alternative access course. We will not consider an application from an A Level student who undertakes an Access course shortly after completing their A Level but fails to achieve the required advertised A Level grades. Access courses are most likely to be considered for applicants who have not taken Science qualifications.

Please see our website for specific details:

• www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/medicine-bm5-degree-bmbs#entry
• www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/medicine-bm6-widening-participation-degree-bmbs#entry

Upper second or first class Honours degree in Science (or equivalent) obtained within the previous three years prior to entry.
B grade in Chemistry at Higher or A-Level, or at Advanced Higher or equivalent.
B grade in Biology, English and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent.

Scottish Highers
Standard entry grades: AAAAB in S5. Predicted to achieve at least BBB in Highers or Advanced Highers or a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers in S6.
Minimum entry grades: AAABB in S5. Predicted to achieve at least BB in Highers or Advanced Highers or a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers in S6.
Gateway to Medicine: BBBB in Highers in S5
Highers must include Chemistry and one of Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics or Physics, to be taken at the same sitting.

A Levels
Standard entry grades: AAA
Minimum entry grades: AAB
These grades must include Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics.

If not passed at Higher, applicants must also have National 5 grade B in Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics, and English.

If not passed at AS or A-Level, applicants must have GCSE grade 5 or B in Biology, Mathematics, and English (either Language or Literature). We accept CCEA GCSE grade C* as equivalent to grade 5 in numerical grading.

In addition, a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A or 7 to be taken at one sitting, will be required. Applicants with achieved A-Levels, may be considered with less than five A grades (grade 7 in numerical grading) at GCSE.

Standard entry grades: 38 points (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6)
Minimum entry grades: 36 points (HL 6,6,5 plus SL 6,6,5)
These grades must include HL in Chemistry and HL in one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not passed at HL, applicants must have SL in Biology, Mathematics and English. Either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' are accepted as meeting the Mathematics requirement. Standard Level Mathematics Studies is not acceptable. Mathematics at GCSE 5 or better might be considered in lieu of Standard Level.

Upper second or first class Honours degree in Science (or equivalent) obtained within the previous three years prior to entry.
B grade in Chemistry at Higher or A-Level, or at Advanced Higher or equivalent.
B grade in Biology, English and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent.

Scottish Highers
Standard entry grades: AAAAB in S5. Predicted to achieve at least BBB in Highers or Advanced Highers or a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers in S6.
Minimum entry grades: AAABB in S5. Predicted to achieve at least BB in Highers or Advanced Highers or a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers in S6.
Gateway to Medicine: BBBB in Highers in S5
Highers must include Chemistry and one of Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics or Physics, to be taken at the same sitting.

A Levels
Standard entry grades: AAA
Minimum entry grades: AAB
These grades must include Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics.

If not passed at Higher, applicants must also have National 5 grade B in Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics, and English.

If not passed at AS or A-Level, applicants must have GCSE grade 5 or B in Biology, Mathematics, and English (either Language or Literature). We accept CCEA GCSE grade C* as equivalent to grade 5 in numerical grading.

In addition, a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A or 7 to be taken at one sitting, will be required. Applicants with achieved A-Levels, may be considered with less than five A grades (grade 7 in numerical grading) at GCSE.

Standard entry grades: 38 points (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6)
Minimum entry grades: 36 points (HL 6,6,5 plus SL 6,6,5)
These grades must include HL in Chemistry and HL in one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not passed at HL, applicants must have SL in Biology, Mathematics and English. Either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' are accepted as meeting the Mathematics requirement. Standard Level Mathematics Studies is not acceptable. Mathematics at GCSE 5 or better might be considered in lieu of Standard Level.

Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in any subject OR a postgraduate degree (any discipline) at a pass or above if your first degree is a 2.2 Honours. There is no requirement for this to have been awarded in the last five years.

To be eligible for this programme, all qualifications (except GCSEs) should have been awarded within the past five years.

A levels: AAA including Chemistry and Biology

Scottish Highers: AAA at Highers and AA at Advanced Highers including Chemistry and Biology

We only accept the Full Award Diploma. Overall 36 with 18 points at Higher Level including 66 in Biology and Chemistry. At Standard Level, a minimum score of 5 in Maths and English if GCSEs have not been taken.

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths, English Language and Sciences at Grade 6.

Scottish Nationals: English Language and Maths National 5 at Grade B.

We accept the full award diploma - Access to Medicine.

Degree 2:1 in any subject, to be gained within 5 years of application.

A levels:

A Levels in three subjects at grades of AAA are required, including Biology or Chemistry plus another designated science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths/Further Maths/Statistics) and a third academic subject. Any science A Level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) completed in England from 2017 must include a pass in the practical endorsement; without this the qualification will be judged to have been failed, regardless of the headline grade. Only one subject from a combination of Maths or Further Maths or Statistics will be considered within the three A Levels. A Level grades must be achieved in one sitting.

A-level Subjects not included:

The following subjects are not accepted at A Level for A100: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, any AQA Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Leisure Studies, Applied Science, Applied Travel and Tourism, Science in Society, Use of Mathematics), any Edexcel Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied ICT, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Leisure Studies, Media; Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism), any OCR Applied A Level (Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Applied Health and Social Care, Applied ICT, Applied Leisure Studies, Applied Performing Arts, Applied Science, Applied Travel and Tourism), any WJEC Applied A Level (Applied Business, Applied ICT, Applied Science). Key skills qualifications will not be taken into account in assessing academic ability.

Scottish Qualifications:

Higher: minimum of AAAAB, including Chemistry/Biology plus a second science both at A, to be achieved by the end of S5 (i.e. before applying)
Advanced Higher: minimum of AB from two subjects (both sciences) sat in S6. Any additional subject sat at Higher level in S6 must be achieved at grade B or higher
Any science subject not being offered at Higher or Advanced Higher level must have been passed at Standard/National 5 grade B/2

GCSE requirements:

5 subjects at grade A (7) with a minimum of grade B (6) in Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Scottish Nationals:

National 5: a minimum of 5 subjects at grade A with a minimum of grade B in Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics

35 points including three grade 6 passes at IB Higher Level and grades of 6, 6, 5 at Standard Level are required. Higher Level subjects must include Chemistry or Biology, plus one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths and a third rigorous subject. Any science not taken at the Higher Level must be offered at Standard Level grade 5 or GCSE grade B (or equivalent). Points awarded for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge are not taken into account but these components must have been completed. English Language (Language A) at Grade 6 is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English Language. Please see English Language Requirements under General Requirements if you do not have either of these.

Welsh Baccalaureate:

We require an A grade Pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma and two full science A Levels at grade A*A taken within a two year period. Chemistry or Biology is essential plus one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths/Further Maths/Statistics. GCSE requirements must also be met.

Scottish Baccalaureate (Science):

Grades of AA are required in 2 Advanced Highers (including Chemistry or Biology) plus AA in an interdisciplinary project unit and 1 higher. Chemistry or Biology must be offered at Advanced Higher grade A. Standard Grade/National 5 requirements must also be met.