If you’re considering a career as a doctor, planning ahead and carefully choosing your A-level subjects is imperative especially if picking between studying biology or chemistry.
If you’ve already chosen your A-levels but now want to study medicine, there is still hope!
Here we will walk you through which A-levels are best for studying medicine, as well as all your options to secure a place at medical school from almost any set of A-level subjects for 2026 and 2027 entry.
Exclusive to our guide, we also provide the most up-to-date information on EVERY UK medical school's A-level entry requirements, checked for 2026 and 2027 entry. Look no further.
This was reviewed in 2026. Subject and grade requirements change every cycle, so always confirm on each medical school's own website (and the Medical Schools Council Entry Requirements tool) before you apply.
What A-Levels Are Essential For Studying Medicine?
Different universities have different A-Level requirements for medicine.
As you can see in our mega list below, the most common essential subjects include chemistry and biology.
If you’re in the process of choosing your A levels, we recommend studying both biology and chemistry. This will enable you to apply to all UK medical schools, meanwhile providing a good scientific background, before starting the medicine degree.
Your A-level choices are only one part of a competitive medicine application. Once your subjects are sorted, your UCAT score and personal statement do much of the heavy lifting, and competition keeps rising (see the latest UCAS medicine statistics).
There are generally four types of A Level requirements that medical schools in the UK have, they usually require one of:
A Level Chemistry only
A Level Biology only
A Level Chemistry or Biology
A Level Biology & A Level Chemistry
We will now go into each of these requirements
Which Universities Require Chemistry Or Biology A-Level For Medicine?
Several UK medical schools require A-level chemistry and/or biology to study a medicine course at their university.
If you’ve already chosen your A-Levels, you may now be limited as to which universities will accept your application.
Here we’ve summarised this for you:
Medical Schools Requiring A-Level Chemistry Only
There are 9 medical schools in the UK that only require A Level chemistry. This means that there are 9 medical schools that don't require biology in the UK.
Medical Schools Where Only A-Level Biology Is Required For Medicine
There is a small group of UK medical schools where Biology is the required science and Chemistry is not compulsory. These are useful options if you have not taken Chemistry A-level. Always confirm the current rule, as some schools accept Chemistry as an alternative to Biology here:
There are limitations on the combinations of A-Levels that these can be.
For instance, some universities do not accept Critical Thinking or General Studies as acceptable studies.
Additionally, some universities do not accept Maths and Further Maths as 2 individual A-Levels.
For more information, check out our megalist below, or the individual university websites that you are interested in.
A few universities lower their A-level grade requirements if you complete a strong Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and some recognise a fourth A-level. Hull York Medical School is one example that values an EPQ. Always check each school's wording, as most make the standard three-subject offer regardless of an EPQ.
We believe that there is generally speaking a limited benefit of doing 4 A-Levels, except in certain Cambridge colleges, and other medical schools, you may be better off spending that time on your UCAT or other A Levels.
What Are The Best A-Levels For Applying To Medical School?
Do Maths or Physics count as a "second science" for medicine?
At many medical schools that ask for "Chemistry plus a second science or Maths", both Physics and Mathematics are accepted as that second science. Liverpool, for example, asks for Chemistry plus one of Biology, Maths or Physics, and a third academic subject. However, schools that name Biology specifically (or require both Chemistry and Biology) will not let Maths or Physics substitute for Biology. The safest combination for keeping every door open is Chemistry and Biology together, with a third subject of your choice.
If you only have one of the two core sciences, you are not out of options, but you must apply strategically to schools whose subject rules you actually meet, rather than wasting any of your four UCAS medicine choices.
The “best” A-Level choices for applying to medical school will depend on what your strengths are.
Generally, Universities require either A-Level Chemistry, Biology or both.
We recommend students study both A-level chemistry and Biology, as these most closely reflect the pre-clinical content learnt at the very beginning of medical school. These subjects will provide a strong foundation of knowledge for studying medicine.
There is no specific subject requirement for the 3rd A-Level subject, however, we recommend another STEM subject, such as Physics or Mathematics.
A-Level Physics may cover topics such as medical physics. This may provide useful background information for understanding the use of medical equipment such as MRI scanners.
Alternative useful A-levels may include psychology, law or computer science. Your personal statement will provide you with an opportunity to justify how your third A-Level has helped you progress towards a career in medicine.
Ultimately, the best 3rd A-level choice for medical school will be a subject in which you are able to excel and which aligns with your interests.
What A-Level Grades Do You Need For Medicine? (A*AA to AAA)
What GCSEs do you need for medicine?
Strong GCSEs matter as much as your A-levels, because they are the academic record available when you apply. Most UK medical schools expect a clutch of grades 6 to 7 (B to A) across the sciences, Maths and English, and several set a hard minimum of grade 5 or 6 in English Language and Maths. The most competitive schools look for multiple grade 8 and 9 results, and some calculate a GCSE score to rank applicants. Sciences (or Combined/Double Science) at grade 6 or above are effectively expected everywhere.
Because GCSE policies vary widely, build your medicine shortlist around schools whose GCSE thresholds you comfortably meet, alongside your UCAT score and A-level subjects.
For most UK medical schools, the minimum a-level grades required sit at around AAA. There are a few UK medical schools, such as Hull York Medical School, that offer students a place if they receive AAB.
As of 2026 entry, the lowest standard A-level offer to study medicine in the UK is ABB, made by the University of Buckingham (a private school with higher tuition fees). At the other end, the most selective schools such as Cambridge, Imperial and UCL now ask for A*AA, and Oxford and Cambridge often expect A*A*A.
Many universities make lower contextual offers, typically one or two grades below the standard offer, for students from widening participation backgrounds. Contextual offers commonly fall to BBB, and Foundation Year or Gateway to Medicine routes can ask for grades around BBB or lower while adding an extra year of study. Eligibility is assessed case by case, so check each school's contextual policy.
What Should You Do If You Chose The Wrong A-Levels For Medicine?
Can you retake A-levels and still get into medicine?
Yes, but retake policies vary sharply. Some schools welcome resit applicants who narrowly missed, others only consider resits in extenuating circumstances, and a few will not consider them at all. If you are resitting, you usually need to declare it and may face a higher target (for example A*AA). We cover this in detail in our guide to which UK medical schools accept A-level resits. Pick your shortlist around schools whose resit stance you actually meet.
Scottish Highers, the IB and other equivalents
If you are not sitting A-levels, UK medical schools publish equivalent requirements. Scottish applicants are usually assessed on Advanced Highers and Highers, with typical offers around AAA at Advanced Higher or AAAAB at Higher plus the required sciences (most often Chemistry, with Biology required or preferred). For the International Baccalaureate, offers commonly sit at 36 to 38 points overall, with 6s and 7s at Higher Level including Chemistry and frequently Biology. The subject rules mirror the A-level ones: Chemistry is almost universal and Biology is required or strongly preferred.
Access to HE Diplomas, BTECs and the Welsh Baccalaureate are accepted by some schools and not others, so always check the named qualification on each school's page before you commit.
Have you decided that you want to study medicine at university but chose your A-Levels with another career in mind? Here we’ll discuss all of your options!
Firstly, consider what A-Levels you’ve taken, and whether any universities in the UK accept them. You can compare your A-Levels to our mega list above.
Newcastle is one of the most flexible UK medical schools on subject choice: its 2026 policy asks for AAA without naming a specific science as compulsory, although Chemistry and Biology remain strongly advantageous and most successful applicants hold them. This flexibility makes it a strong option if your subjects are unconventional.
This depends on you studying three A-levels and achieving at least AAA (dropped to BBB for eligible contextual applicants) in subjects other than General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture, and Critical Thinking.
Other options into medical school include clearing, graduate entry medicine, studying abroad or completing an additional a-level/s during a gap year.
From 1-1 tutoring and personal statement editing to interview coaching and our all-in-one Ultimate Package, we support every stage. Tell us what you are working towards and we will recommend the right option.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What A-levels do you need to become a doctor in the UK?
Almost every UK medical school requires A-level Chemistry, with Biology required or strongly preferred at most. You need three A-levels, typically graded A*AA to AAA. A minority accept Chemistry or Biology plus a third academic subject, and a few accept Biology without Chemistry. Rules vary by school, so always check each one's named subject requirement before applying.
What A-levels do you need for medicine?
Three A-levels is the standard minimum. The reliable combination is Chemistry and Biology plus one further academic subject, because this keeps every UK medical school open to you. Schools differ: some demand both sciences, some ask for Chemistry only, some Biology only, and some Chemistry or Biology plus another. Confirm the exact rule for each school on your shortlist.
Do you need Biology A-level for medicine?
Not always. Biology is required or strongly preferred by most UK medical schools, but a small group (including Aberdeen, Cambridge, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Oxford, Queen's Belfast and UCLan) ask for Chemistry rather than Biology. If you have not taken Biology, you can still apply, but you should target schools whose subject rules you meet. Always verify current policies, as they change each cycle.
Can you do medicine without Biology A-level?
Yes. Several UK medical schools require Chemistry and accept a non-Biology third subject, so you can study medicine without Biology A-level. Your choice of schools narrows, so apply strategically rather than wasting any of your four medicine choices. Strong GCSE Biology and a good UCAT score help offset not having taken Biology at A-level. Check each school's named requirements before applying.
Do you need Chemistry A-level for medicine?
For the vast majority of UK medical schools, yes. Chemistry is the single most commonly required A-level for medicine. A small number accept Biology as an alternative to Chemistry, and a few allow Chemistry or Biology plus a third science. If you have not taken Chemistry, your options are limited, so identify the Biology-accepting schools early and build your shortlist around them.
Do you need Maths A-level for medicine?
No, Maths A-level is not usually required for medicine. Where a school asks for a second science, Maths or Physics is often accepted in that slot. Maths is useful for the statistics and dosage calculations in a medical degree, but it cannot replace Biology at schools that name Biology specifically. The safest base remains Chemistry and Biology with a third subject of your choice.
Does Maths or Physics count as a second science for medicine?
At schools that ask for "Chemistry plus a second science or Maths", both Physics and Mathematics usually count as that second science. However, schools that name Biology specifically, or require both Chemistry and Biology, will not let Maths or Physics substitute for Biology. Read each school's wording carefully, because "second science" is defined differently across UK medical schools.
What are the lowest A-level entry requirements for medicine in the UK?
As of 2026 entry, the lowest standard A-level offer is ABB at the University of Buckingham, a private school with higher fees. Contextual offers at other schools commonly drop to BBB for eligible widening-participation applicants, and Foundation Year or Gateway to Medicine routes can ask for around BBB or lower while adding an extra year. Most standard offers sit at AAA, rising to A*AA at the most selective schools.
What A-level grades do you need for medicine?
Most UK medical schools ask for AAA. The most selective, such as Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, ask for A*AA, and Oxford and Cambridge often expect A*A*A. A few schools, including Hull York, make AAB offers, and Buckingham asks for ABB. Contextual offers can fall to BBB for eligible applicants. Always check the current standard and contextual offers for each school.
Which universities do not require Biology for medicine?
Schools that ask for Chemistry rather than Biology have historically included Aberdeen, Cambridge, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Oxford, Queen's University Belfast and UCLan. These are sensible targets if you have not taken Biology A-level. Policies are reviewed each cycle, so confirm the current subject requirement on each university's own page and the Medical Schools Council Entry Requirements tool before applying.
How many A-levels do you need for medicine, 3 or 4?
Three A-levels is the standard requirement at every UK medical school, and three strong grades are enough. A fourth A-level is not usually expected and rarely changes an offer. Some students take a fourth or an EPQ to demonstrate breadth, but for most applicants the time is better spent on the UCAT, the personal statement and interview preparation. Check whether any school on your list values an EPQ or fourth subject.
Do medical schools accept General Studies or Critical Thinking A-level?
Generally no. Many UK medical schools exclude General Studies, Critical Thinking, Use of Mathematics, World Development and Communication and Culture from their counted A-levels. If you take one of these, it will usually not count towards your three required subjects, so you need three other qualifying A-levels. Always check each school's list of excluded subjects, as the exact wording varies.
Can you take Maths and Further Maths as two of your medicine A-levels?
Sometimes, but not always. Some universities do not count Maths and Further Maths as two separate A-levels for medicine, treating them as overlapping. If you take both, make sure your remaining subjects still satisfy the school's science requirements (usually Chemistry, often with Biology). Check each school's policy directly, because this is a common reason applications are rejected on technicality.
Does an EPQ help your medicine application?
An EPQ can help. A few universities lower their A-level grade requirements for a strong EPQ, and others view it favourably as evidence of independent research and academic curiosity. Hull York is one school that values an EPQ. Most schools, however, make the standard three-subject offer regardless, so treat an EPQ as a useful extra rather than a substitute for top grades. See our EPQ guide for ideas.
What should you do if you chose the wrong A-levels for medicine?
First, map your subjects against each school's named requirements, as you may qualify for more schools than you think (flexible schools like Newcastle help). If not, options include an extra A-level in a gap year, Foundation Year or Gateway routes, graduate entry medicine after a related degree, the NHS medical doctor degree apprenticeship, or studying abroad. Choose the route that fits your grades, finances and timeline.
Can you retake A-levels and still study medicine?
Yes, but policies differ sharply. Some schools welcome resit applicants who narrowly missed, others consider resits only in extenuating circumstances, and a few do not accept them at all. Resit applicants often face a higher target such as A*AA and must declare the resit. If you are resitting, build your shortlist around schools whose stated resit policy you actually meet.
Ultimate Package students from our 2025/26 cycle, with their UCAT scores and offers, who trained with us for the UCAT, personal statements and interviews.
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