Advice & Insight From Medicine Application Specialists
Chemistry is the single most-required subject for Medicine applicants, with only four universities not requiring it. Biology is the next most demanded, with the majority requiring either Biology or Human Biology to be provided. Maths and Physics are often permitted in lieu of Biology as a second subject, but are not required as your final subject at any university – i.e. studying Chemistry and Biology with an unrelated third subject (with a few exemptions, like General Studies or Critical Thinking) will be sufficient for any UK university. You should however be aware that some Cambridge colleges will expect a third science, and equally that certain universities will be more or less welcoming of your choice of a non-science as a third subject.
The below is a summary of A Level requirements for each UK university. For each, you should check suitable third subjects as universities will generally not accept General Studies, or Critical Thinking as stated, but may also have other specific exemptions. Additionally, note that passes in practical elements of Science A Levels are frequently demanded, no matter the overall score.
Combining similar subjects will generally not be accepted – e.g. Biology & Human Biology, or Maths & Further Maths. Biology may be replaced with Human Biology at certain universities, and you should check admissions requirements thoroughly if in doubt.
The University of Aberdeen
Chemistry, one from Biology, Human Biology, Maths or Physics. One further A Level.
Anglia Ruskin
Chemistry or Biology as the first subject, with one of the two OR Maths or Physics as the second. One further A Level.
Aston University
Chemistry and Biology. One further A Level
Barts QMUL
Two subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics. One further A Level.
University of Birmingham
Chemistry and Biology, one further A Level.
BSMS (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
Chemistry and Biology, one further A Level.
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University of Bristol
Chemistry, and one of either Biology, Physics or Maths. One further A Level.
University of Buckingham
Chemistry and Biology, one further A Level. If Biology is not offered, then Biology must be at a 6 or above for GCSE.
University of Cambridge
Chemistry, one from Biology, Physics, Maths. Some colleges require Chemistry, Biology, Physics OR Chemistry, Biology, Maths.
Cardiff University
Chemistry and Biology are required.
University of Dundee
Chemistry, one from Biology, Maths or Physics. One further A Level.
Edge Hill University
Chemistry and Biology are required.Â
The University of Edinburgh
Chemistry and one from Biology, Mathematics and Physics. Mathematics and Further Mathematics will not be considered together, i.e. only one is considered.
The University of Exeter
Chemistry and Biology are required.
The University of Glasgow
Chemistry, one from Biology, Maths or Physics. One further A Level.
Hull York Medical School
Chemistry and Biology. One third subject, not to include Further Maths or Human Biology.
Imperial College London
Chemistry, Biology. One further A Level.
Keele
One from Chemistry or Biology, with a second from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Maths, or Psychology. One further A Level.
Kent and Medway
Chemistry and Biology. If both are not offered, then Physics, Maths, Psychology or Comp Sci must be offered.
King’s College London
Chemistry and Biology are required.
Lancaster University
Two from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology.
University of Leeds
Chemistry and Biology. If Chemistry is not provided then Biology must be provided with Physics or Maths.
University of Leicester
One from Chemistry or Biology, with one from Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics or Psychology.
The University of Liverpool
Chemistry and one from Biology, Physics or Maths. One further A Level.
The University of Manchester
Chemistry or Biology, with one from Chemistry, Biology, Maths or Physics.
Newcastle University
Chemistry and Biology. If only one offered, the other must be provided with a 7 or above at GCSE.
UEA
Chemistry or Biology.
University of Nottingham.
Chemistry and Biology are both required.
University of Oxford
Chemistry must be offered with one from Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths.
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University of Plymouth
Biology must be offered, with one of Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Queen’s University Belfast
Chemistry, with one from Biology, Physics or Maths.
The University of Sheffield
Chemistry is required, with another from Biology, Psychology, Maths, Physics.
University of Southampton
Biology is required, with one further from Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies or Geography.
St Andrews
Chemistry is required, with one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
St George’s
Chemistry is required, with Biology or Human Biology.
University of Sunderland
Either Chemistry or Biology, with another from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths.
Swansea University
Graduate entry course.
UCL
Chemistry and Biology are both required. Any third A Level is accepted.
UCLAN
Chemistry is required, with one from Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology.
Warwick
Graduate entry course.
