Best A-Level subjects for medicine: what every applicant needs

Medicine remains one of the most competitive UK university courses. Your A-Level subject choices in Year 11 lock in whether you can even apply. Here's what each major UK medical school actually requires.

The non-negotiable: Chemistry

Every UK medical school requires Chemistry at A-Level. There is no exception. Without it, you cannot apply for medicine anywhere in the UK.

The strongly preferred: Biology

Almost every UK medical school either requires Biology or strongly prefers it. The handful of schools that accept other combinations (without Biology) still require strong GCSE Biology and a Chemistry + one other science.

The third A-Level

Most medical schools expect three A-Levels at AAA or A*AA. The third subject is more flexible:

• Maths — recommended; strengthens applications particularly for research-focused courses (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL)
• Physics — accepted everywhere; good combination with Chemistry and Biology
• Another science — accepted, but most schools then expect a different non-science subject elsewhere
• A humanities subject (English Lit, History) — accepted as a third, shows breadth, can strengthen an application

Subjects that may not count

Some "applied" or "general" A-Levels are not counted as one of your three by certain medical schools — including General Studies, Critical Thinking, and (at some schools) Citizenship Studies. Check each school's published criteria.

Grade requirements

Typical standard offer: A*AA or AAA. Some schools (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL) require A*A*A or specific grades in Chemistry and Biology.

GCSE grades also count — most medical schools require Grade 7+ in at least 6–8 GCSEs including English and Maths.

Admissions tests

Almost all UK medical schools require either the UCAT (most universities) or BMAT (replaced from 2024 cycle — check current requirements). These tests are sat in autumn of Year 13 alongside your application.

Beyond grades

Medicine is also assessed on work experience, personal qualities, and interview performance. Strong applicants typically have 1–2 weeks of healthcare-adjacent work experience, sustained volunteering, and serious preparation for the multiple mini-interview (MMI) format.

Our UCAS personal statement guide covers the application writing — and our A-Level tutoring supports the academic prep through Year 12 and 13.