Medicine Degree Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for degrees will always vary depending on where you are applying. Medicine is one of the toughest courses to apply for in the UK, and it also requires students sometimes to sit different admissions tests beforehand. Not all universities require this, but many do, and they can often be the bedrock of a student’s university application.

What is a Medicine degree?

A Medicine degree is a degree that focuses on a broad range of topics. Typically, it is a degree with very high entry requirements and is also considered one of the most challenging degrees a university can offer.

Modules will vary depending on where you are applying and what type of course you are doing. Generally, you will look at elements of clinical science, specialist practice, clinical care, pharmacology and biological science.

Medicine degree entry requirements

The university entry requirements will vary depending on where you apply. Not all universities have the same requirements; some have been known to favour other aspects over just grades. Sometimes an admissions test may carry more weight than any industry work experience you have.

The most common entry requirements for a medicine degree are:

Not all qualification types are accepted at all universities. For instance, not all universities will accept T Levels as part of their admissions criteria, while others may do.

A Levels

A Levels are accepted at all universities and colleges in the UK. Typically, to study medicine courses, you must have high grades in maths and chemistry. Other subjects may be accepted if one of the previous two has been studied.

BMAT

The BMAT is an admissions test for students looking to study for medical exams. Not all universities require you to sit them, however.

The universities that require the BMAT are:

• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford

The test is set into three different sections. Generally, your full score will be taken into account. However, some universities may be more interested in specific scores in certain sections than your overall score.

BTEC

A BTEC is the second-most commonly accepted qualification at university. Despite this, applying for a medical degree with just a BTEC is difficult. BTECs are usually accepted as long as the subject is related to what you want to study. Still, they will likely need to be supplemented with relevant A Levels in maths, chemistry and/or biology.

IELTS

The IELTS is a qualification specifically designed for international students. For a medicine degree, you must achieve at least a 6,6,6 at Higher Level, especially for subjects such as maths. English may also be a requirement for some universities.

International Baccalaureate

Like the IELTS, the International Baccalaureate is purely for international students. The scores you get will be especially important for a subject such as this. Some universities will grade you on your scores for each section, while others will want your overall score.

T Levels

As stated above, not all universities accept T Levels. T Levels will, one day, replace BTECs as an A Level equivalent, meaning that they have the same level of acceptance. Some universities will accept them, while others will not. Typically, T Levels will not be enough to get you onto a medical degree unless you have studied some supplementary A Levels beforehand.

UCAT

The UCAT is an admissions test for those seeking a medical-based or dentistry degree. The following universities do require it to be sat:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Cardiff University
• Edge Hill University
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• Kent & Medway Medical School
• King's College London
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Queen's University Belfast
• St. George's, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leicester
• University of Lincoln
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• University of Plymouth
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Sunderland
• University of Warwick (graduate entry)

Not all universities will require medical degree applicants to sit the UCAT. It is a test set into five different sections and is often used as a means for universities to find which students they want for their courses.

What is the best university to study medicine?

This will typically depend on you, the student, and what you want out of your university experience. Of course, Russell Group universities have a reputation that precedes them, specifically in this field. However, it is still down to you and what you want.

Consider what aspects of the university you favour over others. Do you prefer a university that has the best facilities? Do you want one that has ties to the industry? Do you want a university that has better teaching standards? Or is it something else entirely? Consider all of these factors before you make your choice.

How to write a Medicine personal statement

Personal statements are always tough to write. Generally, students struggle to sum up their love of a subject and weave in their interests, hobbies and personal achievements into just 4,000 characters.

However, it is always best to take things bit by bit. Start off by talking about your love of medicine first. This will form the core part of your medicine personal statement. In this section, you must speak about what made you fall in love with the subject. Was it a film or TV show that lit the fire in your belly? Was it a book or a family member who sparked it? Speak about which aspects of medicine enthral you so much and speak about them here.

Next, talk about yourself. This is always tough, but universities want to know more about you and what kind of person you are. Speak about the things you do in your spare time that interest you, and speak about various achievements you may have, whether relevant or not. Universities want to know what makes you you and what would make you such a valuable member of their student community.

What jobs can I get with a Medicine degree?

Not all jobs have to be directly related to medicine or becoming a doctor. Many who take on this degree feel they will have to work in the medical sector, but other jobs are available.

The most common jobs to find with a medicine degree are:

• Anaesthetist
• Cardiologist
• Epidemiologist
• Naturopath
• Neurologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Pathologist
• Psychiatrist
• Surgeon
• Toxicologist

It is also possible to become a teacher or lecturer too. To do this, you will need a PGCE degree or a Masters in Education.

Are Medicine courses available during Clearing?

It is likely that you will be able to find some Clearing medicine courses during Clearing. That being said, you probably won’t find many.

That’s not to say that none will drop at all, but they will be few and far between. Medicine courses are generally some of the most popular in the UK and come with extraordinarily high entry requirements, so Clearing may look a little lean for this subject.