What grades do you need to get into medical school?
A levels are one of the first hurdles to getting into medical school.
Most schools require AAA to get in, but there are some exceptions and alternative routes for those with lower grades.
If you don't meet the grade expectations below, try for Graduate Entry Medicine or look at Plan B options, such as taking a gap year or studying abroad.
What A levels are required for medicine and which grades do you need?
Most medical schools require AAA grades but each have different subject requirements, which can get confusing. Find out exactly what each medical school requires below.
Medical School
A-level Grades
Required Subjects
Aberdeen
AAA
Chemistry and one from biology, human biology, maths or physics achieved at same time.
Anglia Ruskin
AAA taken within two years prior to application.
Chemistry or biology, and one of either biology, chemistry, maths or physics.
Aston
AAA-AAB
Chemistry and biology (including passing the practical elements).
Barts
A*AA
Chemistry or biology and a second science subject (chemistry, biology, physics or maths). Any third subject except further maths, general studies and critical thinking.
Birmingham
AAA
Biology and chemistry
Brighton and Sussex
AAA
Biology and chemistry
Bristol
AAA
Chemistry and one of biology, physics or maths.
Buckingham
AAB
Chemistry and biology
Cambridge
Typical offers are made to A*A*A.
A level passes in chemistry and one of biology, physics and maths.
Cardiff
AAA
Chemistry and biology
Central Lancashire
AAB
Chemistry, another science subject, and a third academic subject.
Dundee
AAA
Chemistry and another science, achieved in one sitting.
Edge Hill
AAA (third subject may be B if biology or chemistry is at A*).
Biology and chemistry, with passes in the practical elements.
Edinburgh
AAA
Chemistry and one of biology/human biology, maths and physics.
Exeter
AAA
Biology and chemistry
Glasgow
AAA
Chemistry and one of maths, physics or biology. If biology is not taken at A2 level, then must have biology A grade at AS level. General studies, critical thinking and global perspectives & research not accepted.
Hull York
AAA in the first sitting.
Biology and chemistry
Imperial College London
AAA
Chemistry and biology
Keele
AAA
Biology or chemistry, plus another from biology, chemistry, economics, further mathematics, mathematics, physics, psychology or statistics.
Kent and Medway
AAB
Chemistry or biology, plus another from chemistry, biology, maths, psychology or physics. General studies and critical thinking not accepted.
King's College London
A*AA
Chemistry and biology
Lancaster
AAA
Two of biology, chemistry and psychology.
Leeds
AAA
Chemistry or biology. Physics or maths if chemistry is not taken.
Leicester
AAA (A*AB considered if you have an A in chemistry or biology)
Chemistry or biology plus another from biology, chemistry, physics or psychology. General studies, citizenship studies or critical thinking not accepted.
Liverpool
AAA
Chemistry, one of biology, physics or mathematics, and a third academic subject.
Manchester
AAA
Chemistry or biology/human biology plus another from chemistry, biology/human biology, psychology, maths or further maths.
Newcastle
AAA
No requirement for science subjects. General studies, use of maths, world development, communication and culture and critical thinking not accepted.
Norwich
AAA
Biology/human biology or chemistry, including a pass in the practical element of science A levels. General studies and critical thinking not accepted.
Nottingham
AAA
Biology/human biology and chemistry.
Nottingham - Lincoln
AAA
Biology/human biology and chemistry. Pass in science practical elements.
Oxford
A*AA (in one sitting)
Chemistry and one of biology, physics or maths. Critical thinking and general studies not accepted.
Plymouth
A*AA-AAB
Biology and one of chemistry, physics, maths and psychology.
Queen's Belfast
A*AA-AAA
One of the following: 1. AAA at A-level and A in a fourth fourth AS level subject, including chemistry and one of biology, maths or physics. 2. A*AA including chemistry and biology/human biology. 3. A*AA including chemistry and either maths/physics and AS level biology grade B.
Sheffield
AAA (in one sitting)
Chemistry or biology and another science (biology, chemistry, maths, physics or psychology). Further maths, critical thinking, general studies not accepted.
Southampton
AAA
Biology and one other science (including passing the practical elements).
St Andrews
AAA
Chemistry and one of biology, maths or physics.
St George's
AAA
Chemistry and biology
Sunderland
AAA-AAB (completed within two years)
Chemistry or biology plus a second science.
UCL
A*AA
Biology and chemistry.
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Summary
If you miss out on AAA grades, it is likely you won't be able to apply straight away for Direct Entry Medicine. Don't discount the other options available to you however.
