What A levels Do You Need for Medicine?
Let’s explore the key A levels that will put you on the right path to studying medicine at university.
What A Level subjects are needed for medicine?
To apply for medicine at UK universities, you’ll typically need:
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A level Chemistry and Biology – these are essential at most medical schools
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A third A level, often in Mathematics or Physics, is usually preferred and sometimes required
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Typical offers range from AAA to A*AA, depending on the university
While Mathematics isn’t compulsory, it’s strongly recommended. Taken alongside Chemistry and Biology, it can strengthen your application and support key skills such as data analysis, numerical reasoning, and interpreting research — all valuable in evidence-based medicine.
If Maths isn’t your strongest subject, other STEM options like Physics or Psychology may also be accepted by some medical schools. Always check individual entry requirements carefully.
What A Levels do universities require to study medicine?
Universities vary in their exact requirements, so it’s essential to check individual course pages. As some may place restrictions on combining certain subjects, such as Biology or Mathematics and Further Mathematics. You’ll need top grades, usually AAA or A*AA, due to intense competition. While Chemistry and Biology are core, your third subject should reflect your strengths and align with the preferences of your chosen universities.
| University | A-Levels Required For Medicine |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | A*AA (A* in Chemistry + one of Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths) |
| University of Cambridge | A*A*A* (A* in Chemistry + two other science/maths subjects: Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths) |
| Imperial College London | AAA (A in Biology, A in Chemistry, A in one other subject – no specific requirement) |
| University of Exeter | AAA (A in Biology, A in Chemistry, A in one other subject – no specific requirement) |
First steps in the medicine application process
The best first step is to check the degree requirements of the universities you are interested in.
For example, most universities have comprehensive subject pages on their websites where they state the required A level subjects.
They also state the other factors they look for in candidates.
Below are what some universities stipulate their entry requirements are.
The university of oxford medicine entry requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall grades | A*AA across three A levels |
| Mandatory subject | A level Chemistry (minimum grade A) |
| Additional subjects | At least one from: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics (minimum grade A) |
| Practical components | Candidates must complete any required practical assessments in their chosen science subjects |
Summary: To apply for Medicine at Oxford, you must take A level Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject, achieving overall grades of A*AA.
The university of cambridge medicine entry requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall grades | A*A*A* across three A levels |
| Mandatory subject | A level Chemistry (grade A*) |
| Additional subjects | Two further science or mathematics A levels (grade A*) from: Mathematics, Biology or Human Biology, Physics, Further Mathematics |
Summary: To apply for Medicine at Cambridge, you must take A level Chemistry plus two other science or mathematics subjects, all at grade A*, achieving A*A*A* overall.
Imperial college london Medicine entry requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall grades | AAA across at least three A levels |
| Mandatory subjects | A level Biology (grade A) and A level Chemistry (grade A) |
| Additional subject | One further A level subject (grade A), subject not specified |
Summary: To study Medicine at Imperial College London, you must take A level Chemistry, A level Biology, and a third subject, achieving AAA overall.
university of exeter medicine entry requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall grades | AAA across at least three A levels |
| Mandatory subjects | A level Biology (grade A) and A level Chemistry (grade A) |
| Additional subject | One further A level subject (grade A), subject not specified |
Summary: To study Medicine at the University of Exeter, you must take A level Chemistry, A level Biology, and a third subject, achieving AAA overall.
What a levels should you take to study medicine?
Given the examples of entry requirements from top U.K. universities, taking A level Chemistry is essential for applying to medicine degrees. It is also important to take A level Biology as this is highly recommended or even required for many medicine degrees across the U.K. For your third A level, deciding between A level Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics, and A level Physics is best. When it comes to making the decision, it is beneficial to speak to your advisor as well as contacting university admissions for the best path for you.
What subjects are not helpful for applying for medicine?
Several universities, such as the University of Oxford, state that A level Critical Thinking and A level General Studies are not considered. However, they could be helpful additions to your application should you complete three other separate A level subjects.
Some students may choose to complete a fourth A level in an outside subject to demonstrate academic capabilities. These could include A levels such as Critical Thinking and General Studies, or other subjects such as A level Psychology and A level Philosophy. Remember however, it is better to perform well in three A levels than it is to not perform well in four.
A levels at Greene’s college oxford
With over 190 subject-expert tutors ready to help, Greene’s offers a wide curriculum, individualised to each student’s academic interests. We offer A level Chemistry, A level Biology, A level Physics, A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics to set you up for success in your applications.
Our Tutorial Method of Learning also helps students achieve their desired results. Much like the undergraduates at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, structured learning happens in individualised tutorials: one-to-one or very small group sessions, delivered online or in person, with a subject-matter expert tutor. Subject tutorials are held multiple times during the week, and, in preparation, the student studies independently with the aim of producing an essay or solving a set of problems relevant to their chosen subject.
Anything is possible at Greene’s. Enquire today to learn more about our subject availability.
FAQs
Most UK medical schools require AAA to A*AA at A level. Chemistry and Biology are almost always essential, and a strong third subject, often Mathematics or Physics, can strengthen your application. Some universities may accept slightly lower grades for widening participation schemes, but competition remains high.
In most cases, no. The majority of UK medical schools require both Biology and Chemistry at A level. A small number may accept one science plus another strong subject, but this is rare. If you don’t meet the science requirements, you may want to explore foundation medicine courses or consider retaking your A Levels.
Medicine is highly competitive, and most applicants have top grades. However, if your A level results are below standard entry requirements, all is not lost. You could:
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Resit your A levels to improve your grades
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Apply for a foundation year in medicine
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Consider alternative routes such as graduate-entry medicine after completing a relevant degree
It’s important to research entry criteria carefully and speak to admissions teams where possible.
