Medicine - Which A-Level subjects to take?

Hardly any medical schools in the UK require more than 2 sciences at A Level, ie, they want just Chem and Biology.

However, it may be a good idea to take maths to AS level as this could help with any aptitude tests (UKCAT and/or BMAT) you may have to take. Both these tests require maths to GCSE level but taking maths as a subject in Year 12 will keep your maths skills going and make this a potentially easier process.

That being said, maths AS isn't at all compulsory, universities don't generally 'look' for it in their candidates.

I'm in the process of choosing whether to take Maths for A2 next year instead of Theatre Studies. We shall see on the 18th

Do you think AS Maths would substantially help me during the BMAT/UKCAT? If I didn't do maths do you think I'd be massively disadvantaged?

You really wouldn't be massively disadvantaged without maths AS at all, i had it and it didnt help me at all.


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Mate you will need math for most universities offering medicine. An ideal combination would be biology chemistry physics and maths. However try writing to your university and ask for A level requirements.
Good luck!

Which subjects did you take, and what Grades did you get? And do you think my A-Level subjects are good enough to get into medicine, or should I take Maths to be safe?

I took biology, chemistry and geography to A2 and got A*AA, i wouldn't have achieved this if i had done maths.

My best advice is take the subjects you enjoy, unless you want to go to cambridge you do not need maths or physics, so your better taking subjects you enjoy rather than ones just because of medicine, when in reality alevel maths was no help at all to my application, and was just unnecessary stress.

Taking maths for medicine does not make you "safe", providing you take chemistry and biology you are then able to apply to 99% of medical schools.



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But do you think that my application would be weaker that than of someone taking Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths because these subjects are more difficult? Or do they really not mind

I intend to take both Chemistry and Biology to A2 as I know these are required, I also plan to take Psychology to A2 because I find it interesting

However I'm unsure whether to take either Sociology, Maths or Physics as my fourth AS subject.

My preference is Sociology however I fear that it isn't as "respectable" as Physics and Maths and it may hinder my chances of being accepted into a medicine course

Are Physics/Maths (a third science subject) really that important?

And overall are these A-Level choices correct for medicine: Chemistry, Biology Psychology, Sociology?

I intend to take both Chemistry and Biology to A2 as I know these are required, I also plan to take Psychology to A2 because I find it interesting

However I'm unsure whether to take either Sociology, Maths or Physics as my fourth AS subject.

My preference is Sociology however I fear that it isn't as "respectable" as Physics and Maths and it may hinder my chances of being accepted into a medicine course

Are Physics/Maths (a third science subject) really that important?

And overall are these A-Level choices correct for medicine: Chemistry, Biology Psychology, Sociology?

So if only Biology and Chemistry are required:

Then somebody taking Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Sociology will stand just as much of a chance as somebody taking Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths?

But when deciding between 2 applicants most will prefer 3 Sciences and Maths over 2 sciences and 2 social sciences provided that both students acquired same or equivalent A2 grades and other academic requirements

Maths would be more suitable 4th option in my opinion as it can show you are more academically capable. Physics is also a good option however i would only be recommended to take it if you have maths with it. Overall both are very respectable and challenging hence they can both show that you are capable.

Not true they will go for who has the best personal statement, better UKCAT/BMAT or if they really cannot decide they invite both to interview and see how they score.

Where do people invent these ludicrous unwritten rules? They are just not true at all! Take whatever subjects you want, i have seen unis take candidates who had humanities/social sciences over candidates who had maths because they were better.


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But sociology and psychology are just as respected by the medical schools and they are also more relevant to the future degree.


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I know this may be unrelated, but I'm worried that even if get get the grades I might just be flat out rejected by all of my Universities without even having an interview? Is it common for people to receive absolutely no offers?

I know this may be unrelated, but I'm worried that even if get get the grades I might just be flat out rejected by all of my Universities without even having an interview? Is it common for people to receive absolutely no offers?

Not necessarily true. During medicine you learn majority of the topics from the ground up. Having basic knowledge of a certain A level subject wouldn't give one a substantial advantage. After all it all comes down to how one can grasp knowledge and how he/she applies it. It is also important to consider how crucial it can be to have a broad science a level armory if one does not make his/her medicine offer. They can literally apply for any other science based course whether thats chemical engineering or biochemistry etc.

65% of all applicants to medicine receive no offers, most only receive 1.

Its all about applying to your strengths, just getting the basic requirements wont cut it as everyone has that, you need to stand out (so good UKCAT/BMAT, good work experience etc.)

Try not to worry, just apply wisely and only apply to places where your likely to get an interview.


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I find that figure really worrying because I can't think of anything else I'd want to do apart from Medicine

Is there anything you did personally to stand out, that was useful for you?

It is worrying to every applicant, your not alone. I went 4.5 months without hearing a thing but im there now!

I just ensured i tried hard on my UKCAT (got 675 which is perfectly respectable), and had good work experience and voluntary work to reflect on. For me what stood out was my GCSE grades (9A* 1A) and that allowed me to apply to cardiff where i am now going into my second year.

Just take my advice and ensure you meet all the requirements and cut offs for interviews before you apply to a uni. Read the small print (it does exist) and try not to get caught in a trap! Universities admissions policies are not always clear cut so make sure you are very likely to get an interview at everywjere you apply.


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