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Can I become a cardiologist without doing A level English lit?

wmcbride

I really don’t feel I need English literature for this kind of job. But would I get into uni without it?

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Reply 1

Snufkin

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by wmcbride

I really don’t feel I need English literature for this kind of job. But would I get into uni without it?

You certainly don't need an A level in English Lit to study medicine, but you will need a GCSE in English Language.

Reply 2

Democracy

Original post by wmcbride

I really don’t feel I need English literature for this kind of job. But would I get into uni without it?

You need biology, chemistry and another subject (which doesn't have to be English lit).

I am

pretty sure they do not require A-level English Lit but rather GCSE...
And as said Above with Biology and Chemistry you should be fine, but ideally Physic or Engineering would be good option(if you are sure you want to become a Cardiologist) as a third option. And if you don't like them, I would advice Business or Economic

Reply 5

Blazingphoenix

Original post by dariopussolo

Apologies, but what is your reasoning behind Physics, Engineering, Business and Economics in regards to becoming a Cardiologist? Just curious why those subjects.

Reply 6

username2895894

Original post by Blazingphoenix

You do not require A-Level English Literature to enter medical school in the UK. You mainly require Chemistry and Biology, and a third subject of your choice; you could take Eng Lit as your third option if you so wish. As long as you get AAA or higher, you can enter medical school and eventually specialise to become a cardiologist.

Apologies, but what is your reasoning behind Physics, Engineering, Business and Economics in regards to becoming a Cardiologist? Just curious why those subjects.

As you probably know, the equipment they use, like Ultrasound,Monitor,Defibrillators, etc... does use Physics and Engineering as opposed to other,and if you are able to understand how they work, it would be easier to you to understand how the body should react to it. Obviously is not necessary, but it does put you in slightly advantage when you go and study Cardiologist.
I advice Business or Economic, because it involved Maths and essay writing. It is not a directly related to Cardiologist, but I always do advice those because I think that basic finances should be important and also opens huge amount of career opportunity if you decide to change fields(something that happens more often than people think)

Reply 7

username2895894

Can you read? I clearly stated is not necessary, otherwise it would have been a compulsory subject and I said it would have been useful, but obviously you get training.

Reply 8

wmcbride

Ok that’s cool, I am doing work experience at st Thomas hospital in London with one of the paediatric cardiologists there, and I definitely know that’s where I want to end up. Thanks for the advice!

Reply 9

moonkatt

Original post by dariopussolo

Can you read? I clearly stated is not necessary, otherwise it would have been a compulsory subject and I said it would have been useful, but obviously you get training.

What's your experience of applying for specialty training in medicine? You seem to know a lot about it.

Reply 10

moonkatt

Gadzooks! Next you'll tell me they teach nurses how to use the zappy bring back to life machine.

Spoiler

Reply 11

pabloneruda

English Language at GCSE are a must for all subjects in university at UK as is Maths. As the other contributors have said Biology Chemistry and Physics are the
three most useful subjects at A level. Some students even do a fourth A level to show their superiority , although if it is in Maths it is a stronger subject others I have
known have taken it in an Art subject such as Fine Art, or a language and got into a medical school. There is still an only 10% chance to get into most medical schools here today but the way to get in is to do some para-medical work and show interest e.g. volunteering in ambulance service, working in Nursing homes, etc as well as being good in academia. If you don't get in the first time and have good grades try a second time. Getting in a 19 rather than 18 will be an asset as you will be more mature. Language is very important in medicine.

Reply 12

showaeski

Lol if you think you need English Lit A level then I'm not sure you're the right person to be studying medicine and becoming a cardiologist. May I ask why you thought you needed it? You only need English at GCSE. You should have a look at the course requirements on various university websites.
You normally need Chemistry plus one other science, ideally Biology. Not that they usually specify biology over others, but in my opinion if someone isn't wanting to study A level biology then perhaps they're not as passionate about medicine as they could be.

Reply 13

Magendie

Original post by wmcbride

I really don’t feel I need English literature for this kind of job. But would I get into uni without it?

I once had a Cardiology SpR fling a Shakesperian insult at me when I tried to refer a patient.

I'm pretty sure he did A-Level Eng Lit

Needed? No. For flair? 100%

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 14

pabloneruda

Shakespeare had great insight into human nature, rarely does he use insults but cynical remarks like: in Macbeth Act 5 scene 5
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,To the last syllable of recorded time;And all our yesterdays have lighted foolsThe way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,And then is heard no more. It is a taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,Signifying nothing.