Medicine with low GCSEs - Access to Medicine route

I am wondering if there is a possibility to do Medicine with (genuinely) bad GCSE grades from 5 years ago, and I plan on resitting eng lang and maths. I'm a mature student (going to be 22 when I begin University in 2025).

GCSEs:
English Language - 5 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
English Language - 5
Music - 6
Spanish - 7
Mathematics - 4 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
Science - 4/5
History - 3 (...)
Drama - 5

I'm entering an access to he medicine course after already doing an access to nursing course (which has mostly similar biology modules and assignments) in which I got mostly distinction. Also when researching my uni options post access course I've noticed they have way lower/fewer requirements for mature students doing access courses which gives me a hint of hope.

If I ace my Access to Medicine course, increase my English Language and Mathematics and get a high score on my UCAT do I stand a chance?

I'm considering applying to:
University of Exeter
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
King's College (a reach I'm aware)
St. George's

If anyone has gone into medicine from an access to medicine course or with lower GCSE grades, I'd love to know how you did this etc!

Thank you!

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

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Official Undergraduate Medicine 2023 Entry
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GAMSAT 2024 / 2025 entry discussions megathread
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Useful Articles:
GCSE Requirements for Medicine
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Work Experience as a Graduate or Mature student
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Funding medicine as a second degree

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Reply 2

Zainab93

Original post by leleupage

I am wondering if there is a possibility to do Medicine with (genuinely) bad GCSE grades from 5 years ago, and I plan on resitting eng lang and maths. I'm a mature student (going to be 22 when I begin University in 2025).
GCSEs:
English Language - 5 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
English Language - 5
Music - 6
Spanish - 7
Mathematics - 4 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
Science - 4/5
History - 3 (...)
Drama - 5
I'm entering an access to he medicine course after already doing an access to nursing course (which has mostly similar biology modules and assignments) in which I got mostly distinction. Also when researching my uni options post access course I've noticed they have way lower/fewer requirements for mature students doing access courses which gives me a hint of hope.
If I ace my Access to Medicine course, increase my English Language and Mathematics and get a high score on my UCAT do I stand a chance?
I'm considering applying to:
University of Exeter
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
King's College (a reach I'm aware)
St. George's
If anyone has gone into medicine from an access to medicine course or with lower GCSE grades, I'd love to know how you did this etc!
Thank you!

Hi,
I am in a similar situation and wondering whether taking a access to medicine course while re doing gcses is worth it.

Please do let me know if you get a response!!

Reply 3

leleupage

Original post by Zainab93

Hi,
I am in a similar situation and wondering whether taking a access to medicine course while re doing gcses is worth it.
Please do let me know if you get a response!!

Hi, I've decided to actually take a year to properly get my GCSEs out of the way and UCAT (summer of 2025 for 2026 entry) and then get into my access course in September 2025! It's an added year however I believe it's worth it for the outcome and higher chances of things going my way if I take it slower!

Reply 4

Jasmine6789

Original post by leleupage

I am wondering if there is a possibility to do Medicine with (genuinely) bad GCSE grades from 5 years ago, and I plan on resitting eng lang and maths. I'm a mature student (going to be 22 when I begin University in 2025).
GCSEs:
English Language - 5 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
English Language - 5
Music - 6
Spanish - 7
Mathematics - 4 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
Science - 4/5
History - 3 (...)
Drama - 5
I'm entering an access to he medicine course after already doing an access to nursing course (which has mostly similar biology modules and assignments) in which I got mostly distinction. Also when researching my uni options post access course I've noticed they have way lower/fewer requirements for mature students doing access courses which gives me a hint of hope.
If I ace my Access to Medicine course, increase my English Language and Mathematics and get a high score on my UCAT do I stand a chance?
I'm considering applying to:
University of Exeter
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
King's College (a reach I'm aware)
St. George's
If anyone has gone into medicine from an access to medicine course or with lower GCSE grades, I'd love to know how you did this etc!
Thank you!

Keep persisting! Just know that there IS a possibility - a very slim one but still, don’t give up!! Also, some unis provide foundation years and then the standard 5 years - there are certain requirements though eg. Living in a rough area, bad school, poverty ect.
If that is not applicable to you then you could try do bio med and then transfer to medicine.
Hope that helps!!

Reply 5

leleupage

Original post by Jasmine6789

You're right! However, access course GCSE entry requirements for medicine are lesser than A level applicants because Access is for mature students etc! So Exeter for example only requires a 6 in English language (in regards to GCSEs) but just needs a higher UCAT score! And luckily I've gotten into contact with Access to Med students and many if not most have gotten into medical school which is encouraging. I am taking an extra year off to achieve my GCSEs and my UCAT to give myself a better chance so fingers crossed!

Reply 6

Zainab93

Original post by leleupage

I have done 2 years of a biomed degree, and then dropped out. Do you think that will affect my application to medicine?

Reply 7

Zainab93

I am now 22 and looking into access courses same as you, but am not sure if it is worth doing?

Reply 8

paul.barlow08

my daughter did an access to medicine course at aberdeen college and uni. this course guarantees an interview if you pass. why are you doing ucat before an access course you will need to redo it before being offered a med place. so a pass at access and a passed interview and a 2600 plus ucat with a tier 2 got her a place. you will do well if your determined. good luck

Reply 9

paul.barlow08

Original post by Zainab93

I am now 22 and looking into access courses same as you, but am not sure if it is worth doing?

they are. you get to have a taste of the subject you meet the tutors or some of them. and it gives you an advantage over those going straight from school.

Reply 10

AnonymousShark07

Original post by leleupage

I am wondering if there is a possibility to do Medicine with (genuinely) bad GCSE grades from 5 years ago, and I plan on resitting eng lang and maths. I'm a mature student (going to be 22 when I begin University in 2025).
GCSEs:
English Language - 5 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
English Language - 5
Music - 6
Spanish - 7
Mathematics - 4 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
Science - 4/5
History - 3 (...)
Drama - 5
I'm entering an access to he medicine course after already doing an access to nursing course (which has mostly similar biology modules and assignments) in which I got mostly distinction. Also when researching my uni options post access course I've noticed they have way lower/fewer requirements for mature students doing access courses which gives me a hint of hope.
If I ace my Access to Medicine course, increase my English Language and Mathematics and get a high score on my UCAT do I stand a chance?
I'm considering applying to:
University of Exeter
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
King's College (a reach I'm aware)
St. George's
If anyone has gone into medicine from an access to medicine course or with lower GCSE grades, I'd love to know how you did this etc!
Thank you!

Your GCSEs aren’t that bad…
Surely you would meet the entry requirements for UEA ?

Reply 11

AnonymousShark07

Original post by AnonymousShark07

Your GCSEs aren’t that bad…
Surely you would meet the entry requirements for UEA ?

Sorry I didn’t check the requirements 😃

Reply 12

UEA Rep Daniel

Official Rep

Original post by leleupage

I am wondering if there is a possibility to do Medicine with (genuinely) bad GCSE grades from 5 years ago, and I plan on resitting eng lang and maths. I'm a mature student (going to be 22 when I begin University in 2025).
GCSEs:
English Language - 5 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
English Language - 5
Music - 6
Spanish - 7
Mathematics - 4 (resitting this year to bump up to 6+)
Science - 4/5
History - 3 (...)
Drama - 5
I'm entering an access to he medicine course after already doing an access to nursing course (which has mostly similar biology modules and assignments) in which I got mostly distinction. Also when researching my uni options post access course I've noticed they have way lower/fewer requirements for mature students doing access courses which gives me a hint of hope.
If I ace my Access to Medicine course, increase my English Language and Mathematics and get a high score on my UCAT do I stand a chance?
I'm considering applying to:
University of Exeter
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
King's College (a reach I'm aware)
St. George's
If anyone has gone into medicine from an access to medicine course or with lower GCSE grades, I'd love to know how you did this etc!
Thank you!

Hi there,

Pursuing Medicine with your background is definitely challenging, but it’s not impossible. Given the entry requirements you’ve shared, here’s how you can approach your situation:

To get into UEA's medical school you would need AAA in A-Levels, including Biology or Chemistry, you’ll need to focus on achieving these grades. If you find Chemistry challenging, consider getting additional support or tutoring to help you manage the subject. Your current GCSE grades are below the required standard of six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and two science subjects. Resitting English Language and Mathematics to achieve at least a grade 6 is a good step. Excelling in your Access to HE Medicine course will be crucial as well.

Doing well in your Access to HE Medicine course will be key, and achieving distinctions will demonstrate your capability and readiness for medical school. A strong UCAT score can also significantly boost your application, so it’s important to invest time in thorough preparation for this test.

Make sure you also have compelling personal statement that highlights your journey, determination, and why you are passionate about Medicine. Also, get strong references from your tutors and any healthcare professionals you’ve worked with.

Many medical schools, including UEA, appreciate the diverse experiences and perspectives that mature students bring. UEA, in particular, values applicants who show resilience and a commitment to overcoming challenges, which could work in your favour.

Best of luck,
Daniel
PhD in Biology

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