Medicine in Uni
Hey guys,
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
16 med schools (as far as I know) offer medicine with Bio as a requirement. Some I think will want another science, sometimes a core science so Maths will be fine. Don’t take Chem if you dont like it because you wont do as well and there’s no point taking a subject you might hate.
Also are you sure about 4 a levels? Med schools only want 3 (as do most unis for most courses) so focusing on 3 grades is better unless your school makes you take 4. Also if you’re wanting to do medicine then you’ll need to maintain high grades and prepare for the ucat so its not really advisable to do 4 subjects as it will decrease your chances of success for a benefit which I can see. If you wanted you could do an EPQ on something relating to medicine. This can help for taking about in applications+interviews but again if you like the idea consider whether the workload will be too much, you could always start one and then drop it and discuss anything to did research as you having read around your subject! Epq isn’t for everyone though so dont take it if you dont like the idea, something to look into though if you wanted to do more than just your 3 subjects and it can help you look into and research more into the fields you’re interested in doing at degree level to see if you actually like them.
Hope this helps a little and happy to try to answer any further questions if you have them. Have a great day
Also are you sure about 4 a levels? Med schools only want 3 (as do most unis for most courses) so focusing on 3 grades is better unless your school makes you take 4. Also if you’re wanting to do medicine then you’ll need to maintain high grades and prepare for the ucat so its not really advisable to do 4 subjects as it will decrease your chances of success for a benefit which I can see. If you wanted you could do an EPQ on something relating to medicine. This can help for taking about in applications+interviews but again if you like the idea consider whether the workload will be too much, you could always start one and then drop it and discuss anything to did research as you having read around your subject! Epq isn’t for everyone though so dont take it if you dont like the idea, something to look into though if you wanted to do more than just your 3 subjects and it can help you look into and research more into the fields you’re interested in doing at degree level to see if you actually like them.
Hope this helps a little and happy to try to answer any further questions if you have them. Have a great day
(edited 1 month ago)
There are some universities which accept you for medicine without chemistry but they’re usually not in London (if that’s any concern). You could always try a foundation year which is usually a reduced offer for subjects such as chemistry but if you’re going to take chemistry and unsure about how well you would do, I would suggest that you take 3 A levels because having a 4th will be extra pressure.
The only reason I choose 4 is due to uncertainty on how I would do in my A Level mocks for chemistry (if worst comes to worst I need to drop it) at least I would be able to drop it after first year (again, worst comes to worst!!!) I’ve tried looking at so many unis but if you guys know of any which don’t require chemistry and I don’t mind if they’re not in london like I’m willing to go far, please let me know.
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
Original post by alizabilalx
The only reason I choose 4 is due to uncertainty on how I would do in my A Level mocks for chemistry (if worst comes to worst I need to drop it) at least I would be able to drop it after first year (again, worst comes to worst!!!) I’ve tried looking at so many unis but if you guys know of any which don’t require chemistry and I don’t mind if they’re not in london like I’m willing to go far, please let me know.
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
As far as I know (happy to be corrected):
•
anglia Ruskin
•
Bangor
•
Brunel
•
Buckingham
•
East anglia
•
Keele
•
Kent + medway
•
Kcl
•
Leicester
•
Lincoln
•
Manchester
•
Newcastle
•
Plymouth
•
Queen Mary
•
Sheffield
•
Southampton
•
Sunderland
Re-check them yourself as some might want another science or another core science. Good luck with your mocks and wishing you the best of luck with applying to med! (I could never lol)
Original post by DerDracologe
As far as I know (happy to be corrected):
Re-check them yourself as some might want another science or another core science. Good luck with your mocks and wishing you the best of luck with applying to med! (I could never lol)
•
anglia Ruskin
•
Bangor
•
Brunel
•
Buckingham
•
East anglia
•
Keele
•
Kent + medway
•
Kcl
•
Leicester
•
Lincoln
•
Manchester
•
Newcastle
•
Plymouth
•
Queen Mary
•
Sheffield
•
Southampton
•
Sunderland
Re-check them yourself as some might want another science or another core science. Good luck with your mocks and wishing you the best of luck with applying to med! (I could never lol)
thank you! Where did you find this list? x
Original post by alizabilalx
thank you! Where did you find this list? x
I made it myself from the entry requirements on https://www.medschools.ac.uk for all UK med schools. I looked into it for a friend but only noted whether bio, chem, both or bio/chem was needed for each uni hence why I said you’ll have to check for their other requirements subject and grade wise!
Original post by DerDracologe
I made it myself from the entry requirements on https://www.medschools.ac.uk for all UK med schools. I looked into it for a friend but only noted whether bio, chem, both or bio/chem was needed for each uni hence why I said you’ll have to check for their other requirements subject and grade wise!
thanks so much I really appreciate it
Original post by alizabilalx
thank you! Where did you find this list? x
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5611422
It's missing a couple of the newere med schools, but will give you a start
Original post by GANFYD
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5611422
It's missing a couple of the newere med schools, but will give you a start
It's missing a couple of the newere med schools, but will give you a start
I Should’ve done better research before making this post ahaha, thank you!!
Original post by alizabilalx
Hey guys,
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
Hi there,
Firstly, congratulations on finishing Year 11! It’s great to see you’re thinking ahead about your future studies and career.
Chemistry can indeed be a challenging subject, but it’s good to know that you’re willing to give it a try. If you do decide to take Chemistry alongside Biology, Maths, and Psychology for A-levels, you’ll be keeping your options open for Medicine, as most medical schools do require Chemistry. However, it’s also important to consider your own strengths and interests, as enjoying and excelling in your subjects can make a big difference in your overall performance and well-being.
As for your university applications, having a mix of Medicine and Optometry choices is a sensible approach. It can be reassuring to have a solid backup plan in case Chemistry proves too challenging. Optometry is a fantastic field with great career prospects and could be a fulfilling alternative if Medicine doesn’t work out.
Regarding studying Medicine without Chemistry, some universities do offer this flexibility, so it’s worth researching specific entry requirements. For example, the University of East Anglia (UEA) has a highly regarded Medicine program and offers excellent support to students throughout their studies. For entry requirements, you should have AAA in Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Also you should have six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, Triple Science, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. You can find more info here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/mbbs-medicine
If you find Chemistry particularly tough after the first year, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or consider additional resources, such as tutoring. Give Chemistry a go, but remember that there are multiple routes to a career in healthcare. Keep an open mind, and make use of the resources and support available to you.
Wishing you the best of luck with your studies and future applications!
P.S. If you’re ever considering universities, UEA is definitely worth a look!
Best,
Daniel
PhD in Biology
Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
Hi there,
Firstly, congratulations on finishing Year 11! It’s great to see you’re thinking ahead about your future studies and career.
Chemistry can indeed be a challenging subject, but it’s good to know that you’re willing to give it a try. If you do decide to take Chemistry alongside Biology, Maths, and Psychology for A-levels, you’ll be keeping your options open for Medicine, as most medical schools do require Chemistry. However, it’s also important to consider your own strengths and interests, as enjoying and excelling in your subjects can make a big difference in your overall performance and well-being.
As for your university applications, having a mix of Medicine and Optometry choices is a sensible approach. It can be reassuring to have a solid backup plan in case Chemistry proves too challenging. Optometry is a fantastic field with great career prospects and could be a fulfilling alternative if Medicine doesn’t work out.
Regarding studying Medicine without Chemistry, some universities do offer this flexibility, so it’s worth researching specific entry requirements. For example, the University of East Anglia (UEA) has a highly regarded Medicine program and offers excellent support to students throughout their studies. For entry requirements, you should have AAA in Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Also you should have six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, Triple Science, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. You can find more info here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/mbbs-medicine
If you find Chemistry particularly tough after the first year, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or consider additional resources, such as tutoring. Give Chemistry a go, but remember that there are multiple routes to a career in healthcare. Keep an open mind, and make use of the resources and support available to you.
Wishing you the best of luck with your studies and future applications!
P.S. If you’re ever considering universities, UEA is definitely worth a look!
Best,
Daniel
PhD in Biology
Firstly, congratulations on finishing Year 11! It’s great to see you’re thinking ahead about your future studies and career.
Chemistry can indeed be a challenging subject, but it’s good to know that you’re willing to give it a try. If you do decide to take Chemistry alongside Biology, Maths, and Psychology for A-levels, you’ll be keeping your options open for Medicine, as most medical schools do require Chemistry. However, it’s also important to consider your own strengths and interests, as enjoying and excelling in your subjects can make a big difference in your overall performance and well-being.
As for your university applications, having a mix of Medicine and Optometry choices is a sensible approach. It can be reassuring to have a solid backup plan in case Chemistry proves too challenging. Optometry is a fantastic field with great career prospects and could be a fulfilling alternative if Medicine doesn’t work out.
Regarding studying Medicine without Chemistry, some universities do offer this flexibility, so it’s worth researching specific entry requirements. For example, the University of East Anglia (UEA) has a highly regarded Medicine program and offers excellent support to students throughout their studies. For entry requirements, you should have AAA in Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Also you should have six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Mathematics and either two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or double science. Alternatively, Triple Science, Science, Additional Science and Further Science GCSEs are accepted. You can find more info here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/mbbs-medicine
If you find Chemistry particularly tough after the first year, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or consider additional resources, such as tutoring. Give Chemistry a go, but remember that there are multiple routes to a career in healthcare. Keep an open mind, and make use of the resources and support available to you.
Wishing you the best of luck with your studies and future applications!
P.S. If you’re ever considering universities, UEA is definitely worth a look!
Best,
Daniel
PhD in Biology
Thank you so much! I actually checked out UEA but it’s quite ambitious for me , but it’s still an option
. I really appreciate the advice . For the GCSE part I wish could get 6 GCSES at grade 7 but I’ll have to wait and see, it’s definitely something I need to do a LOT of research in. Additionally I also have to find work experience which is so hard as nowadays no one needs volunteers so I need to do more research with this too. Thanks again for your advice! It’s cool to talk to a doctor of biology!
Original post by alizabilalx
Thank you so much! I actually checked out UEA but it’s quite ambitious for me , but it’s still an option . I really appreciate the advice . For the GCSE part I wish could get 6 GCSES at grade 7 but I’ll have to wait and see, it’s definitely something I need to do a LOT of research in. Additionally I also have to find work experience which is so hard as nowadays no one needs volunteers so I need to do more research with this too.
Thanks again for your advice! It’s cool to talk to a doctor of biology!
. I really appreciate the advice . For the GCSE part I wish could get 6 GCSES at grade 7 but I’ll have to wait and see, it’s definitely something I need to do a LOT of research in. Additionally I also have to find work experience which is so hard as nowadays no one needs volunteers so I need to do more research with this too. Thanks again for your advice! It’s cool to talk to a doctor of biology!
No worries at all! Wishing you all the best! Ahh, and about doctor thing... this is something that you could also consider. Doing a PhD in Science or Healthcare will open up a lot of doors and new passions for you. So something to consider too 🙂
Original post by alizabilalx
Hey guys,
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
Hi @alizabilalx
Entry requirements for medicine at the University of East Anglia can be Biology or Chemistry and are the following:
If you have any questions please let me know
UEA Rep Lucy
4th year Economics student with a Year Abroad
Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
No worries at all! Wishing you all the best! Ahh, and about doctor thing... this is something that you could also consider. Doing a PhD in Science or Healthcare will open up a lot of doors and new passions for you. So something to consider too 🙂
what are your future plans / potential career options with your PhD?
Original post by alizabilalx
Hey guys,
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
Hii, i struggled a lot with chemistry at GCSE's (partly due to not having a teacher) and found i liked chemistry alevel a lot more than at GCSE. Perhaps take a look at the specification you might possibly be taking at alevel just to se what you might be getting yourself into
Original post by alizabilalx
what are your future plans / potential career options with your PhD?
I love research, teaching and also applications of research into people's lives. So I'm currently exploring options on how to use my research knowledge to be able to be part of healthcare solutions that would help people getting faster and more efficient diagnosis.
Best,
Daniel
Original post by alizabilalx
Hey guys,
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
I just finished year 11
Icl I’m not the greatest in chemistry but if I get a suitable grade I will take it as a fourth for A Level (following along with bio, maths, psychology).
Only a handful of unis accept medicine without chemistry but if I can’t do chemistry then clearly that would put me at a disadvantage which I don’t want!
My backup was optometry. I’ve been told to put 3 Medicine unis down and 2 optometry down as my chances of getting in anywhere would apparently decrease if I put all as medicine but end up dropping chemistry after the first year if I struggle too much.
I really need advice on what to do as I have a feeling I will struggle with chemistry but don’t want to drop it but then again don’t want to take biomed as it’s a longer route. Please let me know what I should do to get into med with or without chemistry as I know already that I’m probably going to struggle with it. My backup is optometry if it helps.
Kind Regards
Hi There,
I hope this message reaches you well, at brunel university apart from the sciences (biology, chemistry or physics) we also take any other subject as long as it's not general studies.
We understand that applying for medicine could be difficult but if you are interested in brunel medical school please contact us for more information.
Regards,
Brunel University London.
(edited 1 month ago)
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