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What a levels for biomed

I’m currently applying for a levels but confused about what university’s want for biomedical sciences.

Biology is obviously mandatory however I was under the impression that chemistry was too? But when looking at university of Manchester it says I can do one core science along side something else? And queen mary university says something along the same lines I just wanted someone to confirm or help me understand please

Reply 1

I think most of them are either biology or chemistry plus one other science subject including biology chemistry maths physics and sometimes psychology
To keep your options open both biology and chemistry would be best, do you like and have good results in both?
If not then take biology/chemistry and another core science (so maths or physics) depending what you enjoy.
There are some options if you take biology/chem and another ‘science’ like psych or geography etc too
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 3

Original post
by DerDracologe
To keep your options open both biology and chemistry would be best, do you like and have good results in both?
If not then take biology/chemistry and another core science (so maths or physics) depending what you enjoy.
There are some options if you take biology/chem and another ‘science’ like psych or geography etc too


I can do biology in most schools but getting into chemistry is where it’s hard because I did foundation maths so I only got a 5 in gcse and a 7-6 in science.

I was going to do bio chem and psychology but would I be able to get into universities if I do biology psychology alongside heath and social care? Or would it have to be biology psychology and another “a level” subject because I’m not sure if heath and social care is a level

Reply 4

Original post
by kebab06
I think most of them are either biology or chemistry plus one other science subject including biology chemistry maths physics and sometimes psychology


Does the third subject matter if I did biology and psychology?
Original post
by Strawberrlla
I can do biology in most schools but getting into chemistry is where it’s hard because I did foundation maths so I only got a 5 in gcse and a 7-6 in science.
I was going to do bio chem and psychology but would I be able to get into universities if I do biology psychology alongside heath and social care? Or would it have to be biology psychology and another “a level” subject because I’m not sure if heath and social care is a level

Im unsure of this, sorry. Biology and psychology sounds like a good combination and health and social is a good idea if you want to go into healthcare. Have a look on some uni website for biomed (10 or so maybe) and see whether they allow 2 a levels and a btec for entry :smile:

Reply 6

Original post
by DerDracologe
Im unsure of this, sorry. Biology and psychology sounds like a good combination and health and social is a good idea if you want to go into healthcare. Have a look on some uni website for biomed (10 or so maybe) and see whether they allow 2 a levels and a btec for entry :smile:


Okay thank you!

Reply 7

Original post
by Strawberrlla
Does the third subject matter if I did biology and psychology?

I wouldn’t think so, check with the unis or see the course entry requirements if it doesn’t say then any other a level usually other than general studies or critical thinking is fine for a third

Reply 8

Original post
by kebab06
I wouldn’t think so, check with the unis or see the course entry requirements if it doesn’t say then any other a level usually other than general studies or critical thinking is fine for a third


What’s general studies or critical thinking is that an actual course or is it like a number of courses
Original post
by Strawberrlla
What’s general studies or critical thinking is that an actual course or is it like a number of courses

They are courses but not commonly offered now due to unis not liking them :smile:

Reply 10

Original post
by Strawberrlla
What’s general studies or critical thinking is that an actual course or is it like a number of courses

It’s an alevel which isn’t accepted by most unis as it is too easy, it probably won’t apply to you so don’t worry. Really unless they specify you can choose any other accepted alevel as long as you have the required sciences

Reply 11

Original post
by Strawberrlla
I’m currently applying for a levels but confused about what university’s want for biomedical sciences.
Biology is obviously mandatory however I was under the impression that chemistry was too? But when looking at university of Manchester it says I can do one core science along side something else? And queen mary university says something along the same lines I just wanted someone to confirm or help me understand please

most of it should be science based - so take what you enjoy. every uni wants diff stuff so bio and chem is ur best bet but not fully necessary for it all - it would just make applications easier

im in UOM but took neither bio or chem so
Original post
by Strawberrlla
I’m currently applying for a levels but confused about what university’s want for biomedical sciences.
Biology is obviously mandatory however I was under the impression that chemistry was too? But when looking at university of Manchester it says I can do one core science along side something else? And queen mary university says something along the same lines I just wanted someone to confirm or help me understand please

Id do biology and chemistry to keep your options open.
For your 3rd option- if maths isnt your strong point, then how about psychology. Its still a sciency subject, so you will be fine. Plus you will already have biology and chemistry anyway.

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