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Would I be able to become a psychiatrist without chemistry?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently 4 months into my A levels studying biology, psychology and English literature. I always knew I wanted to study psychology further and after having a careers meeting I realised I wanted to go into psychiatry. I know you have to study medicine however I didn’t pick chemistry. Should I ask my school to switch into chemistry or just reconsider my careers path.

Reply 1

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Reply 2

Original post
by Pookie_123
Hi everyone,
I’m currently 4 months into my A levels studying biology, psychology and English literature. I always knew I wanted to study psychology further and after having a careers meeting I realised I wanted to go into psychiatry. I know you have to study medicine however I didn’t pick chemistry. Should I ask my school to switch into chemistry or just reconsider my careers path.

Yes, if you apply to medical schools which don't require chemistry (there are quite a few).

I'm not sure switching after 4 months is a great idea, you've basically missed half the academic year at this point, haven't you? That's a lot to catch up on. You could always take a gap year to study chemistry, but honestly I would just crack on and apply to medical schools that will accept biology and psychology as sciences.

https://www.medschools.ac.uk/studying-medicine/how-to-apply-to-medical-school-in-the-uk/entry-requirements?type=standard-entry-medicine

Reply 3

Original post
by Democracy
Yes, if you apply to medical schools which don't require chemistry (there are quite a few).
I'm not sure switching after 4 months is a great idea, you've basically missed half the academic year at this point, haven't you? That's a lot to catch up on. You could always take a gap year to study chemistry, but honestly I would just crack on and apply to medical schools that will accept biology and psychology as sciences.
https://www.medschools.ac.uk/studying-medicine/how-to-apply-to-medical-school-in-the-uk/entry-requirements?type=standard-entry-medicine

Thank you!

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