Medicine 4 oxbridge

4

I want to start thinking of my a levels to pursue medicine and I’m really stuck on what I should set in stone:
Bio- SET
Chem- SET
And for my third i’m unsure as I’m not very keen on maths and would rather not with it, but my only options would be English or Latin, or maybe even another language.
All advice is appreciated !
Note- this is for hopefully pursuing cambridge or oxford and other good unis rated for medicine
Thanks! 🙏

Reply 1

McGinger

20

You don't need Maths A level for Medicine - most Unis only specify two subjects (typically Chem plus another science), and therefore for the non-specified 3rd subject it makes sense to pick something you will enjoy studying and where you feel confident of that all important 3rd A grade.

Entry requirements for each UK Med School for 2025 entry
- Entry requirements | Medical Schools Council

Reply 2

michelleex

1

if you're considering Oxbridge, maths isn't a required subject for Oxford, but is for Cambridge. It's important to pick levels you actually enjoy, since you'll be dedicating lots of time to revision, learning content and wider application!

Reply 3

brrbrrrbrrr

OP

4

Original post

by michelleex

if you're considering Oxbridge, maths isn't a required subject for Oxford, but is for Cambridge. It's important to pick levels you actually enjoy, since you'll be dedicating lots of time to revision, learning content and wider application!

that’s the thing tho i feel like im more towards cambridge than oxford but dont know if they’re really set on EVRYone going for the basic trio

Reply 4

McGinger

20

Just remember that it doesnt actually matter where you train - the syllabus is exactly the same, the qualification is exactly the same - the NHS will not ask 'which Uni' and neither will your future patients.

Reply 5

study23!

Study Forum Helper

16

Original post

by brrbrrrbrrr

I want to start thinking of my a levels to pursue medicine and I’m really stuck on what I should set in stone:
Bio- SET
Chem- SET
And for my third i’m unsure as I’m not very keen on maths and would rather not with it, but my only options would be English or Latin, or maybe even another language.
All advice is appreciated !
Note- this is for hopefully pursuing cambridge or oxford and other good unis rated for medicine
Thanks! 🙏

As long as you have bio and chem you're good for all med schools (except Cambridge who requires the third subject to be a stem one, so maths or physics). If maths isn't your strong point, don't waste it as an a level where you could drop your grades just for cambridge - oxford will will still be open for you with bio chem and either english or latin, as will every other med school!

Reply 6

stilllearning123

16

Original post

by brrbrrrbrrr

that’s the thing tho i feel like im more towards cambridge than oxford but dont know if they’re really set on EVRYone going for the basic trio

How do you know if you are more towards Cambridge than Oxford?
Every medical school in the country gives you the same medical degree (especially after they scrapped honours) so the choice should rely on the teaching style you value most, which is almost definitely not the Oxbridge teaching style.

Reply 7

study23!

Study Forum Helper

16

Original post

by stilllearning123

How do you know if you are more towards Cambridge than Oxford?
Every medical school in the country gives you the same medical degree (especially after they scrapped honours) so the choice should rely on the teaching style you value most, which is almost definitely not the Oxbridge teaching style.

Some people do value the oxbridge teaching style - particularly if they're more interested in the research aspects of Medicine, so although yes anywhere you choose you will get the degree, which Uni you are at ultimately changes 5-6 years of your life. Oxford and Cambridge are taught so similarly it really comes down to how it looks, impressions online and in person and where you feel you'd get in - I felt closer to Cambridge and so I applied.

Your social life will be very different in Oxbridge to other unis, and it's ok to have a preference. There's pros and cons to everything, including the medical degree itself, so although Oxbridge may be very heavy on content for example, that's not a reason to completely disregard it as you will have an extremely unique and from what most people find a fun Uni experience there. Vice versa, if you are more focussed on the clinical side or want a slightly easier work life balance, Oxbridge may not be for you.

Choosing med schools should come down to a) can I get in? b) location (if preference to nearer to home etc.) and c) the vibes. B and C are dependant on how competitive you are for A, but if you have the flexibility of choice across the UK you may as well choose the places that you think you will have the best quality of life for what you'd like whilst studying the degree you want.

Medicine 4 oxbridge

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