how do i get into biomedicine/medicine

english literature 2nd year undergrad here, i'm currently in uni but felt like i was forced to make a career choice way early on and regret it. i always loved science and did biology, english lit, psychology for a level, but bc i got a 5 in chemistry gcse i couldn't do chem alevel in my college and apply to any science related courses as they mostly required chemistry. i got into ucl for english lit thinking i'd do a law career but want to change paths. i got A*BB psychology english lit biology, only 1-2 marks off an A in both grades, i only got into ucl because of my contextual offer. appreciate any help!

due to lacking chemistry alevel/gcse i guess to do an undergrad i have to do a foundation year or access to medicine/higher education course or do chemistry alevel/gcse to get into a biomedicine/biomedical sciences undergrad course (all of which including degree i have to pay for out of my own pocket bc student finance they only funds one undergrad degree) or i can do a postgraduate though its very competitive.

i don't know which to choose or what to do and i feel like ive wasted years of my life as i was missighted into choosing a degree and thereby a career path from a very young age. i feel very depressed and stressed about it as i come from an extremely low income household (free school meals, disabled student allowance etc.) and feel like i can't just give up and go whilly nilly on a future that i don't feel very secure in.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by sanwwio

english literature 2nd year undergrad here, i'm currently in uni but felt like i was forced to make a career choice way early on and regret it. i always loved science and did biology, english lit, psychology for a level, but bc i got a 5 in chemistry gcse i couldn't do chem alevel in my college and apply to any science related courses as they mostly required chemistry. i got into ucl for english lit thinking i'd do a law career but want to change paths. i got A*BB psychology english lit biology, only 1-2 marks off an A in both grades, i only got into ucl because of my contextual offer. appreciate any help!
due to lacking chemistry alevel/gcse i guess to do an undergrad i have to do a foundation year or access to medicine/higher education course or do chemistry alevel/gcse to get into a biomedicine/biomedical sciences undergrad course (all of which including degree i have to pay for out of my own pocket bc student finance they only funds one undergrad degree) or i can do a postgraduate though its very competitive.
i don't know which to choose or what to do and i feel like ive wasted years of my life as i was missighted into choosing a degree and thereby a career path from a very young age. i feel very depressed and stressed about it as i come from an extremely low income household (free school meals, disabled student allowance etc.) and feel like i can't just give up and go whilly nilly on a future that i don't feel very secure in.

Hey!

It’s completely understandable to feel lost or frustrated when you realise the path you chose at 17 doesn’t reflect who you really are now. Don’t be hard on yourself, there is no way I knew what i wanted to do at 17, I remember changing my mind every week. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, and it definitely doesn’t mean you’ve “wasted” years of your life.

Your A-levels are strong (A*BB, including Biology and Psychology puts you in a great position), and studying at UCL shows you’re academically capable, regardless of the circumstances of your offer. These things still work in your favour if you want to move into science or healthcare.

Here are some realistic routes open to you:
1. Foundation Years (Science or Biomedical)
These exist specifically for people who didn’t take Chemistry A-level. Many universities accept students from humanities backgrounds into biomed/biology/psychology/neuroscience degrees through a foundation year. In many cases, Student Finance does fund these when they are attached to a degree, so it's worth checking before assuming you’d need to self fund.

2. Taking Chemistry Later
Some students choose to take Chemistry A level or retake GCSE Chemistry as private candidates. It adds time, but it opens a wide range of science degrees afterwards.

3. Postgraduate Pathways
A lot of biomedical, neuroscience, psychology, and health related master’s programmes accept applicants without Chemistry A levels. They mainly look for a good undergraduate degree and evidence of scientific interest. It's worth researching into these.

4. Science and Healthcare Careers Outside Traditional Biomed
You could also consider health or science‑related careers that don’t require Chemistry, such as:

•

Mental health / psychology routes

•

Speech & Language Therapy (postgrad)

•

Occupational therapy (postgrad)

•

Clinical support roles that can lead to funded training

There’s far more flexibility than it may seem right now.

You haven’t boxed yourself in you’re still early in your journey.
It makes sense that you feel worried about money and stability, but please don’t think you’ve ruined anything or missed your chance. You’re still in second year, which means you have time to explore options, talk to Student Finance, and plan a path that is financially safe and academically achievable.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please make sure you’re reaching out to UCL wellbeing services, your GP, or someone you trust. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

I hope that helps,
Mandi - The University of Law

Reply 2

LittleFire10

Original post

by sanwwio

english literature 2nd year undergrad here, i'm currently in uni but felt like i was forced to make a career choice way early on and regret it. i always loved science and did biology, english lit, psychology for a level, but bc i got a 5 in chemistry gcse i couldn't do chem alevel in my college and apply to any science related courses as they mostly required chemistry. i got into ucl for english lit thinking i'd do a law career but want to change paths. i got A*BB psychology english lit biology, only 1-2 marks off an A in both grades, i only got into ucl because of my contextual offer. appreciate any help!
due to lacking chemistry alevel/gcse i guess to do an undergrad i have to do a foundation year or access to medicine/higher education course or do chemistry alevel/gcse to get into a biomedicine/biomedical sciences undergrad course (all of which including degree i have to pay for out of my own pocket bc student finance they only funds one undergrad degree) or i can do a postgraduate though its very competitive.
i don't know which to choose or what to do and i feel like ive wasted years of my life as i was missighted into choosing a degree and thereby a career path from a very young age. i feel very depressed and stressed about it as i come from an extremely low income household (free school meals, disabled student allowance etc.) and feel like i can't just give up and go whilly nilly on a future that i don't feel very secure in.

I would consider having another good look at entry requirements for some courses in more detail. Obvs medicine is a bit more complicated, but there are many unis where you can do the normal 3-year biomed course without chemistry A Level, I’m not sure about gcse grades though.
Also, a few extra years taken to do a course you are genuinely interested in is better than a lifetime of hating your job and feeling regret!