What grades do you need to get into medical school for 2024 entry?
A-levels are one of the first hurdles to getting into medical school.
Most schools require AAA to get in, but there are some exceptions and alternative routes for those with lower grades.
If you don't meet the grade expectations below, try for graduate entry medicine or look at Plan B options, such as taking a gap year or studying abroad.
What A-levels are required for medicine and which grades do you need?
Most medical schools require AAA grades but each have different subject requirements, which can get confusing. Find out exactly what each medical school requires below.
Medical school
A-level grades
Required subjects
Aberdeen
AAA
Chemistry and one from biology/human biology, maths or physics achieved at the same time
Anglia Ruskin
AAA taken within two years prior to application
Chemistry or biology, and one of either biology, chemistry, maths or physics
Aston
A*AA
Chemistry and biology (including passing the practical elements) and any third subject excluding general studies and critical thinking
Bangor
AAA
Biology and an additional science (chemistry, physics, economics, maths/further maths/statistics). A pass is required in the practical element of science A-levels
Barts
A*AA
Chemistry or biology and a second science subject (chemistry, biology, physics or maths). Any third subject except for further maths if maths is second subject
Birmingham
The standard offer is A*AA
Biology/human biology and chemistry
Brighton and Sussex
AAA
Biology and chemistry
Bristol
AAA
Chemistry and one of biology, physics, maths or further maths
Brunel
AAA
Chemistry or biology, a second science (chemistry, biology, physics) or maths and a third subject (except general studies)
Buckingham
ABB
Chemistry or biology
Cambridge
Typical offers are A*A*A
A-level passes in chemistry and one of biology/human biology, physics or maths/further maths (two required by some colleges)
Cardiff
AAA
Chemistry and biology
Central Lancashire
AAA
At least two science subjects including chemistry
Dundee
AAA
Chemistry and another science (from biology, physics, or mathematics), achieved in one sitting
Edge Hill
AAA (third subject may be B if biology and/or chemistry is at A*)
Biology and chemistry
Edinburgh
A*AA
Chemistry and one of biology/human biology, maths or physics
Exeter
A*AA
Biology and chemistry
Glasgow
AAA
Chemistry and one of maths, physics or biology
Hull York
AAA in the first sitting
Biology and chemistry
Imperial College London
AAA–A*AA (A* in biology or chemistry)
Chemistry and biology plus a third subject
Keele
A*AA
One of the following: 1. Biology or chemistry 2. One more from biology, chemistry, economics, further maths, maths, physics, psychology or
statistics 3. Any third reformed A-level. Practical endorsements must be
achieved for biology, chemistry and physics A-levels
Kent and Medway
AAB
Chemistry or biology, plus another from chemistry, biology, maths, psychology, physics or computer science. Practical endorsements must be achieved for any science subjects
King's College London
A*AA
Chemistry and biology
Lancaster
AAA–AAB
AAA in two from biology, chemistry and psychology or AAB in three A-levels (as before) plus an EPQ, 4th AS-level or 4th A-level subject at B
Leeds
AAA
Chemistry and biology. Human biology, sports science, further maths and statistics are not included
Leicester
A*AA (AAA considered if you have chemistry, biology and EPQ grade B)
Chemistry or biology plus another from biology, chemistry, physics, maths or psychology
Liverpool
AAA (A*AB considered if A* A grades include chemistry plus one of biology, physics or maths and B in third academic subject)
Chemistry plus one of biology, physics or maths, and a third academic subject
Manchester
AAA
Chemistry or biology/human biology plus another from chemistry, biology/human biology, physics, psychology, maths or further maths
Newcastle
AAA
A pass is required in the practical element for biology, chemistry and physics A-levels. General studies, use of maths, world development, communication and culture and critical thinking not accepted
Norwich
AAA
Biology/human biology or chemistry, including a pass in the practical element of science A-levels
Nottingham
AAA
Biology/human biology and chemistry. A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately
Nottingham – Lincoln
AAA
Biology/human biology and chemistry. A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately
Oxford
A*AA (in one sitting)
Chemistry and one of biology, physics, maths or further maths
Plymouth
A*AA–AAB
Biology and one of chemistry, physics, maths or psychology
Queen's Belfast
A*AA-AAA
One of the following: 1. AAA at A-level and A in a fourth fourth AS-level subject, including chemistry and one of biology, maths or physics 2. A*AA including chemistry and biology 3. A*AA including chemistry and either maths/physics and AS-level biology grade B
Sheffield
AAA–AAB
One of the following: 1. AAA at A-level including chemistry or biology and another science (biology, chemistry, maths, physics or psychology) 2. AAB at A-level plus an A grade or above in your EPQ (same subject requirements, grade A is required in chemistry or biology)
Southampton
AAA
Biology and one other science (including passing the practical elements)
St Andrews
AAA–AAB
Chemistry and one of biology, maths or physics
St George's
A*AA–AAA (in one sitting across a maximum of two years)
Chemistry and biology
Sunderland
AAA (in one sitting)
Chemistry or biology plus a second science subject (biology, chemistry, physics, maths/further maths/statistics). Any science A-level (biology, chemistry, physics) completed must include a pass in the practical endorsement
UCL
A*AA
Biology and chemistry
Summary
If you miss out on AAA grades, it is likely you won't be able to apply straight away for direct entry medicine. However, don't discount the plan B options available to you.
