What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Doctor?

So you have decided you want to be a doctor, and now you are staring at a long list of courses and exams wondering which ones you actually need. You are not alone. Lots of adults reach this point after years in another job, and the most common question is simply where to start.

The short answer is that medicine has a fixed set of qualifications, and they need to be done in order. This guide lays out what you need to become a doctor, which exams to book first and what to expect once you have them under your belt.

Before You Book Anything

It is tempting to sign up for the first course you find, but a bit of planning first can save you a lot of time and money. Start by checking:

• Which GCSEs you already have, and the grades
• Whether you hold any A levels
• The entry requirements of the medical schools you are interested in
• Whether you already have a degree, as this can open up a different route

At Courses and Exams, we know how important it is to choose the right qualifications from the outset, especially for a career like medicine where the requirements are strict and there are few shortcuts.

The GCSE Stage

Medical schools want GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, and the science needs to include Biology and Chemistry. You can cover these through separate science GCSEs or Combined Science, whichever suits you.

Aim high with your grades. A grade 6 is the usual minimum, and the more competitive universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, look for grade 7 or more across all subjects. If you are trying to decide what GCSEs should I take to be a doctor, that guide covers the subjects and grades in more detail.

One thing to watch out for: Functional Skills Level 2 is a great qualification for many jobs, but medical schools do not usually accept it instead of a GCSE. If you need to boost a grade, a GCSE resit is normally the better option.

The A Level Stage

This is where the bar really goes up. Most medical schools ask for AAA, and a few go for A*AA. The subjects to focus on are: Chemistry, which is needed for almost every UK medical school Biology, which most medical schools need or strongly prefer Maths or Physics as a third subject

Have a look at the A-level requirements for medicine before you enrol on anything, so you know your combination will be accepted. And if you have heard about Access to HE Diplomas, be aware that while they work well for nursing and midwifery, they will not get you straight into medical school.

The Admissions Test

Once your A levels are sorted, you will almost certainly need to sit the UCAT. It is a two-hour, computer-based test with sections on Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. If you already have a degree and go down the Graduate Entry Medicine route, you will usually sit the GAMSAT instead.

Medical School and Beyond

With your qualifications in place, you can apply for a five-year MBBS or MBChB degree at a GMC-approved university. If you already have a 2:1 or higher in another subject, a four-year graduate course may be an option too.

After that, you will spend two years on the NHS Foundation Programme, register with the General Medical Council and then move into specialty training for anywhere between three and eight years. The National Careers Service career guide for doctor roles is worth a read if you want a feel for the day-to-day job, and this how to become a doctor guide goes into more detail on specialties.

Conclusion

Working out which courses and exams to take is the first real step towards a career in medicine. Start with your GCSEs, then your A levels, then the UCAT, and build from there. The steps to becoming a qualified doctor are long, but they are much easier to manage when you tackle them one at a time. If you are looking for flexible ways to study, the range of Pass Learn courses is a good place to look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam should I book first if I want to study medicine?

Start with any GCSEs you are missing or need to improve, particularly English, Maths and Science. A levels and the UCAT come after.

Can I take A levels as an adult?

Yes. Medical schools look at your grades rather than your age, so adults can follow the same route as anyone else.

Do medical schools accept Functional Skills instead of GCSEs?

Usually not. Functional Skills Level 2 is not normally accepted on its own for entry to a UK medical degree.

How long is a medical degree?

The standard medical degree takes five years. Graduates with a 2:1 or above can apply for a four-year accelerated course.

Written by

Courses and Exams Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.