Applying for a degree in Medicine in 2017

Medicine is a very popular and extremely competitive course so you’ll need to be at the top of your game and have all your extra-curricular ducks in a row to get on to a medical course.

Here’s our advice on applying for a degree in Medicine:

What grades do I need to study Medicine?

If you’re going to study Medicine then you’re going to need to have high A Level grades. The majority of universities ask for AAA from potential students, with many asking for A*AA or higher.

These universities also usually require you to have an A Level in Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, and at least one other subject. Some universities will also want you to have a fourth AS Level depending on your A Level subjects.

For very popular academic courses such as Medicine you might also find that your GCSE grades make a difference, so have these ready for your application.

Check with each university you want to apply to for their specific entry requirements.

Do I need to take the BMAT or UKCAT aptitude test?

Most UK universities will ask applicants to take either the BMAT or UKCAT aptitude test to examine your GCSE science knowledge, aptitude for medicine, verbal reasoning, data analysis, decision making, and judgement in real-life situations.

What about extra-curricular activities?

You’re going to need a whole raft of extra-curricular activities and work/volunteer experience to impress the admissions team.

Clinical experience in a hospital, care home, pharmacy or other caring environment will stand you in good stead. This doesn’t have to be paid experience, for example volunteering in a hospice would also be relevant.

Essentially the university is looking for evidence that you are genuinely interested in having a career in medicine.

What if I don’t get made an offer?

If you don’t get in during Clearing, don’t give up. There may still be time to apply for other universities using UCAS Extra.

What about Clearing?

If you find yourself entered for Clearing, still don’t panic. Although you’ll need to move fast to get on a Medicine course during Clearing you won’t be scraping the bottom of the barrel – some of the best universities in the UK have Medicine vacancies during Clearing.

If there’s a particular university you’re interested in and you can’t find any vacancies, try giving them a call.

Some of the top universities know that they’ll fill vacancies from speculative calls without needing to advertise, so you never know what’s available until you call.

What if I’m not successful during Clearing?

There are plenty of options if you’re not successful during Clearing 2017, so don’t think that this means you’re not going to study Medicine.

Medicine is so oversubscribed you’ll be up against some serious competition and there are many ways you can improve your application so you’ll be accepted the second time round.

Options open to you included taking a foundation course to give you the grades you need to move on to a degree in Medicine. Alternatively you could take a gap year, get some more work experience, improve your grades, and try again next year.