What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Doctor?

Becoming a doctor is one of the most rewarding careers out there, but it is also one of the longest and most demanding training routes in the UK. If you have ever typed “what qualifications do I need to be a doctor” into a search bar, you have probably found a lot of information that is hard to piece together, especially if you left school a while ago.

The good news is that the path is clear once you break it down. Plenty of adults decide later in life that medicine is for them, and while the route takes time, knowing exactly what each stage involves makes it far easier to plan. This guide walks through the qualifications you will need, from GCSEs right through to specialty training, and what to do if you are starting from scratch as an adult learner. If you need any further advice get in touch with the phone number below or via the contact form and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your options.

Qualifications for Doctor Helpline: 020 4634 1407

Why the Qualifications Matter So Much

Medicine is one of the most competitive degree subjects in the UK, and medical schools set high entry requirements for a reason. Doctors need a strong grounding in science, excellent communication skills and the ability to handle a heavy workload. Each qualification along the way shows universities that you can cope with the academic side of the course.

The main stages you will need to work through are: GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at strong grades A levels, with Chemistry and usually Biology An admissions test, usually the UCAT A medical degree at a GMC-approved university The two-year NHS Foundation Programme Specialty training in your chosen area

GCSE Requirements

Your journey starts with GCSEs. Medical schools want to see English, Maths and Science, and the science needs to cover Biology and Chemistry, either as separate sciences or through Combined Science. Most ask for grade 6 or above, and the more competitive schools look for grade 7 or higher, with top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge expecting 7s across the board. Requirements vary between universities, so it is always worth checking the entry criteria of the schools you are interested in.

For a full breakdown of subjects and grades, this guide on what GCSEs do you need to be a doctor is a really useful place to start.

If you are an adult learner, this is an important point to know early on. Functional Skills qualifications are a brilliant alternative to GCSEs for many careers, but they are not usually accepted for entry to a UK medical degree. If your GCSE grades are not where they need to be, resitting English, Maths or Science as a private candidate is normally the way forward.

A Level Requirements

After GCSEs come A levels, and this is where the bar rises again. Nearly all medical schools ask for AAA, and some ask for A*AA. Chemistry is required at virtually every medical school, Biology is required or strongly preferred by most, and Maths or Physics make a strong third choice.

You can read more about subject choices and grades in this guide on what A-levels do you need to be a doctor.

One thing to be aware of: Access to HE Diplomas are a popular route into nursing, midwifery and other health professions, but they are not accepted for direct entry to medical school.

Admissions Tests

Almost every UK medical school asks applicants to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test, known as the UCAT. It is a two-hour, computer-based test with five sections:

Verbal Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Reasoning Abstract Reasoning Situational Judgement

If you already have a degree and apply for Graduate Entry Medicine, you will usually sit the GAMSAT instead.

The Medical Degree

Most people study a five-year MBBS or MBChB degree at a GMC-approved university. The first two years focus on pre-clinical sciences, and from year three onwards you will spend more time on clinical placements, working with patients in hospitals and GP surgeries.

If you already hold a degree with a 2:1 or above, the four-year graduate entry route is worth looking into. It is accelerated and very competitive, but it can be a great option for adults changing career.

Training After Medical School

Graduating is not quite the finish line. New doctors complete the two-year NHS Foundation Programme, made up of Foundation Year 1 and Foundation Year 2, and need GMC registration to practise medicine legally. After that comes specialty training, which lasts between three and eight years depending on the area you choose, whether that is general practice, surgery, paediatrics or something else. The hospital doctor career guide from the National Careers Service gives a helpful overview of what the role involves day to day.

Can Adults Become Doctors?

Absolutely. Many people come to medicine later, whether after another career, after having a family or after rediscovering a love of science. The key is to be realistic about the time involved and to start with the foundations. If you are missing the right GCSEs or A levels, filling those gaps comes first, and once they are in place the rest of the path follows the same structure as everyone else.

For a wider look at the profession, this doctor career guide explores the different pathways and specialties, and the Pass Learn home page has more information on studying qualifications online.

Conclusion

Becoming a doctor takes years of study and training, but every stage builds on the one before. Strong GCSEs lead to A levels, A levels and the UCAT lead to a medical degree, and the degree leads into the Foundation Programme and specialty training. If you would like everything in one place, this doctor qualifications guide sets out each step clearly. Take it one stage at a time, and the goal becomes far more achievable than it first looks.

Qualifications for Doctor Helpline: 020 4634 1407

Frequently Asked Questions

What GCSEs do I need to become a doctor?

You will need English, Maths and Science, with the science covering Biology and Chemistry. Most medical schools ask for grade 6 or above, and the most competitive ask for grade 7 or higher.

Can I use Functional Skills instead of GCSEs for medicine?

Usually not. Functional Skills Level 2 is accepted for many jobs and courses, but it is not normally accepted as a GCSE equivalent for entry to a UK medical degree.

What A levels do I need to study medicine?

Most medical schools ask for AAA or A*AA. Chemistry is almost always required, Biology is required or strongly preferred, and Maths or Physics make a good third subject.

How long does it take to become a doctor?

A medical degree takes five years, or four on the graduate route. This is followed by the two-year Foundation Programme and then three to eight years of specialty training, depending on your chosen field.

Can I become a doctor through an Access to HE Diploma?

Access to HE Diplomas are not accepted for direct entry to medical school, although they are a good route into nursing, midwifery and other health careers.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

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