What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Doctor?

Wanting to be a doctor is a big ambition, and it comes with a lot of questions. Which GCSEs? Which A levels? What on earth is the UCAT? If you or your child are setting out on this path, the easiest way to make sense of it all is to treat it like a checklist and tick things off one at a time.

This guide breaks down what qualifications are needed to become a doctor into simple, bite-sized stages, so you can see what is already done and what still needs work.

Why a Checklist Helps

Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees in the UK, and missing just one requirement can hold up an application. Writing everything down makes it much easier to spot gaps early. At Harrogate Tutors, we know how much calmer students feel when they can see exactly what is needed and where to focus their energy.

The GCSE Checklist

Here is what medical schools look for at GCSE:

• GCSE English

• GCSE Maths

• GCSE Science, covering both Biology and Chemistry

• Combined Science is fine, as long as Biology and Chemistry are both in there. Separate sciences work too.

  
  

Now for grades.

A 6 is the usual minimum, roughly an old B. Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge want 7s or higher across the board. Entry rules vary, so it is worth checking what GCSEs do you need for medical school for the universities you are interested in. If a grade needs improving, a GCSE resit is usually the answer, as Functional Skills Level 2 is not normally accepted for medicine.

The A Level Checklist At A level, tick these off:

• Chemistry, which nearly every UK medical school requires

• Biology, which most require or strongly prefer

• A third subject, ideally Maths or Physics Grades of AAA, or A*AA for some universities

This guide to A-level requirements for medicine has more on how different subject combinations stack up. Access to HE Diplomas are not on the list, as medical schools do not accept them for direct entry.

The Admissions Test Checklist

• Almost every UK medical school asks for the UCAT. It is a two-hour test on a computer, and it covers:

• Verbal Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Reasoning Abstract Reasoning Situational Judgement

• If you already have a degree and are going for Graduate Entry Medicine, swap the UCAT for the GAMSAT.

During the degree, the first two years focus on science, and placements with patients take up more time from year three. The National Careers Service career guide for doctor roles shows what the job looks like day to day, and this how to become a doctor guide covers specialties such as general practice, surgery and paediatrics.

Conclusion

Breaking things down into a checklist takes a lot of the stress out of planning a route into medicine. Get the right GCSEs, choose and pass the right A levels, sit the UCAT, then work through medical school and training. The qualifications required to become a doctor are demanding, but ticking them off one by one keeps everything on track. If you need flexible ways to fill any gaps, take a look at the range of Pass Learn courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the very first qualification I need to be a doctor?

GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, with Biology and Chemistry included in your science.

Is Combined Science accepted by medical schools?

Yes, as long as it covers both Biology and Chemistry.

What A level grades do I need?

Most medical schools ask for AAA, and some ask for A*AA.

What does the UCAT cover?

Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement, over two hours on a computer.

Can I skip A levels with an Access to HE Diploma?

No. Access to HE Diplomas are not accepted for direct entry to medical school.

Do I need to register with anyone to work as a doctor?

Yes. You must be registered with the General Medical Council to practise medicine legally in the UK.