What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Doctor?

FAQs

I have Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. Can I apply to study medicine? Unfortunately, these on their own are not usually enough. Functional Skills Level 2 is accepted by many employers and for lots of courses, but UK medical schools do not normally accept it as a replacement for GCSEs.

At Functional Skills Level 2, we know how important it is to understand exactly what a qualification can and cannot be used for, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.

Why are the rules different for medicine than for nursing?

Each profession sets its own entry requirements. Nursing roles are more flexible and can accept Functional Skills, while medicine asks for GCSEs. Medicine also has no entry-level apprenticeship route, unlike nursing.

Does that mean my Functional Skills qualifications were a waste of time?

Not at all. They are still valuable for many jobs, courses and other healthcare careers. They have also helped you build the English and maths skills you will need when you move on to GCSEs.

How many GCSEs do I need to become a doctor?

Medical schools usually expect at least five GCSEs, and these must include English, Maths and Science. Your science needs to cover Biology and Chemistry, either as separate subjects or through Combined Science. You can check the doctor GCSE entry requirements to see what different universities ask for.

What grades should I aim for?

Most medical schools ask for grade 6 or above. The most competitive, such as Oxford and Cambridge, ask for grade 7 or higher in all subjects. It is a good idea to aim as high as you can.

What comes after GCSEs?

A levels. Nearly every UK medical school asks for Chemistry, and most ask for Biology too. Maths or Physics is a good third subject. The usual offer is AAA, and some universities ask for A*AA. This guide on what A-levels do you need to be a doctor has more detail.

Can I use an Access to HE Diploma instead of A levels?

Not for medicine. Access to HE Diplomas are a good route into nursing, midwifery and other health careers, but medical schools do not accept them for direct entry.

Is there an entrance test for medical school?

Yes. Almost every UK medical school asks you to sit the UCAT. It is a two-hour test on a computer with five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement.

How long does it take to become a doctor?

A medical degree usually takes five years. Then you complete the two-year NHS Foundation Programme and register with the General Medical Council. After that, specialty training takes between three and eight years. The aspiring doctors career page from the National Careers Service explains more about the role, and this careers in medicine guide looks at the different specialties.

Where should I start?

First, work out what you need to become a doctor compared with what you already have. For most people with Functional Skills, the next step is GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. If you are still unsure what do I need to study to become a doctor, the Pass Learn careers guide sets it out clearly, and the Pass Learn home page has more about studying online.

Written by

PassFunctionalSkills Team

We help thousands of students get their Functional Skills Qualifications.