So, you’d like to become a doctor. First of all, well done. Medicine is one of the most respected, challenging and rewarding careers out there. But it’s also one of the most competitive. Thousands of students apply every year, and admissions tutors scrutinise every part of your application, from work experience to admissions tests. 

But long before you reach that point, there’s a more immediate hurdle: what A Levels should you take?

Some people will tell you that three sciences are the only safe bet. Others will insist that a balanced mix makes you stand out. Add in myths about needing four A Levels, “triple science” at GCSE, or all 9s, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this blog, we clear the confusion. We’ll talk through the combos most medical schools want to see, why Chemistry is so important, a realistic look at grades, and how different universities treat subject choices. Along the way, we’ll tackle common worries and share tips for keeping your options open.

Best A Level Combinations for Medicine in the UK

When you’re 16, it can feel like the whole of your future depends on the three (or four) subjects you choose. But the truth is, universities aren’t looking for one “magic” A Level combination. They want evidence you can cope with the science and you’ll thrive in a demanding academic environment. 

That said, some subjects are far more useful than others…

What are the best A Levels to become a doctor?

Let’s get straight into it. 

The two subjects that consistently come up are Chemistry and Biology. If you’ve got those in your timetable, you’ve already ticked the main boxes. Chemistry is usually non-negotiable, because it underpins so much of Medicine. Think drug design, biochemistry and understanding how the body processes substances. Biology complements it with a grounding in anatomy, physiology and genetics. 

Together, these two subjects give you the scientific foundation admissions tutors are looking for.

Your third subject is where things get interesting. 

Many students pick Maths or Physics, which makes sense: they’re rigorous, keep doors open and help with problem-solving and data analysis. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to three sciences. Some of the strongest applications come from students combining Chemistry and Biology with something different—an essay-based subject that proves you can write clearly, argue persuasively and see the bigger picture. Medicine is, after all, about people as well as science.

Which A Levels are best for Medicine?

The “best” A Level combination for Medicine won’t be the same for everyone. It’s the one that covers the essentials, plays to your strengths and shows admissions tutors you’ve got what it takes.

If you want the safest route, you can’t go wrong with:

• Chemistry: essential almost everywhere.
• Biology: strongly preferred at nearly all medical schools.
• Maths or Physics: respected, rigorous, and useful for admissions tests.

But let’s say Maths isn’t your strong suit. That doesn’t mean your dream of Medicine is over. Plenty of students take:

• Psychology: demonstrating an interest in behaviour, memory, and mental health.
• Sociology: showing an awareness of the wider social factors affecting health.
• English Literature or History: highlighting your communication skills and ability to work with complex information.

In fact, admissions tutors often enjoy seeing a mix. Imagine you’re applying with Chemistry, Biology, and English Literature. You’d still be academically credible, but you’d also stand out as someone who can handle both scientific detail and human stories.

Want to learn more? Don’t miss our guides to the hardest and easiest A Level choices.

What is the best A Level combination for doctors?

If we’re talking about keeping all doors open, then the gold-standard trio is Chemistry + Biology + Maths/Physics. With those, you’ll be eligible for every UK medical school.

But if your strengths lie elsewhere, Chemistry + Biology + an essay-based subject is also excellent. Some universities even list “contrasting” subjects as a positive, because doctors need empathy, communication skills, and critical thinking alongside scientific ability. 

The main thing is to avoid what admissions tutors sometimes call “softer” subjects—Media Studies or General Studies won’t help your application in the same way.

Should you do four A Levels for Medicine?

This question crops up every year, usually from students who want to go the extra mile. On the surface, taking four A Levels seems like a smart move—more subjects, more proof of your ability. But the reality is medical schools make offers based on three subjects.

If you’re predicted top grades and genuinely enjoy variety, a fourth A Level can be a nice addition. For example, you might take Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Psychology. But if doing four means your grades dip from A*AA to A*AB, it will hurt your chances rather than help them.

Admissions tutors care much more about quality than quantity. Think of it like this: would you rather juggle four plates and risk one falling, or focus on three and keep them all steady?

That said, if you’re confident in your ability, a fourth A Level can still be useful—especially if it complements your Medicine application. A subject like Philosophy develops ethical reasoning, while an essay-based subject can sharpen communication skills. It won’t replace the need for top grades in your core three, but it can add breadth to your studies and give you a solid backup if you change your mind about Medicine.

What A Levels do you need for Medicine at Oxford?

Since we’ve been talking about A Level combinations in general, let’s take Oxford as a specific example. Oxford’s requirements reflect its reputation for academic intensity. You’ll need A*AA at A Level, all taken in one sitting, with at least an A in Chemistry plus one from Biology, Physics or Maths. 

While Biology isn’t strictly compulsory, in practice almost all successful applicants offer Chemistry + Biology + a third science or Maths—it’s by far the safest and most competitive combination.

Applicants also sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), and Oxford looks for much more than grades. They assess whether you have both the personal qualities needed for Medicine and the academic potential to thrive in their tutorial system.

• Personal qualities: empathy, motivation, integrity, teamwork, resilience, communication skills and an awareness of ethical issues. In short, they want to know you understand what being a doctor really involves.
• Academic potential: problem-solving ability, intellectual curiosity, and the confidence to explain your reasoning clearly. Oxford’s tutorial system depends on students who can analyse and question, not just memorise.

Top grades and Chemistry are essential, but just as important is demonstrating the mindset and values of a future doctor. The best way to do this is through examples—volunteering, work experience or extracurriculars that highlight both your scientific interest and people skills.

A Level Science: What to Choose for a Career in Medicine

Once you’ve thought about combinations, the next step is to look closely at the sciences. These are the backbone of Medicine, but students often wonder: is one more important than the others? Do you need triple science at GCSE? And what happens if you don’t take Biology or Chemistry?

What’s the most important subject for doctors?

If we had to crown one subject king, it would be Chemistry. Medical schools consistently rank it as the most important A Level, and for good reason. Chemistry explains how drugs are metabolised, how the body maintains balance, and how diseases disrupt these systems.

Without a solid grounding in Chemistry, you’d struggle in the first years of medical school, and universities know this. That said, Biology is a very close second. It gives you the knowledge of human systems, genetics and disease that you’ll need throughout your degree.

Most universities expect both.

So while Biology might feel like the “obvious” choice for Medicine, Chemistry is the one you can’t do without.

Do you need triple science to be a doctor?

Not at all, and this is one of the most common myths around Medicine applications. Triple Science at GCSE can give you a slightly broader foundation, but it’s not essential. Students who take Double Science can still go on to A Level Chemistry and Biology, and that’s what really matters for medical school applications.

What admissions tutors care about most is your performance at A Level. As long as you achieve top grades there, you won’t be disadvantaged for not having done Triple Science. Strong GCSEs still count, of course—you’ll usually need 7–9s across core subjects like Maths, English Language and Science, whether that’s double or triple award. Most applicants sit between 7 and 11 GCSEs in total.

So don’t panic if you didn’t take Triple Science. Universities won’t rule you out on that basis. What they will want to see is evidence you can handle the challenge of A Level Chemistry and Biology and maintain consistently high grades across your subjects.

Can you get into Medicine without Biology?

Technically, yes. Many universities allow applicants with Chemistry and Physics or Maths, even if they don’t have Biology. But in practice, this is relatively rare. Without Biology, you might weaken your overall application.

If you’ve got a genuine reason to avoid Biology (say, you didn’t enjoy it at GCSE but love Chemistry and Physics), it’s possible. But most students will find Biology a safer choice. Medicine is competitive enough without shutting doors before you’ve even applied.

Both Cambridge and Oxford specifically ask for Chemistry, and then at least one other subject from Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Physics. Other top universities, such as St Andrews and Edinburgh, have similar requirements. A university like Lancaster just asks for two of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. 

However, many London medical schools like UCL and Imperial require both Biology and Chemistry. So it’s absolutely worth researching entry requirements, if you’ve got a specific uni in mind.

Can I be a doctor without Chemistry?

This one is much trickier. Without Chemistry, the number of UK medical schools you can apply to shrinks dramatically. Some universities—such as Kent, Newcastle or Anglia Ruskin—accept Biology plus another science instead. But the majority require Chemistry, and admissions tutors are clear about that. 

Even if they don’t “technically” require Chemistry, you’ll still have to think about whether your application will stand out.

Related reading: The Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into in the UK

A Level Grades and Requirements for Medicine

Of course, even the perfect subject combination won’t help if the grades don’t follow. Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees in the country, and offers are tough. To wrap things up, here are the results you’ll need at both GCSE and A Level—and what happens if things don’t go to plan.

What A Level results do you need to become a doctor?

Most medical schools ask for AAA at A Level, often including Chemistry and Biology. Some, like Oxford and Cambridge, go further and expect A*AA. These grades aren’t just suggestions—they reflect the level of competition. Even if AAA is the minimum, you’ll find many successful applicants exceed it.

But it’s worth remembering that applications are holistic. 

Grades are important, but they’re not the only thing that matters. Admissions tests like UCAT, interviews and your personal statement also play big roles. Still, without strong A Level results, it’s difficult to get your foot in the door.

What predicted grades do I need for Medicine?

Your UCAS application hinges on predicted grades. If you’re predicted AAA or higher, you’ll be in the running for most medical schools. If your predictions are lower, your choices narrow, but most universities run widening participation schemes or foundation courses designed for students in your situation.

It’s always worth having an honest chat with your teachers about your predicted grades. If you’ve improved recently, they may be willing to reflect that.

Do you need all 9s for Medicine?

Many students worry unless they have a row of 9s at GCSE, they won’t get into med school. 

But the reality? That’s simply not true. 

Many medical schools ask for high passes in English Language, Maths and the Sciences (usually 6s or 7s). But a spread of 7s and 8s is perfectly acceptable.

Having all 9s might look nice, but it doesn’t guarantee you a place. Your A Level grades are much more important, and universities also use UCAT scores and assess your personal suitability. In short, medical schools know applicants are human. They want strong students, but they don’t expect perfection.

Can you do Medicine with “bad” A Levels?

So, is it possible to become a doctor without good grades?

This is one of the toughest questions, and one that lots of students are too nervous to ask. The honest answer is that missing your grades will make things harder. But it doesn’t mean your dream is over.

Options include:

• Subject retakes: You can take a year out and retake A Level (and even GCSE) subjects. Combine this with practical work experience related to Medicine, and you’ll have a strong application.
• Foundation or Gateway to Medicine courses, designed for students who show potential but don’t meet standard entry requirements.
• Graduate entry Medicine, where you study another degree first (often Biomedical Science or a related subject) and then apply to Medicine afterwards.
• Studying abroad, as some international universities have different entry requirements, though you’ll need to check GMC recognition if you want to practise in the UK.
• UCAS Clearing. If you miss out on your top universities, there’s still a chance of great options through clearing.

Plenty of doctors took a longer route into Medicine. So try not to worry. Missing out on your first-choice “path” might feel discouraging at first, but sometimes these routes give students broader experience and resilience that serve them well later on.

Final Thoughts: What Are the Best A Levels to Become a Doctor?

Choosing your A Levels for Medicine can feel like a huge decision—and it is—but it doesn’t need to keep you awake at night. The essentials are clear: Chemistry and Biology are the must-haves, and your third subject should be one you enjoy and can do well in. High grades in three subjects are far more valuable than spreading yourself thin across four.

If you plan carefully, play to your strengths, and keep your long-term goal in sight, you’ll be setting yourself up for the best chance of success—and taking your first steps in one of the most fulfilling careers.

At Academic Coaching, we help students every step of the way: from sharpening study skills and excelling in exams to preparing strong university applications and early-career guidance. With the right support, you’ll feel confident and ready to take the next step towards a future in Medicine.