How to go to medical school if you don’t get A levels
For those in the UK who want to pursue a career in medicine but did not get the A level grades, or want to follow the traditional pathway, there are several alternate routes into the profession:
1. Foundation Year or ‘Access to Medicine’ Courses
At some universities, students can choose between Medicine with a preliminary foundation year (1-year standalone course in basic science) or Medicine with an access or gateway year (1-year course for highly academically able students that have had barriers to their learning due to situations where they have come from.
They provide essential science training and allow students to progress to a full medical degree upon completion.
2. Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM)
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is designed for individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree. GEM programmes typically take four years and are faster-paced.
They are courses for degree-holders who want to pursue a career in Medicine. You should consider this option if you
- Did not quite get the A level grades
- Did not receive any Medicine offers this year and are now planning to study a different degree first
- You have been working in another field and would like to change careers
- Are an international student.
If that is you, it may be the best way of getting to Med School and fulfilling your dream.
While a science background may be preferred, many programmes accept graduates from a range of disciplines. You will usually need to achieve at least a 2:1 at undergraduate level.
3. Medical Apprenticeships
Medical apprenticeships are a relatively new route into the profession. These apprenticeships blend practical training with academic study, allowing students to earn while they learn. This route is a formal, funded pathway to medicine.
These courses started around the UK in 2024. They are a good way of being paid as you learn, and not building up £10,000-£100,000s of debt.
4. Military Medicine Programmes
Joining the armed forces as a medical officer trainee provides an alternate route into medicine, with the military often covering training costs.
This path involves a commitment to serve in the services (for at least 4 years) post qualification; but can be a unique opportunity for those interested in military and trauma medicine.
5. Training abroad in English speaking medical schools
Some students choose to study medicine in countries like the Czech Republic, where entry requirements may be more flexible. After graduation, doctors can complete the necessary exams to practice in the UK.
Here is the list of European Medical Schools that teach in English:
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Cyprus
- Plovdiv Medical University, Bulgaria
- Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
- Palacky University, Czech Republic
- Masaryk University, Czech Republic
- Riga Stradins University, Latvia
- Debrecen University, Hungary
- Lithuania University of Health Sciences, Lithuania
- Humanitas University, Italy
- Universita Degli Studi Di Milano, Italy.
6. Training in the European Union (EU)
Post Brexit this is a good option, especially if you have dual nationality. Training in an EU country may be cheaper, and you can end up working in a leading national health system (i.e. better than the NHS).
The Netherlands is a good example, and most Dutch people speak excellent English. Do you have an Irish (or other European) grandparent? If so, why not start applying for a passport now.
Summary
We have described how to go to medical school if you don’t get A levels. Graduate entry medicine is a good option. Degree apprenticeships are the new kids on the block. Have a think about them too. If this is you, don’t give up, if you really, really want to be a doctor. You can do it.
Other resources
How to get into medical school (7 things to do)
History of medical schools in the UK
Medical schools in the UK
What is a medical student?
