Graduate Entry Medicine

There are a number of different routes into the medical profession but if you’ve previously gained an undergraduate degree it’s likely that you’ll be considering Graduate Entry Medicine in the first instance; our guide will provide you with all the information to help you to decide if it’s the most suitable option for you.

You can also check out our Medicine Entry Requirements blog for more details about the different routes available.

What is Graduate Entry Medicine / GEM Medicine?

Graduate Entry Medicine or GEM is a programme designed specifically as an entrance route into medicine for applicants who already have a bachelor’s degree. Some medical schools will specify that your bachelor degree must be science or health related, but many accept a degree in any subject; we have more details about which degrees individual institutions accept in our ‘medical school entry requirements’ section.

Is Graduate Entry Medicine an Accelerated Medical Degree / 4 Year Medical Degree?

Usually Graduate Entry Medicine is an accelerated programme, offered over four years; however, some universities deliver the programme over five years, in line with Standard Entry Medicine timeframes.

Is Graduate Entry Medicine the same as Postgraduate Medicine?

Graduate Entry Medicine is an undergraduate degree, not a postgraduate degree, and will result in you gaining the same qualification as students undertaking a medical degree via alternate undergraduate routes.

How Hard is Graduate Entry Medicine?

Graduate Entry Medicine is not an easier route into medicine. As mentioned already, you’ll be studying for the same qualification as students completing the Standard Entry Medicine programme and therefore the demands will be the same.

A few things may affect how difficult you find the course:

The duration of the programme: If you complete an accelerated programme, which is delivered over four years, you’re likely to find the demands greater than if you completed it over five years (the usual timescale for Standard Entry Medicine and offered for some Graduate Entry Medicine programmes). The four year course is more intense and delivered over a longer period within each academic year.
Your previous degree: Although some medical schools will accept you on to a Graduate Entry programme with a bachelor’s degree in any subject area, it’s likely that you’ll find the programme more accessible if your previous degree was science or health related.

How Much is Graduate Entry Medicine?

The tuition fees for Graduate Entry Medicine varies depending on the medical school; however, generally it is around the maximum fee of £9,250 for the first academic year, with the possibility of the price increasing in line with inflation in subsequent academic years. Information about tuition fees for individual universities is available on the UCAS website or the university's website.

Graduate Entry Medicine Funding / How to Fund Graduate Entry Medicine

The funding available for students undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine varies depending on which route you take (a five year course or an accelerated four year course) and where in the UK you normally live.

The table below provides details of the different funding available for tuition fees for the academic year 2021 (details for 2022 have not yet been published):

Accelerated 4 Year Graduate Entry Medicine Course
England	Northern Ireland	Scotland	Wales
First Year You’re required to pay the first £3,465 and a fee loan is available for the remaining amount (up to £5,785). Years 2-4 The NHS pays the first £3,715 and a fee loan is available for the remaining amount (up to £5,535).	No funding is available for tuition fees, you're required to pay the full tuition fees each academic year.	No funding is available for tuition fees, you're required to pay the full tuition fees each academic year.	First Year You’re required to pay the first £3,465 and a fee loan is available for the remaining amount (up to £5,785). Years 2-4 The NHS pays the first £3,465 and a fee loan is available for the remaining amount (up to £5,785).
5 Year Graduate Entry Medicine Course
England	Northern Ireland	Scotland	Wales
Years 1-4 No funding is available for tuition fees, you’re required to pay the full tuition fees each academic year. Year 5 Your tuition fees will be paid in full by the NHS Business Services Authority. You will also be eligible for support for living costs.	No funding is available for tuition fees, you’re required to pay the full tuition fees each academic year. You won’t be eligible to receive a DHSSPS bursary for your final year of study, as those studying medicine as a first degree are able to.	Years 1-4 You’re required to pay the full tuition fees if you study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you study in Scotland you’ll be required to pay £1,820 per year. Year 5 You’ll be eligible to apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to pay your tuition fees and a bursary.	Years 1-4 No funding is available for tuition fees, you’re required to pay the full tuition fees each academic year. Year 5 Your tuition fees will be paid in full by the NHS Wales Student Awards Unit. You will also be eligible for support for living costs.

Remember, universities generally offer flexible payment plans, so you won’t be required to pay any contribution towards tuition fees in one payment.

For both routes you’ll also be able to apply to the relevant Student Finance body if you live in England, Northern Ireland or Wales for the following:

Student Loan for Maintenance
Adult Dependants’ Grant
Childcare Grant
Parents’ Learning Allowance
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Travel Expenses for Medical Students

If you live in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for the following:

Student Loan for Maintenance
Adult Dependants’ Grant
Lone Parent Grant
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Care Leavers' Grant

You may also be able to get additional support during your time at university if you’re struggling financially; however, this is generally only for unexpected hardship, so it’s likely that you’ll need to prove that you had finance in place to pay for your fees and your cost of living. The following offer financial support in these instances:

The University itself - usually in the form of hardship bursaries which you aren’t required to pay back
Charitable Organisations, for example The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund offer support if you’re in “exceptional and unexpected hardship due to ill health, disability or bereavement”

Graduate Medicine Courses / A101 Medicine

You may have seen Graduate Entry Medicine also referred to as A101, this is frequently used as it’s the most common UCAS course code for the programme; all universities listed below use this course code for their Graduate Entry Medicine programme, with the exception of King’s College London, which uses the course code A102.

Graduate Entry Medicine UK / Medical School Graduate Entry

The following universities offer Graduate Entry Medicine programmes:

University of Birmingham
University of Cambridge
Cardiff University
King’s College London
University of Liverpool
Newcastle University
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
Queen Mary University of London
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
St George’s University of London
University of Swansea
University of Warwick
University of Worcester

Medical School Entry Requirements

As with all programmes, the entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine vary between different medical schools. You will need to ensure that you meet your chosen universities’ entry requirements for the following areas:

Previous Degree - including any subject requirements and grade
A Level requirements
Any work experience requirements

There may also be an admissions test included as part of the entry requirements (more details about this is within the ‘admissions test’ section.

Medical School A Level Requirements

For Graduate Entry Medicine, it’s less likely that your A Level results will be taken into consideration as part of the application process; however, there are some universities which do specify A Level subjects and grades within their entry requirements, so make sure you’re aware of these before applying.

Requirements for Medical School UK

Although it’s always best to check the UCAS website to ensure that you meet your chosen universities’ entry criteria before submitting your application, the below information shows you at a glance each medical school’s entry requirements, to help you to compare different universities more easily:

University	Bachelor Degree Entry Requirement	A Level Entry Requirement	Admissions Exam	Any Other Entry Requirements
University of Birmingham	Degrees Accepted: Life sciences Grades Accepted: Applicants are ranked based on their bachelor degree grade, with preference given to those that achieved 1st class marks. If you achieved a grade at the upper end of the 2:1 range you may also be considered.	Subjects: Generally good results in Science, English and Maths (a grade A is required for English and Maths at GCSE if this is the highest qualification). A sound knowledge of Chemistry is required, either from A Level or degree study. Grades: Generally BBB is required at A Level but this may be higher due to competition.	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
University of Cambridge	Degrees Accepted: Any discipline (science subjects identified as most used) Grades Accepted: 2:1 or above	Subjects: Chemistry (generally needs to have been achieved within the last 7 years) and one of either Biology, Human Biology, Physics or Maths. Grades: No set requirements but the most successful applicants have at least grades AAA.	Not required	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview A separate Graduate Course in Medicine application form is required, in addition to your UCAS application.
Cardiff University	Degrees Accepted:The following degrees which are recognised on the university's feeder streams: BMedSci Degree from the University of Bangor (B100) BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences Degree from the University of South Wales (B901) BSc (Hons) Medical Pharmacology Degree School of Medicine Cardiff University (B210) BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences Degree School of Biosciences Cardiff University ( BC97)	Subjects: Biology and Chemistry, as well as a pass in Science Practical (generally required). Grades: BBB / ABC GCSEs are also specified in the entry criteria. The following are required: 9 GCSEs including Maths and English Language (grade B/6) and Double Science (grade BB / 66) or Chemistry and Biology (grades B / 6 for both).	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)	Enhanced DBS Check or a Certificate of Good Conduct (if appropriate) Occupational Health check (which may include vaccinations). Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Health checks Interview
King's College London	Degrees Accepted: Biomedical or life sciences degrees, or healthcare professionals with equivalent academic qualifications. Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate in a Biosciences subject or 2:1 undergraduate degree in Nursing and A Level Chemistry at grade A, subject to the Degree in nursing covering sufficient life sciences.	N/A	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
University of Liverpool	Degrees Accepted: Biomedical or health science subjects Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1	Subjects: Chemistry with either Biology, Physics or Maths, as well as a 3rd academic subject (cannot be General Studies, Citizenship Studies or Critical Thinking). Grades: BBB as well as a pass in Practical Science for each science subject taken. Minimum GCSE requirements are also identified: a grade C is required in English and Maths.	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)	Healthcare experience is a prerequisite Audition Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
Newcastle University	Degrees Accepted: Any discipline Grades Accepted: 2:1 Honours degree, or integrated master's degree The programme is also open to practising health care professionals with a post-registration qualification	N/A	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
University of Nottingham	Degrees Accepted: Any discipline Grades Accepted: 2:2	N/A	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) A minimum score of 55 is required in Section 2 and 55 in either Section 1 or 3, with at least a score of 50 in the remaining section	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Health checks Interview Work experience must be completed before you apply
University of Oxford	Degrees Accepted: Experimental science subjects	Subjects: Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Maths. Critical Thinking and General Studies can't be included in your grades Grades: A*AA A Level requirements are a guide only; you may be accepted with lower grades if you've demonstrated academic strength in other ways	Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT)	A supplementary application form is required, in addition to your UCAS application, which must be completed on the university website Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
Queen Mary University of London	Degrees Accepted: Science or health related degree Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1 in any degree	Subjects: Two science subjects from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology. Must include at least Biology or Chemistry. Grades: Minimum BB in science subjects	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Your score will be used for interview selection, as well as academic achievement	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
University of Sheffield	Degrees Accepted: Appropriate life sciences subject Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1 This programme is specifically aimed at life science graduates from widening participation backgrounds. As well as meeting the other entry requirements, you must meet widening participation criteria	Subjects: Must include Chemistry or Biology Grades: Minimum BBB	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	Applicants are normally expected to have undergone a period of work experience Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
University of St Andrews	Degrees Accepted: Honours degrees in Arts and Science and other disciplines will be accepted Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1	Subjects: Chemistry is the only specified subject Grades: B in Chemistry A grade B in GCSE Maths is also required	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	Relevant work experience completed prior to applying Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview
St George's University of London	Degrees Accepted: Wide range of science and non-science degrees accepted. Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree or a pass in MSc, MPhil, PhD in any discipline.	N/A	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) Minimum of 50 in each individual section	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Health checks Interview Volunteer or work experience in a medical or health-related field
University of Swansea	Degrees Accepted: Any discipline Grades Accepted: Any of the following are acceptable: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree A merit or distinction (equivalent to a 2:1 or 1st) in an integrated undergraduate masters degree A 2:2 undergraduate degree plus a Postgraduate Masters or PhD	No A Level requirements are specified, but you must have a minimum grade C in GCSE English/Welsh and Maths.	Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) A minimum overall GAMSAT score of 50, together with a minimum of 50 in Paper 3 (Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences) is required.	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Health checks Occupational Health Assessment Interview
University of Warwick	Degrees Accepted: Any discipline Grades Accepted: Minimum 2:1 or 2:2 plus a Masters or a doctoral qualification	N/A	The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Minimum requirement varies per year depending on the performance of applicants	Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) Interview Work experience required within a healthcare environment, ideally the NHS, and direct hands-on care of people/patients with healthcare needs. Must cover a minimum of two weeks/70 hours and two placements, within the last three years.

Further information about the programmes provided and the entry requirements for each university can be found on their individual websites or the UCAS site.

Admissions Exams

From the table above you can identify which universities require you to complete an admissions exam as part of their entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine. The majority of medical schools which do require an admission exams use either the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), with the exception of the University of Oxford, which uses the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT).

If your chosen universities require you to complete an admission exam, make sure you’re aware of the deadlines for registering and completing the test, to avoid missing these.

Graduate Entry Medicine UCAT

The UCAT is designed to identify mental ability, characteristics, attitudes and professional behaviours required for medicine. It’s a computer-based test, which is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres; you must register between May and September and complete the test between July and October. Our complete guide to the UCAT 2022 provides more information about the requirements of the UCAT and how to prepare for it.

Graduate Entry Medicine GAMSAT

The GAMSAT is designed to assess your ability to use concepts in basic science, as well as your problem solving, critical thinking and writing skills. There are two GAMSAT test dates per year: March and September.

Graduate Entry Medicine BMAT

The BMAT is designed to assess your ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, your problem solving and critical thinking skills, and your written communication skills. There are two test dates per year: one in early September and one in late October/early November. In both cases your registration should be completed at least a month prior to the test.

UCAT Scores / GAMSAT Scores / BMAT Scores

The required results for admission exams varies depending on the university, with some specifying a minimum score, while others will compare scores from all their applicants, making the minimum vary each year, or not outline a minimum at all. Whether your chosen universities provide a minimum result or not, if an admissions exam is an entry requirement it’s important that you prepare well and achieve a high score, as it will be used within the selection process.

Graduate Entry Medicine Personal Statement

Although personal statements are not usually scored, they play a significant role within the selection process, generally as part of the interview or before an offer is made, so it’s vital that it’s of a high standard and enhances your application. Your personal statement should identify your commitment and motivation to study medicine, as well as any work experience and skills that are relevant.

The following can be used as a checklist to ensure that your personal statement covers what will be expected:

Relevant work experience - even where this is not identified as an entry requirement, any relevant work experience will demonstrate not only your commitment to studying medicine, but also that you have an understanding of the demands of the profession.
Personal qualities which make you suitable to work within the medical profession, as well as skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.
Your interests outside of studying, for example sports, music, etc. - these are useful for demonstrating your ability to work individually and within a team, so make sure you use these to your advantage.
Understanding of key issues and the latest research - any nod towards additional reading you have undertaken will help to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the subject.
Any membership or involvement with relevant societies or clubs.

Check out for our Medical Personal Statement blog which provides more guidance on writing your personal statement and shares good advice and examples.

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