Academic entry requirements

Show or hide the answer A-levels

A*AA in three A-levels taken in one academic year

Applicants are required to offer:

  • Chemistry (compulsory) AND
  • At least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
Show or hide the answer International Baccalaureate

Overall score of 39 (including core points), and scores of 7, 6 and 6 in subjects taken at Higher Level

Applicants are required to offer the following subjects at Higher Level:

  • Chemistry (compulsory) AND
  • At least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
Show or hide the answer Cambridge PreU

D2D3D3 in Three Principal Subjects taken in one academic year

  • Chemistry (compulsory) AND
  • At least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

A D2 grade in a Principal Subject at Cambridge Pre-U equates to an A* grade at A-level (and a D3 equates to an A grade), so if one principal subject is being taken in place of an A-level a D2 or D3 grade will be used as an equivalent.

Show or hide the answer Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Whilst we are happy to consider applications from students for whom only one AH is available, our requirements for an applicant taking Scottish qualifications would more typically be:

AA in Advanced Highers (taken in one academic year) and AAAAA in Highers (taken in one academic year)

Applicants are required to offer:

  • Chemistry (compulsory) at Advanced Higher AND
  • At least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics at Higher.

N.B. As an indicator of academic ability, and recognising that students may benefit by studying some subjects in greater depth, the Medical School encourages Scottish applicants (wherever possible) to study more than one subject to Advanced Higher level. If more than one Advanced Higher course is being followed, the specifics of an offer from the University may reflect that. 

Show or hide the answer Access and Foundation courses

Access and Foundation courses can meet the basic requirements for entry to the Oxford pre-clinical course, with certain provisos. They will only be acceptable alternatives to A-level where you can demonstrate that:

  • The course covers the same content as the A-levels we ask for in our entry criteria (and to an equal standard), particularly for Chemistry (which is compulsory).
  • Entry to the course is competitive in nature.
  • The syllabus is assessed by formal written examination.
  • The result is classified (a pass at Distinction level will be required).

Realistically, only an applicant who is performing consistently well across all elements of an Access or Foundation course would be capable of competing for a place on an even playing field with other applicants who are taking A-levels or the IB.

Please note that it will be your responsibility to demonstrate to us that your course is a suitable alternative to A-levels. If you would like us to give you some initial advice, please email us at admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk with full details of the course.

The Oxford Medical School does not recommend any particular Access or Foundation courses.

Show or hide the answer European Baccalaureate

Average of 85% or more, with marks between 8 and 9 in relevant subjects

Applicants are required to offer:

  • Chemistry (compulsory) AND
  • At least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

We would also recommend that applicants take one of the practical science courses (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) as a complementary subject.

Show or hide the answer Other qualifications

We welcome applications from those studying towards qualifications other than those listed here, as long as they are considered equivalent to A-levels - in terms of both content and achievement.

The University has provided some guidance on qualifications required from international applicants, see the  University listing of international qualifications.

Please note that, regardless of qualifications, we will require applicants to achieve particular excellence in Chemistry (compulsory), plus at least one from Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

Any applicants unsure of their eligibility for the course should contact the Pre-Clinical Admissions Office (admissions@medschool.ox.ac.uk) for guidance.

Show or hide the answer Basic level of attainment in sciences and mathematics

In order to be adequately equipped for the BMAT and for the academic demands of the course, all applicants will need to show that they have received a basic education in the sciences and mathematics.

This means that if Biology, Physics or Mathematics have not been taken to a higher level (A-level, or equivalent), applicants will be expected to have achieved at least a grade C at GCSE, Intermediate 2 or Standard grade (Credit), or equivalent in these subjects (GCSE Dual Award Combined Sciences, or equivalent, is also acceptable).

Show or hide the answer English language requirements

All teaching at Oxford University is carried out in English (with the exception of some language-specific teaching) and tutors must be convinced that you have sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to cope with your course from the start.

The University has set certain entry standards concerning proficiency in the English language; see the English language requirements website.