Entry requirements
The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2020. They should be used as a general guide.
BSMS gives equal emphasis to applicants' academic qualifications and their personal qualities and potential. Based on information from applications, candidates will be recommended by the admissions board to be invited to interview. Individual offers will depend on interviewers' recommendations.
GCSE
English language or English literature and maths at grade B or grade 6, or above.
A-levels
Most standard offers for entry to us are conditional on gaining three A grades at A-level (to include biology and chemistry). We do not specify the nature of the third A-level subject and the vast majority of our applicants will choose to study maths or physics, however we strongly encourage applications from students who study humanities or the arts as we recognise their value in broadening academic horizons. It should be noted that general studies and critical thinking is not acceptable at any level.
We reserve the right to make alternative offers where appropriate.
International Baccalaureate
We very much welcome applications from students who have taken, or are taking, the International Baccalaureate Diploma. You will normally need to pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with 36 points overall to include both Biology and Chemistry at Higher level. A grade 6 must be achieved in both.
Other equivalent qualifications
A wide range of other academic qualifications equivalent to A-levels, Advanced Highers and the International Baccalaureate are also welcome. If you are intending to offer such qualifications, please check on the BSMS admissions webpage for advice on their eligibility and the grades expected. If you have any further queries, contact our admissions team.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
We welcome candidates who have successfully completed an Extended Project, recognising the effort that they have expended and the valuable skills and knowledge that they will have gained. However the EPQ will not form part of any offers that we make.
Scottish Highers
You will normally be required to have three Advanced Highers including biology and chemistry grades A plus a Higher Level subject at grade B or above, or two Advanced Highers in biology and chemistry at grades A plus two Higher Level subjects at grades A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
We welcome applicants applying to us with the Welsh Baccalaureate. Normally you will be required to achieve an A grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma as well as 2 A grades at A-level to include both biology and chemistry.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate at Higher/Honours level with (old 2016 system) at least grades A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 at Higher/Honours Level including grades A1 in Biology and Chemistry. Or at least (new system) grades H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including H1 in both Biology and Chemistry subjects. You will also need at least (old system) grades B2 in English and Maths or (new system) grades at least H3/O3 or above in the Leaving Certificate at Ordinary/Standard Level.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 7.0 in each section. This must have been achieved no more than two years before the date that you intend to enrol with BSMS.
Widening participation
BSMS is committed to widening participation into medicine, so along with assessing your academic profile, we will also be looking for any contextual data that may enhance your application. If you are identified as having any two from the following key pieces of data, then you will be considered separately from the rest of our applicants. For these applicants, we will accept AAB at A-level (including biology and chemistry); and English and mathematics at GCSE grade 5 or C.
- You live in a neighbourhood that has low participation into higher education or live in an area that falls within the lowest 20% of the Index of Mass Deprivation. Eligibility will be identified by BSMS Admissions.
- You attended an 11–16 state school that performed below the national average at Progress 8 score. Eligibility will be identified by BSMS Admissions.
- You (or a parent or guardian) are in receipt of a means-tested benefit. Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.
- You are in receipt of the 16 to 19 bursary. Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.
- You are (or have been) eligible for free school meals at any point between Year 9 and Year 13 Eligibility should be self-declared and evidence submitted via our admissions portal. All applicants will receive information on how to do this after submitting their UCAS application.
Applicants who are (or have been) looked after in local authority care for more than three months will automatically be invited for interview, subject to satisfying academic criteria.
Mature and graduate entry
Access to HE Diploma
Mature entry: Pass with distinction on a recognised Access to Medicine course. Details in BSMS prospectus.
Degree and experience
Graduate entry: Applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours degree and be able to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of biology and chemistry equivalent to A grade pass at A-level in both. This may be achieved through having studied these subjects to A-level or through relevant degree modules. Graduate entrants are assessed on their recent achievement and do not have to satisfy other academic entry requirements (ie they are not required to have AAA at A-level). Applicants should however note that the integrated nature of the BSMS degree in medicine does not normally allow advanced entry to a different year of the programme. If offered an interview, they may be asked to supply a transcript of their degree results. If applicants hold (or expect to hold) a first or upper second class honours degree but do not have the necessary knowledge of biology and chemistry, they are invited to consider entry via the Access to Medicine route, see prospectus for more details.
EU or Channel Island applications are considered on the same basis as UK applicants. BSMS has six places per year for international students from outside the European Union. Applicants should possess academic qualifications equivalent to those required from UK and EU applicants. We may be able to interview overseas applicants by video link at their local British Council office.
Biomedical admissions test (BMAT)
BSMS requires all applicants to sit the BMAT, in the year that you apply, in order to be considered for interview. You are required to register with BMAT assessment centres before the test. Check the BMAT website for key dates and additional information.
International requirements
International candidates can find out more about BSMS entry requirements for international qualifications and detailed information on English language requirements on the BSMS website.