Entry requirements
The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2017. They should be used as a general guide.
We operate a flexible admissions policy – this means that you could receive a lower conditional offer than the typical offer, informed by our assessment of your complementary non-academic achievements and experiences. For courses that require interview or portfolio review, this may also be considered in the level of any conditional offer that follows if your application is successful.
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.
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
36 points overall, to include both biology and chemistry at higher level. Grade 6 must be achieved in both.
Access to HE Diploma
Mature entry: Pass with distinction on a recognised Access to Medicine course. Details in BSMS prospectus.
GCSE
English language or English literature and maths at grade B or grade 6, or above.
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. Applicants will also be required to have an additional AS level at grade B to exclude General Studies.
Irish Leaving Certificate
You will normally need to pass the Irish Leaving Certificate passed at Higher/Honours level with at least:
- if you took your exams in 2016 – grades A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 at Higher/Honours Level including grades A1 in biology and chemistry. Plus grades of B2 in English and maths within the Leaving Certificate at Ordinary/Standard Level.
- if you took your exams in 2017 – grades H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including H1 in both biology and chemistry subjects. Plus grades of at least O2 or above English and maths within the Leaving Certificate at Ordinary/Standard Level.
Biomedical admissions test (BMAT)
BSMS requires all UK and EU 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 applicants are not required to sit the BMAT. Check the entry requirements on the BSMS website for additional information.
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.
For non-native speakers of English
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.