Pupils → Subjects & grades
STEP 2 of 9
Subjects & grades
The subjects and grades Scottish medical schools ask for - and how widening access can change them.
Why subjects matter
Each medical school sets its own entry requirements, so the subjects and grades you need depend on where you apply.
Entry requirements vary between medical schools and are often updated year on year. It is therefore essential that you do your own due diligence and check websites and prospectives carefully. If you are confused or unsure, you can contact admissions staff via a listed email address and seek clarification.
You will find that some universities have more challenging grade requirements than others. As you are only permitted to put 4 medical schools on your UCAS application, it is recommended that you apply tactfully. For example, Edinburgh’s entry requirements are strict, with standard applicants needing AAAAA, 3 of which must be in science subjects. Edinburgh also have a UCAT cut-off score. Dundee instead require AAABB, only 2 science subjects, and are currently the only medical school who do not require Chemistry at Higher level. Dundee also do not have a minimum UCAT cut-off score.
National 5s
The subjects you take for National 5s influence which ones you'll be able to do for highers and advanced highers. It might be that some subjects are mandatory but take a look at the entry requirements below to see what subject you need to take. Glasgow, for example, requires at least Nat 5 English.
Your choice of other subjects should be things you enjoy and think you can do well at - as some universities might look at National 5s scores as part of your application.
Some medical schools also take National 5 grades into account. It is rare that medical schools will accept grades achieved across multiple sittings, e.g:
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If you achieve a C grade in Higher Chemistry in S5 and resit to obtain an A grade in S6 or,
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If you sit a required Higher subject in S5 and then another in S6, unless your school does not offer required subject combinations in S5.
This depends on your circumstances and is decided on a case by case basis. Continuing study in S6 is strongly advised as some medical schools require Advanced Higher grades.
Top Tips: Selecting subjects
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Pick subjects you enjoy and are good at
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Be aware that to do subjects at Highers level, they need to have been taken at National 5 level too
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Take a look at the entry requirements below to see essential subjects by university!
Highers / Advanced Highers
Whilst some universities look at National 5s, Highers are always reviewed. Even if you score well in the UCAT, smash the SJT, and perform well at interview, universities still require certain subjects and minimum grades to be achieved in Highers before you'll get a place (usually AAAAB or above). The standards may seem high but remember that widening access students may have lower grade requirements!
Each university has specific subject and grade requirements and these may change from time to time. We will try to keep things as up to date as possible but please check the individual websites before you apply. If you are looking to apply outwith Scotland - check out the Medical School's Council entry requirement tool.
University Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen
Abderdeen entry requirements →
Grade/Subject Requirements
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AAABB at Higher level, to be taken in one sitting
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Adjusted for applicants who meet widening access criteria - AABBB
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Highers must include either Chemistry or Biology, plus one other science (Maths counts as a science)
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If not studied at Higher, a grade A in Chemistry or Biology must have been achieved at National 5 level
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If not studied at Higher, a grade B in Maths must have been achieved at National 5 level
Widening access criteria Grade/Subject Requirements
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Postcode is SIMD20 (Quintile 1)
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Care experienced
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Carer
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Free school meals
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Estranged
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Refugee or Asylum Seeker
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Examples of ‘other’ contextual circumstances which may have an impact can include but are not limited to; residing in an SIMD40 postcode area, have declared a disability or participated in a widening access programme such as Reach, ACES or SWAP.
UCAT Requirements
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Cut off score: None
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Uplift: None stated on website
Useful Links
Aberdeen medicine entry requirements - official page
Dundee medicine entry requirements - official page
Edinburgh medicine entry requirements - official page
Glasgow medicine entry requirements - official page
St Andrews medicine entry requirements - official page