entry requirements
All BSMS candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate high academic ability, through possession of one of the qualifications listed below. Candidates considered at interview to show exceptional potential may receive offers at a slightly lower level than those indicated below.
You should be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of literacy and numeracy, a test met by the possession of qualifications in English and mathematics equivalent to at least GCSE grade B. If you have not studied for your main academic qualifications in English, you should possess evidence of fluency in spoken and written English, eg an IELTS pass with an overall score of at least 7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in each component.
You need to take the UKCAT test.
A/AS levels
Most standard offers for entry to BSMS are conditional on gaining 360 UCAS points in three A-levels, following the study of at least four subjects to AS level. These points may be achieved by obtaining AAA, A*AB or A*A*C at A-level, but both Biology and Chemistry must have been studied to A level and passed with a minimum A grade. We do not specify the nature of the third A-level subject but it should be noted that neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable at any level. BSMS reserves the right to make alternative offers where appropriate.
Scottish Highers
You will normally need either three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two
Highers. You must have studied both Biology and Chemistry to Advanced Higher level and
have passed both with an A grade. Most standard offers are now conditional upon gaining 370 UCAS points from 18 units.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
BSMS welcomes 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, we are looking for breadth of experience in our future doctors and so, other than under quite exceptional
circumstances, we will still require candidates to have studied a minimum of four subjects to A/AS level (taking at least three of them to A). Candidates who are otherwise strong, but who have not had the opportunity to do an Extended Project will not be disadvantaged.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Normally you will need to pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with grades AAAAAA in subjects
that must include Biology and Chemistry. You should pass at least two subjects at A1 level.
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 38 points overall, including at least 18 points in three Higher Level subjects. You must have studied both Biology and Chemistry to Higher Level and you should have a minimum of grade 6 in both of these subjects.
Advanced diploma
In our opinion, none of the new Advanced Diplomas introduced in 2008 have sufficiently strong Biology and Chemistry content to meet our general admissions requirement.
Other equivalent qualifications
A wide range of other academic qualifications equivalent to A/AS 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 the BSMS Admissions Office.
Graduate entry
Applications from graduates are welcomed. You 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.
As a graduate entrant you are assessed on your recent achievement and do not have to satisfy other academic entry requirements (ie you are not required to have AAA at A level). You 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 you hold (or expect to hold) a first or upper second class honours degree but do not have the necessary knowledge of Biology and Chemistry, you are invited to consider entry via the Access to Medicine route. If offered an interview, you may be asked to supply a transcript of your degree results.