Most standard offers for entry to BSMS are conditional on gaining three A grades at A-level, following the study of at least four subjects to AS-level. 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.

You will normally either need 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.

BSMS welcomes applicants applying to us with the Welsh Baccalaureate. Normally you will be required to achieve a Pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma as well as achieve 3 A grades at A level to include both Biology and Chemistry

Normally you will need to pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with grades AAAAAA. Both Biology and Chemistry must be passed at A1 level.

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.

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.

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.

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 entrants to BSMS need to have, or be predicted, a strong 2.1 degree or better. Your degree can be in any discipline. If you are applying with a degree, you will need to have an overall average of 65% or over in your final year modules; if you are applying during your final year of study, you will need to have obtained an overall average of at least 65% in your previous year's modules.

As a graduate, however, you do still need to meet our Biology and Chemistry requirement, whether this is by:

• Having Biology and Chemistry at A-level with A grade passes in both, or
• Having sufficient Biology and Chemistry content in your degree, having obtained 65% or over in all of the relevant modules

Some non-science graduates may find that the Access to Medicine route offers them the best preparation for entry to Medical School.

Graduate applicants, like younger applicants, will only be successful if they have a strong UCAS personal statement as well as the right academic grades.

The Universities of Brighton and Sussex share a commitment to, and a strong record of achievement in, the education of mature students. BSMS seeks to extend this commitment to mature entry to medicine.

Access to Medicine courses are an effective way for mature entrants who lack either a sufficient academic record or an adequate knowledge of biology and chemistry to gain a qualification acceptable for entry into medical school. A pass at distinction level is normally required. In addition, we require students coming via this route to demonstrate proficiency in both English and Maths, both to a minimum level of GCSE grade B.

We advise those considering the Access to Medicine entry route to investigate carefully the success record of the courses to which they apply. Successful courses are likely to have selective entry policies, to require intensive full-time commitment to study and to have a differentiated outcome (e.g. a pass with distinction or a percentage mark).

A Sussex-based Access to Medicine course is offered at Sussex Downs College, Lewes, developed in partnership with BSMS. This course offers the possibility of linked BSMS places for appropriate candidates. The curriculum includes Biology to A-level standard, Chemistry to above AS-level standard and a range of subsidiary subjects including Health Psychology, Medical Ethics, Mathematics, Physics, IT and Study Skills. The course runs from September to June each year and applications should be made no later than the May/June of the year prior to the year of intended entry to medical school. For details contact Sussex Downs College on 01273 402222.

There are also well-established Access to Medicine courses offered by College of West Anglia, King's Lyn, and City and Islingtion College.

Download details of the access courses that BSMS recognises.

Applicants who are not ordinarily resident in the UK or EU are considered to be International. Applicants are advised to get in touch with the admissions office directly to see whether they are academically eligible before they apply. Please also note that there is a minimum IELTS requirement of 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7 in each component.

Read more about specific international qualifications.

If you accept a place at BSMS, you will be required to sign the Council of Heads of Medical Schools / BMA Medical Students charter. This document outlines the responsibilities of both the medical student and BSMS, covering such topics as good medical practice, student representation and quality of education.

More information can be found at the General Medical Council and Medical Schools Council.