Thinking about a career in medicine? Doctors diagnose and treat all kinds of illnesses, often building long-term relationships with patients. If you enjoy science and talking to people, read on to see what it takes to become a doctor.
Updated: 30 Nov 2025
Doctors are the front-line medical professionals. On a typical day, you might give health advice, diagnose symptoms, prescribe medication, or perform simple procedures. You’ll be the first point of call for patients’ concerns, arranging tests or referring to specialists when needed. Doctors also update medical records, follow up on treatments, and sometimes help train junior doctors. You’ll use a mix of scientific knowledge and people skills to listen and explain health information in a clear way.
To be a great doctor, you’ll need a mix of science smarts and strong people skills. You’ll be working closely with patients, often in high-pressure situations, so being calm, caring and clear is essential. Here are some of the top skills and qualities you’ll need:
Good communication, listen carefully and explain clearly
Empathy, you’ll need to understand and support patients from all walks of life
Science knowledge, especially in biology, chemistry and medicine
Attention to detail, small symptoms can lead to big diagnoses
Resilience, you’ll need to stay calm and focused under pressure
Teamwork, collaborate with nurses, specialists and other staff
Problem-solving, figure out what's going on and what to do next
Considered judgment, make speedy smart and safe decisions
Patience and compassion, treat every patient with care and respect
Professionalism, stay thorough, fair and non-judgmental
You’ll often be juggling a lot but if you’re organised, caring and curious, it can be a hugely rewarding career.
To apply for medicine, you’ll need strong grades. Typically, that means:
GCSEs: At least five strong grades including English, maths and science
A-levels or equivalent: Three A-levels usually including Biology and Chemistry. Physics or Maths can help too
Beyond academics, universities look for relevant experience. Can you volunteer or shadow someone in a healthcare environment? Extracurricular achievements like sports leadership or other activities can also help your application stand out.
It’s worth noting that for medicine courses, you usually need to apply by an October deadline.
You’ll want to start by doing a Bachelor of Medicine degree (MBChB or MBBS) at university. All UK medical degrees are accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), so make sure any course you choose is GMC-approved.
Medicine degrees require top grades. Typical requirements are from 128–160 UCAS points. This could include:
A-levels: A*A*A–ABB (AAA is common and Maths and Physics are useful)
BTECs: not accepted
Scottish Highers: AAAABB–AAAAB (Advanced Highers: AAA–BBB)
International Baccalaureate: 42–32
You’ll need to pass an admissions test (BMAT, UCAT, or for graduate entry, GAMSAT) and most universities request an interview.
You’ll need to complete a criminal record check, referred to as a DBS check or PVG in Scotland, before you can practice.
NEXT: Check out medicine degree courses
Medicine degrees mix lectures, lab work and hands-on clinical training. In the early years, you’ll study core sciences like anatomy and physiology, mostly through classes and labs. Later, you’ll spend more time on placements in hospitals and GP surgeries, learning from real patient cases.
Many courses include patient contact from year one, so you start building practical skills early like taking medical histories and doing basic examinations. You’ll learn through a blend of theory and practice: seminars, ward rounds, clinics and simulations.
Most courses last five years or six if you take an optional intercalated degree. You’ll graduate with the knowledge, experience and professionalism needed to start work as a junior doctor.
Degree apprenticeship
This is a five-year paid programme combining university study with on-the-job training. It leads to the same medical qualification and a license to practice as an undergraduate degree. Entry requirements are set by both the employer and the provider of the course. It’s a very competitive process but your employer pays for the course, not you. You can search for apprenticeship vacancies via NHS Jobs and Find an apprenticeship.
Postgraduate route
If you already have a relevant undergraduate degree, like Biomedical Science or similar with at least a 2:1, some universities offer accelerated four-year medical courses. These usually still require the same science background and admission tests. Use our course search for more info. https://www.whatuni.com/postgraduate-courses/search?q=medicine
After your medical degree, there are a couple more steps to go before you can become a doctor. These include
Two-year foundation programme as a junior doctor
Doctor specialty training, which takes around three years. This includes placements in both GP practices and hospitals to develop skills in family medicine
Once completed, you’ll register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and be fully licensed to work as a doctor.
Starting salary for a junior doctor in the NHS is around £36,000. Once you have completed your doctor training, you’ll earn around £73,000. Experienced doctors like partners or specialists can earn £100,000+. Private doctors will usually earn more.
Doctors often branch out. You could manage a practice, specialise in areas like children’s health or diabetes, go into teaching, research, or even join the armed forces. It’s a career with lots of room to grow.
Universities look for evidence you’ve thought carefully about medicine. Bringing all these tips together will make your application shine:
Write a strong personal statement
Explain why you want to study medicine. Highlight key skills like teamwork, leadership and compassion. Keep it focused and genuine.
Prepare for admissions tests
Most unis require the UCAT (sometimes BMAT). Practice thoroughly as a strong score can boost your chances.
Ace the interview
Be ready to explain why you want to be a doctor. Avoid clichés and focus on what genuinely draws you to medical work. Use real examples, dress smartly and practise common questions.
Show the right attitude
Medicine is about teamwork, communication and staying calm under pressure. Interviewers want to see that you’ve got the mindset as well as the grades.
Current medical students often praise their courses. For example, Hannah, a fourth year MBBCh student at Cardiff Uni says: “I have loved the last 5 years in Cardiff - there is lots to do in your free time and the university facilities are great.”
NEXT: Read more reviews here.
Is Medicine competitive?
Yes, very! You’ll need top grades and a strong admissions score, but with the right prep and passion, it’s achievable.
Not confident with science?
Biology and Chemistry A-levels are essential. If science isn’t your strength yet, consider a foundation course or focus on improving at GCSE.
Do I need work experience?
Absolutely. Volunteering in care settings or even helping a relative show you understand what caring for others involves.
Is being a doctor stressful?
It can be. Doctors face long hours and emotional cases. But many find it hugely rewarding, and support is available during training.
Can I specialise later on?
Yes. Doctors often branch into areas like mental health, children’s health or teaching. It’s a flexible and varied career.
If you’re excited by the idea of being a doctor, start exploring universities now. Research medicine courses and their entry requirements.
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