Overview
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, if you want to study medicine, Chemistry is the subject to prioritise — it is a near-universal requirement across UK medical schools. Biology is very commonly required or strongly preferred, and a third subject (often another science or Maths) rounds out a competitive application. Requirements vary by school and change year to year, so always check each medical school's official entry requirements before you commit.
The core: why Chemistry comes first
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, chemistry underpins pharmacology, biochemistry and physiology, which is why it appears on almost every medical school's list of accepted or required subjects. If you take only one science seriously, make it Chemistry. Skipping it closes the most doors of any single choice.
Chemistry is also marked in a way that rewards precision. Calculation questions carry method and accuracy marks, and extended-response answers are assessed against structured criteria. Top grades come from knowing exactly what the mark scheme wants — correct units, balanced equations, and the specific terms examiners credit — not just from understanding the topic. Drilling 9701 Chemistry past papers against the mark scheme is the fastest way to convert knowledge into marks.
Biology: commonly required or preferred
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, most medical schools require or strongly prefer Biology alongside Chemistry. It builds the physiological and anatomical foundation you will meet again in year one, and it signals genuine interest in the life sciences.
Biology exams lean on extended-response questions marked with levels-of-response or point-based schemes. Examiners look for named processes, correct terminology and clear cause-and-effect reasoning. Practising 9700 Biology past papers and marking your own answers exposes where you lose easy marks on wording.
Choosing your third subject
A third science or Maths keeps the most options open. Some applicants take a contrasting essay subject for balance, which can strengthen a personal statement — but confirm it counts toward the offer. See [best A-Level subject combinations](/blog/best-a-level-subject-combinations-2026) for worked examples.
| Subject | Role | Required or preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Core requirement | Near-universally required — check each school |
| Biology | Foundation science | Very commonly required or preferred |
| Physics | Third-science option | Accepted at many schools; check |
| Maths | Analytical third | Often welcomed; supports data handling |
| Psychology | Third-subject option | Accepted at some schools — verify first |
Admissions tests and the wider picture
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, medical schools use admissions tests (such as the UCAT and others) as part of selection, alongside interviews and personal statements. The exact test, the score thresholds and how they are weighted differ between schools and can change each cycle, so we will not quote specifics here — check each medical school's admissions pages for the current details.
Grades still do the heavy lifting. A strong test score rarely rescues a weak predicted grade, which is why disciplined past-paper marking matters from year 12 onwards. You can mark practice answers instantly with MarkScheme's AI marking to see where you stand against the criteria.
How the marking shapes your revision
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, because Chemistry and Biology reward mark-scheme fluency, your revision should be answer-led, not just note-led:
- Attempt full past-paper questions under timed conditions.
- Mark against the official scheme, noting every phrase that earns a mark.
- Re-answer the questions you lost marks on until the wording is automatic.
This loop turns "I understand it" into "I score it" — the gap that separates an A from an A*.
Frequently asked questions
For Cambridge which Cambridge A-Level subjects, not always. Chemistry plus one other science (usually Biology) is the common core, and the third subject can sometimes be Maths or another subject. Requirements differ, so check each medical school's official entry requirements.
Do I need three sciences for medicine?
Can I study medicine without Biology?
Some schools accept Chemistry with a different second science or Maths, but Biology is very commonly preferred. Taking it keeps the widest range of schools open to you — verify with your target list before dropping it.
How important are admissions tests compared with A-Levels?
Both matter, but they measure different things. A-Level grades demonstrate sustained academic performance, while admissions tests screen at application stage. Weightings vary by school, so read their current guidance.
Which A-Level is hardest to score top marks in?
Chemistry and Biology both punish imprecise wording. The students who reach A* are usually those who have marked dozens of past papers and learned exactly what examiners credit.