Medicine
A career as a doctor requires a long-term commitment to continuous learning and service within the healthcare system.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Most medical schools require at least 5-7 GCSEs at grade 7-9 (A-A*). Most universities require chemistry and biology at A level – minimum grade of A. Then 5-6 years of studying Medicine at University. Then most doctors complete 2 years of foundation training before specialising.
Possible alternative pathways
Can study another degree at university then reapply. There are also courses available with Foundation Years with lower grade thresholds for the purpose of widening participation.
A Level grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Maths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
Degree
Yes, Medicine
Accreditations needed
GMC registration
Courses to do (post-graduate)
Progress to Specialty Training and complete exams for Royal College Membership (Internal Medicine, Surgery, General Practice, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anaesthetics, etc.). Can also complete further diplomas and Masters in areas of interest (e.g. Research, Teaching, Public Health, Leadership and Management) or shorter courses on specific skills (e.g. Ultrasound).
Courses/prep work to do now
Work on your personal statement: Explore medicine (books, videos, etc.), Volunteering, Extra Curricular Activities, and Work Experience. Try to record these as you go and reflect on what you have done. Study hard and achieve 3 As at A Level. Practice interview technique.
Day to day tasks/a day in the life of
Varies immensely depending on stage of training and specialty.
Hours of work
40-48 per week, sometimes can be more depending on on-call rotas but this will be the average. Flexibility increases with seniority.
Free time
Depends on rota. Can be busy when working nights, weekends, and long days.
Self employed/employed
Possibility to work privately when you reach consultant level. GP Partners are also usually self-employed.
Autonomy
You are able to choose what specialty you want to work in after you complete foundation year 1 and 2.
Career progression opportunities
You will naturally progress from foundation training to specialty training.
Respected companies you could work for
As a Doctor, you will most likely work in the NHS. However, a degree in Medicine can open many avenues and give you key skills to work in other fields (e.g. Big Pharma, Medical Law, Consulting, Tech).
Potential future role of AI
AI is being trialled in radiology and histology
Where to learn more about this pathway
YouTube, BMA
Typical Salary with Enhancements
Role
Salary
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
Newly qualified doctor
1 year trainig
£36,000 – £40,000
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
Second foundation year
1 year training
£40,000 – £46,000
Core / Early Specialty Training (CT1–2 / ST1–2)
Early stage of specialty training
2-3 years training
£47,000 – £60,000
Higher Specialty Training (ST3–ST8)
Senior registrar level
4-6 years training
£65,000 – £85,000
GP Specialty Trainee (ST1–3)
GP training pathway
3 years training
£45,000 – £68,000
Consultant (newly appointed)
First consultant post
10–15 years after graduation
£105,000 – £120,000
Consultant (experienced)
10+ years’ consultant experience
£130,000 – £160,000+
General Practitioner (GP)
Qualified GP (salaried or partner)
5–8 years after graduation
£75,000 – £120,000+
Medicine
A career as a doctor requires a long-term commitment to continuous learning and service within the healthcare system.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Most medical schools require at least 5-7 GCSEs at grade 7-9 (A-A*). Most universities require chemistry and biology at A level – minimum grade of A. Then 5-6 years of studying Medicine at University. Then most doctors complete 2 years of foundation training before specialising.
Possible alternative pathways
Can study another degree at university then reapply. There are also courses available with Foundation Years with lower grade thresholds for the purpose of widening participation.
A Level grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Maths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
Degree
Yes, Medicine
Accreditations needed
GMC registration
Courses to do (post-graduate)
Progress to Specialty Training and complete exams for Royal College Membership (Internal Medicine, Surgery, General Practice, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anaesthetics, etc.). Can also complete further diplomas and Masters in areas of interest (e.g. Research, Teaching, Public Health, Leadership and Management) or shorter courses on specific skills (e.g. Ultrasound).
Courses/prep work to do now
Work on your personal statement: Explore medicine (books, videos, etc.), Volunteering, Extra Curricular Activities, and Work Experience. Try to record these as you go and reflect on what you have done. Study hard and achieve 3 As at A Level. Practice interview technique.
Day to day tasks/a day in the life of
Varies immensely depending on stage of training and specialty.
Hours of work
40-48 per week, sometimes can be more depending on on-call rotas but this will be the average. Flexibility increases with seniority.
Free time
Depends on rota. Can be busy when working nights, weekends, and long days.
Self employed/employed
Possibility to work privately when you reach consultant level. GP Partners are also usually self-employed.
Autonomy
You are able to choose what specialty you want to work in after you complete foundation year 1 and 2.
Career progression opportunities
You will naturally progress from foundation training to specialty training.
Respected companies you could work for
As a Doctor, you will most likely work in the NHS. However, a degree in Medicine can open many avenues and give you key skills to work in other fields (e.g. Big Pharma, Medical Law, Consulting, Tech).
Potential future role of AI
AI is being trialled in radiology and histology
Where to learn more about this pathway
YouTube, BMA
Typical Salary with Enhancements
Role
Salary
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
Newly qualified doctor
1 year trainig
£36,000 – £40,000
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
Second foundation year
1 year training
£40,000 – £46,000
Core / Early Specialty Training (CT1–2 / ST1–2)
Early stage of specialty training
2-3 years training
£47,000 – £60,000
Higher Specialty Training (ST3–ST8)
Senior registrar level
4-6 years training
£65,000 – £85,000
GP Specialty Trainee (ST1–3)
GP training pathway
3 years training
£45,000 – £68,000
Consultant (newly appointed)
First consultant post
10–15 years after graduation
£105,000 – £120,000
Consultant (experienced)
10+ years’ consultant experience
£130,000 – £160,000+
General Practitioner (GP)
Qualified GP (salaried or partner)
5–8 years after graduation
£75,000 – £120,000+
Medicine
A career as a doctor requires a long-term commitment to continuous learning and service within the healthcare system.
Area
Detail
Pathway
Most medical schools require at least 5-7 GCSEs at grade 7-9 (A-A*). Most universities require chemistry and biology at A level – minimum grade of A. Then 5-6 years of studying Medicine at University. Then most doctors complete 2 years of foundation training before specialising.
Possible alternative pathways
Can study another degree at university then reapply. There are also courses available with Foundation Years with lower grade thresholds for the purpose of widening participation.
A Level grades necessary
AAA minimum with As in Chemistry and Biology. General Studies, Critical Thinking, or 2 overlapping subjects will not be counted separately (e.g. Maths and Further Maths). You will also need to sit either the UCAT or BMAT in Year 12 during the university application process.
Degree
Yes, Medicine
Accreditations needed
GMC registration
Courses to do (post-graduate)
Progress to Specialty Training and complete exams for Royal College Membership (Internal Medicine, Surgery, General Practice, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anaesthetics, etc.). Can also complete further diplomas and Masters in areas of interest (e.g. Research, Teaching, Public Health, Leadership and Management) or shorter courses on specific skills (e.g. Ultrasound).
Courses/prep work to do now
Work on your personal statement: Explore medicine (books, videos, etc.), Volunteering, Extra Curricular Activities, and Work Experience. Try to record these as you go and reflect on what you have done. Study hard and achieve 3 As at A Level. Practice interview technique.
Day to day tasks/a day in the life of
Varies immensely depending on stage of training and specialty.
Hours of work
40-48 per week, sometimes can be more depending on on-call rotas but this will be the average. Flexibility increases with seniority.
Free time
Depends on rota. Can be busy when working nights, weekends, and long days.
Self employed/employed
Possibility to work privately when you reach consultant level. GP Partners are also usually self-employed.
Autonomy
You are able to choose what specialty you want to work in after you complete foundation year 1 and 2.
Career progression opportunities
You will naturally progress from foundation training to specialty training.
Respected companies you could work for
As a Doctor, you will most likely work in the NHS. However, a degree in Medicine can open many avenues and give you key skills to work in other fields (e.g. Big Pharma, Medical Law, Consulting, Tech).
Potential future role of AI
AI is being trialled in radiology and histology
Where to learn more about this pathway
YouTube, BMA
Typical Salary with Enhancements
Role
Salary
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
Newly qualified doctor
1 year trainig
£36,000 – £40,000
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
Second foundation year
1 year training
£40,000 – £46,000
Core / Early Specialty Training (CT1–2 / ST1–2)
Early stage of specialty training
2-3 years training
£47,000 – £60,000
Higher Specialty Training (ST3–ST8)
Senior registrar level
4-6 years training
£65,000 – £85,000
GP Specialty Trainee (ST1–3)
GP training pathway
3 years training
£45,000 – £68,000
Consultant (newly appointed)
First consultant post
10–15 years after graduation
£105,000 – £120,000
Consultant (experienced)
10+ years’ consultant experience
£130,000 – £160,000+
General Practitioner (GP)
Qualified GP (salaried or partner)
5–8 years after graduation
£75,000 – £120,000+