Routes into medicine

Medicine & healthcare routes

Routes into medicine FAQs

Straight answers on becoming a doctor, NHS apprenticeships and entry requirements.

What are the routes into medicine?

There are three main UK routes: a traditional 5–6 year medical degree (MBBS / MBChB) at a UK medical school, the new medical doctor degree apprenticeship (a Level 7 NHS-employed route starting from 2025/26), and graduate-entry medicine for those who already hold a relevant degree.

Can you become a doctor without going to medical school full-time?

Yes, the medical doctor degree apprenticeship is the first route in England that lets you train as a doctor while employed and paid by the NHS, with no tuition fees. You still earn a full MBBS-equivalent qualification and become a registered doctor at the end.

What healthcare apprenticeships are available in the NHS?

The NHS offers apprenticeships in nursing (Level 6), nursing associate (Level 5), paramedic science (Level 6), midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, healthcare science, pharmacy, dental, and a wide range of healthcare support worker roles. All are paid and tuition-free.

What A levels do I need for medicine?

Most UK medical schools and the medical doctor apprenticeship require A levels in chemistry and biology (often plus a third academic subject), typically at AAA. You'll usually also need to sit the UCAT and pass an MMI-style interview.

How much do UK doctors and NHS apprentices earn?

Foundation doctors (FY1) in England start at around £36,000. Specialty doctors and consultants earn substantially more (£60,000–£120,000+). NHS nursing and allied-health apprentices typically earn between £22,000 and £30,000 during training.

How long does it take to become a doctor in the UK?

Plan on 5–6 years of medical school (or the medical doctor degree apprenticeship, which runs over a similar period), followed by two foundation years before you pick a specialty. Graduate-entry medicine compresses the degree to four years for students who already hold a relevant first degree.

When should I apply for medicine?

UCAS applications for medicine close in mid-October of Year 13, almost a year before you start, earlier than any other subject. Medical doctor degree apprenticeship vacancies are advertised by individual NHS trusts, typically between autumn and spring, and you apply directly to the trust.

Do I need work experience to get into medicine?

Yes. Medical schools and apprenticeship schemes expect evidence you understand what healthcare work is like. Care home or hospice volunteering, hospital shadowing, St John Ambulance, or a part-time healthcare support worker job all count, what you reflect on and learn matters more than the prestige of the placement.

Can I get into medicine with a T Level?

Be careful here. The Health T Level gives excellent clinical placement experience and works well for nursing, allied health and healthcare science routes, including degree apprenticeships. But most medical schools still require A level chemistry and biology, and many do not accept a T Level for medicine. If medicine is your firm goal, take A levels; if you are open to the wider healthcare field, a Health T Level is a strong choice.