• Question: what qualifications do you need to become a doctor?

    Asked by 332cars36 to Amy, Anthony, Craig, Graham, Ian, Jennifer, Joanna, Krishnaa, Nicola, Sam on 18 Oct 2017.
    • Photo: Anthony Caravaggi

      Anthony Caravaggi answered on 18 Oct 2017:

      Good question. If you wanted to become a doctor in the biological sciences (study for a PhD) then you generally need at least five high-scoring GCSEs, including English, science and maths. You also usually need a A levels in biology and another academic subject. It’s a good idea to contact Universities and colleges to see what their entry requirements are.

      If you’re talking about getting a medical degree (to be a medical doctor), then hopefully one of my colleagues will be able to help you.

    • Photo: Graham Wiggins

      Graham Wiggins answered on 18 Oct 2017:

      Hi,
      That’s a difficult question to answer…so I will begin by asking…
      “what do you mean by Doctor ?”
      do you mean a medical Doctor, who makes people better,
      or.
      someone like..a Doctor of Physics ? ….

      either way, you need to do well at GCSE level, and also at A-level. Then it’s off to Uni, taking care to pick the most suitable Uni, as some specialize in certain subjects.
      Next up, is some form of workplace learning, ( eg medical school, or working for a Uni on a research project ) a degree, then doctorate….
      or…
      there is a different way…
      you can Creep up on a Doctorate qualification by distance learning,from A-level(ish) standard, you sign up at a Uni many miles away, and study from home, using internet to send/receive work etc. Takes longer…. if you really want to do it, it can be a good way, as you can fit the study around work / Life, you usually pay on a “pay-as-you-learn”, module by module, making it MUCH more affordable

Comments

  • Photo: Jonathan

    Jonathan commented on :

    I’m assuming you mean a medical doctor.

    It’s one of the longest training courses with one of the most rigorous registration systems. And one of the most competitive at University entrance, It’s very important to understand the system as early as possible.

    What stage are you at and do you have a Careers counsellor or similar?

    Jonathan