Didn’t Do a Medical Degree? You Can Still Become a Doctor — Here’s How

Posted on by Kirsty Thornton

A medical student wearing a face mask and gloves checks another student’s blood pressure in a clinical skills teaching room.

Kirsty Thornton is a Careers Consultant with over 15 years’ experience supporting students from all disciplines to discover their strengths, explore opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.

With a background in recruitment, she has helped many Lancaster University students successfully navigate competitive application processes, including Graduate Entry Medicine.

As the deadline for current applicants approaches, read on to find out how you can start preparing now for a future career in medicine- with the next cycle opening in October 2026.

For some people, becoming a doctor is a lifelong ambition that shapes every step of their education, ultimately leading to an undergraduate medical degree. For others, the passion for healthcare, or the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, emerges later. What many students don’t realise is that becoming a doctor is still very much within reach, regardless of your degree subject.

What Skills Do I Need?

If you think about the care you’ve received or witnessed in the past, you’ll know that the qualities that make an excellent doctor go far beyond academic ability and scientific knowledge.

These include:

  • A caring and empathetic nature
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
  • A natural aptitude for problem-solving
  • Integrity and honesty
  • A commitment to continuous learning
  • Strong personal ethics and values

If you recognise these traits in yourself, medicine could be a career worth considering, even if it wasn't part of your original plan.

How Can I Make It Happen?

Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is a four-year accelerated medical degree designed for graduates who already hold an undergraduate qualification. Many GEM providers welcome, and even encourage, applications from students with non-science backgrounds. Some don’t require specific A Level or GCSE subjects at all, making medicine a much more accessible career than many assume.

What Are Universities Looking For?

Each university sets its own entry requirements, but most GEM programmes typically ask for:

  • A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or a 2:2 with an additional postgraduate qualification)
  • Completion of a medical school admissions test (UCAT or GAMSAT)
  • A compelling personal statement and strong interview performance
  • Experience in a caring or healthcare-related setting (e.g., volunteering, shadowing, part-time work), with the ability to reflect on what you’ve learned

While competition is strong, Lancaster University’s Careers Service is here to support you every step of the way if you're considering GEM.

How Much Does It Cost?

The good news is — it might be more affordable than you think.

In England, GEM courses are partially funded by the NHS. You’ll usually fund your first year with a standard tuition fee loan. From year two onwards, the NHS covers the majority of tuition fees. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan and an NHS bursary.

Additional support may be available through scholarships, university bursaries, or charitable trusts. Some universities offer specific financial schemes for widening participation or underrepresented students.

Please note: Funding arrangements differ for international students, who are generally required to pay international fees.

What Should I Do Now?

Start by exploring which universities offer GEM and review their entry criteria. For 2026 entry, the following universities accept applications from any degree discipline:

Cambridge, Chester, City St George’s, East Anglia, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen Mary London, Southampton, St Andrews, Surrey, Swansea, Ulster, Warwick, and Worcester.

Next, familiarise yourself with the application process and key deadlines. You’ll apply through UCAS by 15th October in the year before you intend to start. Some universities may require additional forms or have specific test deadlines, so check carefully.

Try to gain some relevant experience — not only to confirm your interest in the profession, but also to strengthen your application. Universities vary in how much work experience they expect, so be sure to check each provider’s requirements.

Finally, book a Career Guidance appointment with the Careers Service. Whether you are still figuring things out or ready to apply, it is never too early or too late to speak with us, and if you decide that medicine isn’t for you, we can help you to explore other career options!

So, What Are You Waiting For?

By reading this article, you're already one step closer to becoming a doctor 😊

Related Blogs

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.

Back to blog listing