Subject Choices & School Decisions

Can You Get Into Medicine Without Biology? And Other Common Subject Myths

Can you study medicine without biology? What do law degrees actually require? Debunk the most common subject myths and make smarter, better-informed choices.

Lurnable Editorial · For students, parents · 7 min read

Subject myths — persistent, widely believed misconceptions about what you need to study to access particular careers or degrees — shape millions of students' choices every year. Some of these myths have a grain of truth in them. Others are simply wrong. All of them cause unnecessary anxiety and, in some cases, poor decisions. This article addresses the most common ones directly.

Myth 1: You Cannot Get Into Medicine Without Biology

In the UK, most medical schools require Chemistry and Biology at A-Level. However, a small number of medical schools accept Chemistry and one other science — including Physics or Mathematics — in place of Biology. Students in this situation must be prepared to demonstrate strong scientific ability and to make a compelling case in their personal statement for why their background equips them for medical study. In other countries, particularly the US, undergraduate pre-med students can in theory study any major and take the required science courses separately, meaning Biology as a standalone subject is not always required early.

The more important point: if you genuinely want to study Medicine, check the specific requirements of each medical school you are considering rather than accepting generalisations. Requirements vary between institutions, change over time, and can sometimes be navigated more flexibly than the myth suggests.

Myth 2: Law Degrees Require Law A-Level

This is simply untrue. A-Level Law is not required — or even particularly valued — by most law faculties in the UK. Leading universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and the majority of Russell Group institutions typically prefer traditional academic subjects with a strong analytical and written component: History, English, Languages, Economics, and Mathematics. A-Level Law can be a useful introduction to legal thinking, but it is not a prerequisite and should not be chosen with that intention.

Check university admissions pages directly and recently — requirements change, and direct sources are far more reliable than word of mouth or outdated advice.

Myth 3: You Need Mathematics A-Level to Study Economics

This one depends heavily on where you want to study. Many universities do require or strongly prefer Mathematics for their Economics programmes, particularly at more analytically rigorous institutions. However, a significant number of universities — including some very well-regarded ones — accept Economics students without Mathematics A-Level, particularly if they have demonstrated strong analytical ability through other subjects. If Economics is a genuine ambition, taking Mathematics alongside it is almost always advisable as it keeps the widest range of institutions available. But do not assume it is universally required without checking.

Myth 4: Art and Design A-Level Is Required for Art School

Art and Design A-Level is useful for building a portfolio, but many art school applicants — and successful ones — come from a broader range of A-Level backgrounds. What art schools care about most is the quality of your portfolio and your ability to articulate your creative vision. Students with backgrounds in Photography, History of Art, or even strong academic subjects combined with a rich body of creative practice outside of school have successfully entered top art programmes. The portfolio is almost always more important than the specific A-Level.

Myth 5: Vocational Qualifications Are Inferior to A-Levels

This myth is fading but still causes harm. For many careers and some university programmes, vocational qualifications — BTECs, T-Levels, and similar — are not only accepted but preferred. They develop practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge that A-Levels do not always provide. Employers in healthcare, engineering technology, creative industries, and business frequently value well-regarded vocational qualifications. The key is choosing the right qualification for the right pathway, not assuming one type of qualification is inherently superior.

  • Always check university admissions requirements directly on their website — they update frequently
  • Speak to current students in programmes you are interested in to understand what actually helped them gain entry
  • Look at entry statistics, not just stated requirements — some universities quote preferred subjects, others have hard requirements
  • Research at least three to five institutions in your area of interest before concluding that a particular subject is necessary
  • Use Lurnable.app to access structured pathway information that maps subject combinations to specific degree and career routes

Key Takeaways

  • Most subject myths are generalisations that do not hold for all institutions — always check specific requirements directly
  • Biology is usually required for Medicine, but a small number of medical schools accept alternative science combinations
  • Law A-Level is not required — or particularly valued — by most law faculties at leading UK universities
  • Mathematics is strongly advisable for Economics but not universally required — it depends on the institution
  • Vocational qualifications are not inferior — for the right student and the right pathway, they are often the most direct and valuable route

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to find accurate subject requirement information?

The admissions pages of each university you are considering are the most reliable source. The UCAS website provides general guidance. Speak directly to admissions tutors at open days for clarification on anything ambiguous. Avoid relying on word of mouth from older students or parents, whose information may be outdated.

What should I do if I realise I am missing a required subject for my preferred course?

Explore all options: some universities offer foundation year programmes for students with non-standard backgrounds. Online A-Levels can sometimes be added. Some pathways have alternative entry routes through professional qualifications or related degrees with a transfer option. The sooner you identify the gap, the more options remain available.

Are IB subject requirements different from A-Level requirements at university?

Generally, universities apply requirements to IB Higher Level subjects in a similar way to A-Levels. A chemistry requirement for Medicine, for example, typically means HL Chemistry in the IB. Standard Level subjects may or may not count depending on the institution. Always check IB-specific requirements separately.

Do apprenticeship programmes have subject requirements?

This varies considerably. Some degree apprenticeships have similar requirements to university programmes in the same field. Others focus more on aptitude, work experience, and interview performance than specific subject combinations. Research the specific apprenticeship programmes you are interested in individually.

Can taking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) substitute for a missing subject?

In some cases, yes. A number of universities accept strong EPQ results as evidence of academic ability in areas not covered by A-Level choices. If you have a specific university in mind, contact their admissions office to find out whether an EPQ in a relevant area would be considered.