08 April 2026
Anglia Ruskin University to accept T Levels for Medicine
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has become the first UK university to accept T Levels for entry on to their undergraduate Medicine degree. The first cohort of T Level students will start in 2026. ARU is working with the medical school sector and the government to advocate for the wider adoption of T Levels in admissions practices.
Entry requirements
ARU accept students from T Levels in Health or Healthcare Science, taken within five academic years prior to the time of application (from 2027 entry, this will reduce to three years). Students are required to obtain a Distinction (with a minimum grade A in the core component and a minimum Merit in the occupational specialism). All occupational specialisms are accepted, apart from Dental Therapy.
ARU regard the experience gained from both the occupational specialism and the industry placement as excellent preparation for Medicine and as such do not require any specific, additional work experience. Industry placements undertaken in clinical settings can be a good way for applicants to gain an understanding of the healthcare sector and to demonstrate certain characteristics such as empathy.
Widening Participation
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for ARU’s ‘Widening Access to Medicine Scheme (WAMS)’ will be offered a grade reduction (Merit, with minimum grade B in the core component and Merit in the specialism). Candidates will also receive a 5% uplift to the UCAT score. NB: Graduate, Internal Transfer and Access students are not eligible for this scheme.
The Widening Participation scheme also offers:
Reasons for championing T Levels
Simon Cork, Admissions Lead for the ARU Medical School believes that T Level students ‘bring a wealth of experience and skills to the healthcare sector which could make them really good medical students and future doctors.’ With increasing competition for the ‘best’ applicants to medicine, Simon believes that T Levels provide an untapped source of around 7000 students, who up to now have not had a direct pathway into medicine.
As the Admission Lead, Simon has presented to the Medical Schools Council sub-group on T Levels and why ARU are accepting them and why he believes other medical schools should follow. Whilst some universities are willing to consider T Levels, a lack of understanding of the qualification amongst some, and a reluctance to accept an untested group of students form part of the reason why some medical schools do not currently accept T Levels. However, alongside work being done by ARU, the Department for Education (DfE) also hosts a working group to encourage universities to consider T Levels and to be explicit in their entry requirements and admissions policies.
Raising awareness amongst teachers and the careers profession
A challenge for a small team such as the Medical School admissions team at ARU is to reach teachers and careers advisers to inform them of their admissions policy on T Levels. To support this, the Career Development Institute’s Technical Education Programme is providing updates to their networks, informing them of this trailblazer Medical School’s acceptance of T Levels. Kim Newman, Technical Education Manager at the Career Development Institute (CDI) delivers webinars and training and creates resources for the careers profession on technical education pathways. A Technical Education Resource Hub has been developed as a ‘one stop shop’ on T levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and qualifications reform. For more information on the Technical Education Programme, contact [email protected]
Read more on ARU's course and entry requirements for their Medical School or contact [email protected] for more information.
Entry requirements
ARU accept students from T Levels in Health or Healthcare Science, taken within five academic years prior to the time of application (from 2027 entry, this will reduce to three years). Students are required to obtain a Distinction (with a minimum grade A in the core component and a minimum Merit in the occupational specialism). All occupational specialisms are accepted, apart from Dental Therapy.
ARU regard the experience gained from both the occupational specialism and the industry placement as excellent preparation for Medicine and as such do not require any specific, additional work experience. Industry placements undertaken in clinical settings can be a good way for applicants to gain an understanding of the healthcare sector and to demonstrate certain characteristics such as empathy.
Widening Participation
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for ARU’s ‘Widening Access to Medicine Scheme (WAMS)’ will be offered a grade reduction (Merit, with minimum grade B in the core component and Merit in the specialism). Candidates will also receive a 5% uplift to the UCAT score. NB: Graduate, Internal Transfer and Access students are not eligible for this scheme.
The Widening Participation scheme also offers:
- A guaranteed interview, regardless of UCAT score, to students who meet specific criteria.
- A ‘Gateway’ year for students who don’t meet the standard entry requirements.
- A free residential summer school for students who meet the Widening Participation criteria.
Reasons for championing T Levels
Simon Cork, Admissions Lead for the ARU Medical School believes that T Level students ‘bring a wealth of experience and skills to the healthcare sector which could make them really good medical students and future doctors.’ With increasing competition for the ‘best’ applicants to medicine, Simon believes that T Levels provide an untapped source of around 7000 students, who up to now have not had a direct pathway into medicine.
As the Admission Lead, Simon has presented to the Medical Schools Council sub-group on T Levels and why ARU are accepting them and why he believes other medical schools should follow. Whilst some universities are willing to consider T Levels, a lack of understanding of the qualification amongst some, and a reluctance to accept an untested group of students form part of the reason why some medical schools do not currently accept T Levels. However, alongside work being done by ARU, the Department for Education (DfE) also hosts a working group to encourage universities to consider T Levels and to be explicit in their entry requirements and admissions policies.
Raising awareness amongst teachers and the careers profession
A challenge for a small team such as the Medical School admissions team at ARU is to reach teachers and careers advisers to inform them of their admissions policy on T Levels. To support this, the Career Development Institute’s Technical Education Programme is providing updates to their networks, informing them of this trailblazer Medical School’s acceptance of T Levels. Kim Newman, Technical Education Manager at the Career Development Institute (CDI) delivers webinars and training and creates resources for the careers profession on technical education pathways. A Technical Education Resource Hub has been developed as a ‘one stop shop’ on T levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and qualifications reform. For more information on the Technical Education Programme, contact [email protected]
Read more on ARU's course and entry requirements for their Medical School or contact [email protected] for more information.
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