A-Level and academic profile
Hertfordshire requires AAA offer including chemistry or biology, completed in one sitting across a maximum of two years. Applicants encouraged to consider arts/humanities for their 3rd A-level. GCSEs: minimum 5 subjects at grade 6 including English, maths, biology, chemistry and physics (or dual award).. Worcester Medical School requires BBB including Chemistry and Biology. Hertfordshire is the stricter A-Level offer; Worcester Medical School is slightly more forgiving. If your predicted grades are borderline, Worcester Medical School carries the lower academic-rejection risk pre-interview. GCSE profile matters at both schools — Hertfordshire: Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science. Worcester Medical School: Min 5 GCSEs at grade 6 including Maths, English Language, dual-award Science.
Interview formats
Both Hertfordshire and Worcester Medical School use MMI interviews, so the underlying prep approach is the same — practise ethics frameworks, NHS hot-topic answers and (for MMI) structured station responses against a timer. Interview windows: Hertfordshire interviews in December - March; Worcester Medical School in January - March.
Curriculum and teaching style
Both schools deliver a PBL-style curriculum, so day-to-day study habits will feel similar across years 1-3. Specifics: Five-year MBChB. Hertfordshire-based with East-of-England NHS placements. Five-year MBChB. Worcester-based with West Midlands NHS placements (Worcestershire Acute Hospitals). Intake size: Hertfordshire — ~50-100 places per year (newer cohort).; Worcester Medical School — ~30-50 places per year (small newer cohort).. A larger cohort means more peer breadth; a smaller cohort means more tutor contact.
What makes each distinctive
Hertfordshire: For international students only and new this year - can apply directly in addition to your 4 UCAS medical choices, so no harm in giving it a try. New medical school actively seeking links with international applicants. Worcester Medical School: Partnership with Swansea University Medical School (provides degree accreditation while Worcester completes GMC accreditation). Emphasis on community-based learning and serving local populations in the West Midlands.