How to become
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
You can follow a medical doctor route or clinical scientist route to become a pathologist.
Medical doctor route
To become a pathologist through the medical doctor route, you'll need to complete:
- a 5-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council
- a 2-year foundation course of general training
- core training that prepares you for later specialisation, lasting 2 years
- a specialist training programme in pathology which can take between 5 and 6 years
If you already have a first class or 2:1 (upper second class) science degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. Some universities may also accept non-science graduates, but you'll need to start by doing a foundation year.
Entry tests
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
It tests for the skills you'll need on the course, such as:
- critical thinking
- problem solving
- data analysis
- decision making
Work experience
Medical schools will expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.
Clinical scientist route
To become a pathologist through the clinical scientist route, you'll need to complete:
- a degree or postgraduate master's award in a science subject like biology, chemistry, clinical science or biomedical science, which takes 3 to 4 years
- the Scientist Training Programme, which is work based, takes 3 years and leads to a master's degree
- the pathology speciality of the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme, which takes 5 years
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
More Information
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the General Medical Council
Career tips
Pathology is a broad term that covers several specialisms, for example:
- virology
- haematology
- veterinary pathology
- immunology
- forensic pathology
You can choose your pathology specialism during the later stages of your training.
To become a veterinary pathologist, you'll first need to train as a vet.
Further information
You can find out more about a career in pathology from the Royal College of Pathologists and Health Careers.