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TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Veterinary Medicine

First and foremost, welcome to the wiki!

With only seven universities in the UK offering the course (see below for names), and only an estimated 850 places up for grabs Veterinary Medicine is a competitive course, and we all need all the help we can get!

So what does the wiki include?

• Your Application – Important components to any application and a small section about each one. Grades, Work-exp, extra-curriculars. Plus info on extras including VetSim courses.
• The Universities – brief guides to each one
• The Application Process (Ucas: a quick guide, the PS and fifth choices; admissions policies; interviews; offers; deadlines)
• What to do if you’re unsuccessful (other routes, things to do in gap years, what the uni’s look for from gap years) (Also includes better notes on Post-grad entry)(Information on resitting grades)
• Other Routes and Deferred Entry

Your Application

So we all know what constitutes a supposedly “perfect” vet med application; good grades, a range of work experience and evidence of extra-curricular activities. While the demands of each university vary slightly, these are the first things you need to consider when putting in your application.

Academia

Grades

The general offer for a place on the D100 is AAA, though it can be higher depending on the university and the individual applicant. Most universities demand that you take Biology and Chemistry at A2 – and then leave the third choice to you. There are a few, though, that also demand Maths or Physics in addition to those two. Some universities also stipulate that certain subjects must be passed at an A within that AAB offer.

Obviously, for the majority of applications, you won’t have your grades in hand yet. So to judge you academically the universities will be looking for you to have predicted A2 grades of the same standard mentioned above – so make sure you work hard in your AS’s – not only do they contribute half of your final A2 grade, but they will be the basis of your A2 predictions.

Taking a 4th A2

Some people will wonder whether taking a fourth A2 subject will increase their chances of a successful application. While this shows good academic ability it is important to remember that the universities only require three A Levels and often state that a fourth A Level will not be used as a deciding factor in any application. It is also worthwhile thinking about the effect the extra pressure would have on your other subjects. If you feel continuing a fourth A-Level may prevent you from doing as superbly in your other subjects don’t even consider it.

GCSEs

Often the universities also demand a few minimum grades at GCSE. For most universities it is asked that GCSE Science, English and Maths are passed at a B. Again, though, requirements vary from university to university.

Extended Qualification or Maths Challenge

Some people ask whether the Extended Qualification or Maths Challenges and the like are really necessary in their D100 application. While these sorts of things aren’t demanded, they do show academic ability – and every little helps. HOWEVER if you don’t have them, you certainly don’t need to stress. It won’t put you at any disadvantage, and many people get offers without them.

BMAT

The only important academic extra required is the BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) [1]. This is a short exam, comprised of a problem-solving section, a section testing your maths/science abilities, and an essay in which you examine one of three essay titles (all usually with a scientific/medical slant). The results of this exam are only used by the Royal Veterinary College and Cambridge, however, so unless you are applying to these institutions you do not need to sit it. See the link above, or the TSR BMAT Wiki for more information regarding the BMAT.

Entrance Requirements 2014

As of 2014 entry, the academic criteria for the universities are as follows. For up to date information and requirements for qualifications other than A Levels, please check the individual websites or prospectuses.

Bristol AAA in Biology, Chemistry and a third academic subject. At GCSE level, six A grades would normally be expected including Mathematics if Mathematics or Physics not offered at A or AS-level.

Cambridge A*AA in two science or maths subjects, and a third at AS Level. Some colleges require three science subjects to A2 level. A or AS Level passes in three of Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Physics, with one required to be Chemistry. GCSE A/B/C in Double Science (or Biology and Physics) and Maths. Candidates are required to take the BMAT.

Edinburgh AAA in Chemistry, Biology and a third approved subject (see website for list of approved subjects). A "good pass" at GCSE Physics is required if not offered at A Level. Resitters and deferred entry not considered.

Glasgow A*AA including Chemistry and Biology and a third subject which is preferably a science subject. Art, Drama, General Studies, Home Economics, Music or PE are not accepted as third subjects. English GCSE at Grade A or B is required.

Liverpool AAAb in Biology, a science related subject and third academic subject. Chemistry must be offered to at least B at AS Level. GCSE B grades required in Maths, English and Physics or double science. Resitters must have AAA.

Nottingham AAB with Grade A in Biology and Chemistry. 5As at GCSE including 3 Sciences or Double Science. Grade B in Maths and English Language. Grade A at AS Physics can compensate for a B at GCSE Physics.

RVC AAA preferred, Grade A in Biology and Chemistry required. Third academic subject, preferably at grade A. Resitters must have AAA. At GCSE, 5 As including AA in Double Science or Biology and Chemistry. English Language, Maths and Physics at Grade A or B. All applicants must take the BMAT.

Surrey AAB A-level grades, including Chemistry and Biology at grade A. 5 As at GCSE including Chemistry, Biology and Physics (or Double Science). Mathematics and English Language are also required at a minimum of grade B.

Resitter is used to describe people resitting modules outside of the usual two years taken for A Level study.

Links to the Vet Faculty websites of all the universities are available at the bottom of the page.

Work Experience

Main Work Experience Wiki Page

Why do we have to do work experience?

‘Cause it gives you a better insight into what the career entails, so that when you make an application you are sure the career is one for you. It also means that admissions tutors know you have an actual idea of the profession and you have not simply been deluded by television shows and/or literature.

What it involves

It can be a lot of work - often involves a shifting whole pile of poo, getting up before the sun has even thought about it, "putting the kettle on" and other general recognised slavery tasks without a penny in return...

But while you're stood there with your mop, cleaning up after Snuggles the dog who has lost control of his bladder again, there is a lot you can learn just by watching - and that is one of the most beautiful things about work exp. You can watch how the vet copes with aggressive dogs; watch how animals are restrained; look out for routines they repeat and then ask if you can help once you’ve got it. Ask endless questions- you’ll be sick of the sound of your own voice and may think that the question sounds dumb, but it never is, and if you don’t know the answer now you’ll feel even more stupid if you don’t know it when asked later on by an interviewer/ lecturer or, many years down the line, by a client!

University Requirements

Again every university has its own requirements regarding work experience, and its worth checking out each individual website to ensure you tick all their boxes (see the links at the bottom of the page).

When people ask how much work experience should be given out, the general amount we all advise to be done is the minimum required by Liverpool University – simply because if you meet Liverpool’s work exp standards, you’ll meet the standards of all the other universities too.

For ease I’ll spoon-feed you Liverpool’s requirements:

• Ten weeks total work experience (a “week” is defined by the uni as one working week, so can range from five days to the full seven, depending on the working pattern at the establishment you are attending)

Of these ten weeks you must have:

• Four weeks Veterinary Work Experience – two weeks large animal and two weeks small animal (preferably made up of at least two different practices)
• Six weeks Animal Husbandry Work Experience (placements that are advised include: Farms, particularly dairy farms; Kennels/Catteries; and Riding Schools/Livery Yards. It is often suggested that candidates should also try and undertake some lambing work.)
• Other placements such as zoo placements or a day in an abattoir/research (this is pretty much just the cherry on the work experience cake - get all the other vital placements done before you even consider these)

I must stress here though, that while the above suggestions make up the minimum amount of work experience you should have done for your application to be considered, many candidates will have done a whole lot more.

It is not unusual for candidates to have one or even two placements, in either category stated above, which they have been attending on a regular basis for a year or more. Bear this in mind. Universities will certainly not reject you if you haven’t had placements of this sort of duration, but attending an establishment for that length of time does show dedication to the career and will leave you with far more of an insight than a placement that lasts only a week.

The most important thing to consider when arranging work experience placements though, is that you have a good range. Variety is key.

What to get from it

Make sure you actually learn from your placements. It is not enough to simply attend them. Are you acquiring practical skills that will be useful as a vet? Are you learning more about profession itself? These are the sorts of questions you need to ask yourself.

Some people like to keep case-books of their work experience files, so they can see exactly what they did at the time, and mull over what they’ve learnt at a later date. This is not a necessity, but I will not dispute its usefulness.

Do Planned Work Experience Placements Count?

We often get asked whether universities will include work experience that is only in the pipeline at the time of application. The answer we generally give is that while universities will recognise that you have work experience planned as far as we know they only really take into account work experience that has already been done when considering whether or not you meet their minimum requirements. The main reason for this is that you have not yet learnt anything from the placement, so it doesn’t really strengthen your application – and you can’t really talk about it at interview.

Don’t let this put you off planning work experience that will be done following submission of your application – especially if the placement is just a fun extra like zoo work. Just be aware that is much safer to get as much done as possible before deadline day, especially if it is one of the core work exp placements (e.g. dairy farming).

Finding Placements

If you are currently contemplating suicide because the placement is 40 miles away, you don’t drive and the bus only leaves at 8 pm on a Sunday, or perhaps because you have just received back the umpteenth letter describing how there are ‘no placements available’, ‘no insurance for volunteers’ or simply ‘no animals’ at the places you wish to do work experience, then don’t worry- everyone goes through this (its often a load of bull to weed out the people that aren’t really interested).

Finding them:

• Yellow pages
• Your eyes (obvious but you often miss farms/ practices if your not looking for them)
• The internet
• Word of mouth (you’ll be amazed at how many people your local farmer knows- one placement will soon lead to another)

Contacting them:

• Write in- some people swear by this, its formal and will create a good impression, however its slow- you often wait weeks for replies and it doesn’t really spur them into giving you a placement
• Ring them up- Its often better to take a more forceful approach than writing- this way gives you an instant reply, if they decline its worth asking to speak to the vet/owner, if they take down your number its unlikely they will ring you back- so that bits up to you to keep pestering them until they get the message that you are serious!
• Email- if you don’t like using the phone, emailing is much quicker than writing
• Drop in- go in and speak to them in person- they get to meet you, see that you are serious and will work hard and its often harder to say no in person.
• Get introduced- if the placement is a friend of a friend, ask them to introduce you- people are more likely to help out a friendly face. If you have animals, go along on vet visits and mention it to the vet when you meet them (especially useful with horse vets if your lucky enough to own one of those 4 legged critters). If you have a farm placement ask the farmer if they can introduce you to their vet… you get the idea.

Keep on persisting (unless its due to insurance reasons- then they really can’t take you and you’re likely to just piss them off) one vet once said to me that they just bin letters because its usually some lazy toad from high school who doesn’t know what else to do with their work experience week- prove that you aren’t that toad!

Getting there: Sometimes these places won’t be easy to reach- a lot of people don’t live near to farms etc but you have to put yourself out- its unfortunate but the uni’s wouldn’t accept ‘I couldn’t get there’ as an excuse for your pitiful amount of work experience. Remember again, this is competitive and its hard work, put in the effort and you’ll get there!

• Public transport- it might mean stupidly early mornings but it has to be done- other people will do it
• Parents- some parents will be willing to give you a lift if you’re lucky
• Drive- if you get the chance, learn to drive and get a car, it will make life MILES easier!
• Live in- if you have to travel a considerable distance ask if they would be able to put you up- people can be very accommodating when they hear your predicament and you may be lucky enough to get a room for free onsite
• Cycle- if there’s no public transport then it may mean some early mornings and a long hike- if you want it badly enough you’ll do it, plus you’ll have bulging calves when your done!!
• Plead your arse off- the uni’s don’t often fall for sob stories but if you are seriously struggling to get a certain placement say so on your personal statement/ at interview, explain that you have exhausted all possibilities and just can’t get there- if its truly impossible they may give you brownie points for trying…

What to wear:

Use your common sense- don’t wear your best mini skirt and Gucci hat!

• For a farm you’ll need wellies (steel toe caps are useful and save a great deal of pain), and some old clothes. If you have a boilersuit or waterproof trousers it may be an idea to drag those along too.
• Vets usually like you to dress smart/casual but again don’t wear your best suit or anything, you will get blood/poo/moggy fur on you so be warned.
• Stables- if your horsey throw on your jodhpurs, stable boots etc, if not wellies/walking boots/possibly trainers and old clothes will do!
• Kennels- walking boots/trainers and old clothes

Ring up and ask if you’re not sure- they’ll be glad your showing enthusiasm!

References

Finally we approach the subject of references. Its not essential to get them from every placement, but it certainly won’t hurt to do so - some universities require submission of references along with your personal statement, others don't require them at all, but treat them as a bonus.

Ask for someone at your placement to write one a couple of days before you’re due to finish, so that you can collect it on the last day. This way you'll be fresh in their minds and they'll be in a position to write as much as possible about you.

But what are these references supposed to say? Generally they're a quick note about the work you undertook whilst attending the placement. Often the referee will also make some mention of the good qualities they see in you.

They may talk about your:

• Time keeping
• Appearance
• Confidence/ ability around animals
• Confidence/ ability with people
• Dedication
• Commitment
• Use of initiative
• Attitude
• Personality
• Whether or not you’ll make a good vet

There is no set length for a reference. They can be a sentence or two, or as long as your arm. It all depends on the person writing it! If you haven’t got any references it might be worth going back to the places that you worked at. Pray that you made a good enough impression on them to make you be remembered. If you're still struggling then do remember that other people have gone without them and still got offers so its not the end of the world!

Extra-Curriculars

The universities like applicants to show evidence of extra-curricular activities in their applications. It is widely accepted that there should even be a paragraph in your personal statement devoted to them (for more on the Personal Statement scroll to the Application Process section below or check out the wiki).

The reason behind this love for extra-curriculars is threefold:

• It indicates you are a well-rounded applicant, with interests beyond studying.
• Many extra-curricular activities demonstrate that you have skills/qualities that the universities are looking for in potential vets.
• The Veterinary profession is a stressful one, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to escape into another pass-time. The universities like to see that you have already developed hobbies of your own to do this with.

There is no particular extra-curricular activity that is particularly desired by the universities, nor is there one that will put you at any disadvantage. It is usually best, however, to have a mix of team-playing and solitary activities so that the universities know you are not some self-absorbed loner or, equally, someone who cannot function independently.

Examples of activities that have been included in Personal Statements and the sorts of desirable qualities they demonstrate are:

• House-Captain; Position of responsibility/leadership.
• Football Team; Able to work as part of a team.
• Grade… at whichever instrument; Dedication and self-motivation.
• Debating Club; Good communication skills.

You get the gist.

The Extras

So what else is there that you could throw into your application mix to improve it? Not much really!

Some people ask whether attending courses/conferences will boost the chances of their application. In a word, no. Some people can afford to attend these courses and some can’t; it’d be unfair, therefore, if the universities were biased towards those that did attend.

The only purpose of these courses is to offer a little more information about the career itself, a little more about the application process – and in the case of university-specific programmes like VetCam – and a little more about the universities. Your attending the courses might increase your knowledge and be useful in that respect, but simply stating that you’ve attended such a conference will not improve your application in the slightest.

(For more Information on the various courses available, see the links at the bottom of the page, or check out the wiki)

UCAS Form

Personal Statement

What to put in your personal statement

Completing all this work experience is useless if you can’t talk it up into a frenzy in your PS. This is where that diary comes in (if you didn’t keep one then try and remember what you did- use the internet to find out what goes on in your average dairy farm, stables, vet practice etc). Make sure the unis know how many places you went to, and what you got from them! If you had to travel 84 miles on camelback just to get there- say so (…if your parents ferried you there it might be an idea to omit that bit!) Anything that will show your good side- scribble down, you have to sell yourself and don’t have much time to do it!

Some people say to write down the time spent at each placement. This can help but as the space is limited and some unis ask for this separately it isn’t overly essential, just noting down the time spent at your longest placements might be an idea.

Try and describe what you learnt from your placements- it’s a good alternative to just listing them; just as a thought- you could say what qualities you used whilst there, how it made you feel, what it taught you about the career, what it made you realise, what you learnt etc. Personal statements are a whole other kettle of fish- try and be original with them- they’re a bastard for space- you have to fit your life onto a page and make it witty, eye catching and interesting; good luck with that…

Also if you want to buy extra time you are able to put down what you have planned to do as well. As long as it's truthful and booked for before any potential interviews arise (that way you can talk about them at interview; despite the fact that I'd said I was yet to do my abbattoir placement in my personal statement, my Bristol interviewer still questioned me about it, relentlessly, for 10 minutes, before finally getting the message that I hadn't lied, I was just simply saving it for later) then it's a schneaky way of cadging an extra few months. Write something like 'I have booked so long at such and such a farm'- and it will be counted!

My personal statement is too long, help!

Interviews

Course Structure

Bristol

The majority of teaching during the first three years of study is held in Bristol, although during this period you will spend one day a week at the Clinical Veterinary School at Langford. Pre-clinical teaching in Bristol takes place in the School of Veterinary Science, the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences. The aim of pre-clinical study is to provide a firm basic knowledge of the normal structure and function of the animal body. Following from this you will undertake studies of disease and its treatment. Throughout this period you will also study animal management, production and husbandry, with the emphasis being placed on how these contribute to the health and welfare of animals.

The last two clinical years of the programme are undertaken in the Departments of Clinical Veterinary Science and Pathology and Microbiology at the Clinical Veterinary School at Langford, which is situated in the Mendip Hills, some 13 miles south west of Bristol.

Throughout the programme, it is a requirement of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that you undertake 12 weeks of extramural practical experience with animals; these placements are carried out on farms and other units such as stables during the vacations of the first two years of study. A further 26 weeks of clinical extramural study is undertaken during the vacations of the last three years of the programme For the most part, the clinical study comprises placements in veterinary practice, but includes diagnostic laboratory work with the Veterinary Laboratory Agency and attendance at a meat hygiene course.

Cambridge

Preclinical course

The first three years - the scientific basis of Veterinary Medicine. Subjects in the first two years concentrate on the biological sciences that underlie the practice of veterinary medicine.

Year 1
Homeostasis - the study of physiological systems
Molecules in Medical Science - biochemistry and molecular biology
Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology - functional anatomy of organs and tissues of domestic animals
Farm Animal Husbandry
Preparing for the Veterinary Profession A

Year 2
Biology of Disease - the nature and mechanisms of disease processes
Veterinary Reproductive Biology
Neurobiology with Animal Behaviour
Mechanisms of Drug Action - pharmacology; describing the specific effects of drugs
Special Option; Comparative Vertebrate Biology plus a choice from several specialised courses offered in Pathology, Psychology, Physiology, and other disciplines
Preparing for the Veterinary Profession B

Year 3
All Cambridge veterinary students (apart from the affiliate students) receive an intercalated degree and can select from a very wide variety of choices ranging from a single science subject (e.g Pathology, Zoology, Molecular Pharmacology) or group of subjects from the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos or Natural Sciences Tripos or other Tripos. The Cambridge system means that the BA is converted to a masters degree (MA) about three years after it is awarded.

For Further information regarding the Pre-Clinical Course visit the Faculty of Biology pages

Clinical course

Years 4 to 6 - science into practice. In the autumn after the Part II examinations and graduation with the BA degree, all veterinary students commence their clinical studies at the Veterinary School, Madingley Road. The three-year clinical course is made up of lectures and extensive small group, hands-on, teaching (typically in groups of 8) termed 'rotations'. The Veterinary School is generously equipped with computer-aided learning and research facilities to support these activities.

Years 4 and 5
During the fourth and fifth years your studies include Microbiology, Pathology, Medicine and Surgery. These courses are arranged into 18 units and these make up the final VetMB (Part I). Students are then tested on their ability to integrate the concepts and information across the 18 units in the Final VetMB (Part II) exam which is taken in the Easter Term of the fifth year.

Year 6
The sixth year is practically orientated, and continuously assessed. The focus is on rotation group teaching in Medicine, Reproduction and Surgery of farm and small animals and horses. During the final year, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical cases so that you will be taught the practical skills which will enable you to become an effective veterinarian. Clinical cases coming into the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital provide many opportunities for you to develop those skills under expert supervision.

Students graduate with the VetMB at the end of the Summer Term when you will be invited to attend a ceremony held at the Veterinary School, and you will be admitted to membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a fully qualified member of the veterinary profession.

Edinburgh

Programme details

Year 1
First year courses are Cells, Tissues and Development, Body Systems 1 (Integrated Anatomy and Physiology), and Animal Husbandry, gaining an understanding of the structure and function of the animal body, animal management and husbandry practices.

Year 2
Second year courses are Body Systems 2 (Integrated Physiology, Anatomy and Metabolism) and Animal Husbandry (including Nutrition). You will also study Infection and Immunity, providing the basics for the study of disease in the following years.

Year 3
Third year courses are Veterinary Pathology, Clinical Foundation Course and The Dog and Cat Integrated Clinical Course. General principles of disease, pharmacology and clinical techniques are followed by the first species based clinical module on the dog and cat.

Year 4
Fourth year courses are Integrated Clinical Courses in Farm Animal, Exotics and Equine. A vertical thread of teaching in Population Medicine and Veterinary Public Health runs across the first four years. This course comprises a group of related subjects which have, as a common theme, the study and control of disease in populations, in contrast to the individual. The populations are both animal and human; the course therefore includes control of zoonotic infections and food hygiene.

Year 5
Under the supervision of international experts in their respective fields, you will undertake clinical rotations which fully integrate you into the health care team for maximum practical experience. The course includes a three-week elective period in the final year, where a range of options is available. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with international experts, and gain in-depth experience in an area of your choice.

Glasgow

The overall objectives of the five year curriculum are to provide an evolving quality educational programme in a research rich environment that will prepare students for future careers as veterinarians. The programme is designed to imbue the knowledge, philosophy, professional and technical skills such that the graduate feels confident to practice the art and science of veterinary medicine and surgery, and which prepares students for the profession that anticipates life-long learning and continuing professional development.

Curriculum Digest

1st Year
Anatomy
Animal Husbandry & Management
Biomolecular Science
Physiology

2nd Year
Anatomy
Animal Husbandry & Management
Biomolecular Science
Physiology

3rd Year
Microbiology
Parasitology
Pathology
Pharmacology

4th Year
Companion Animal Sciences
Combined Integrated Course Part I

5th Year
Small Animal Clinical Studies
Large Animal Clinical Studies

Extramural Study ( EMS)

Liverpool

The BVSc provides a groundwork of preclinical subjects during the first two years of the programme, including anatomy, whole animal design and function, and genetics. You will gain valuable experience in animal maintenance, production and welfare both here and on your Extra Mural Study (EMS) placements.

The 3rd year is paraclinical. Here you will build on your knowledge and apply it to disease states. Pathological processes, infectious diseases and the fundamentals of parasitology are introduced along with the practical implications of public health. This provides you with the background to some of the clinical situations you will meet as you start your EMS in external veterinary practices. Here you will begin to use your knowledge and apply practically.

In your fourth and final years, you will be based at Leahurst for your clinical studies, returning to Liverpool to spend time in our small animal first opinion clinic. During these two years, you will play an important and integral role in our hospitals and first opinion practices, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Our fifth year is completely lecture free, enabling you to concentrate on getting the most out of your clinical rotations and placements. You can choose a specialist elective to study in a subject area that interest you most.

Our students acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and experience through a blend of lectures seminars, problem-based learning in groups, individual project work, clinical rotations and EMS placements. This enables them to graduate with a set of core competencies in preparation for Day One of their professional lives.

Our students receive a thorough grounding in the understanding of research and this is rewarded by the award of BSc after 3 years. After 5 years, graduates are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and are eligible for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Nottingham

Our veterinary undergraduate curriculum is taught using a modular system over the first four years with a lecture free clinical year:

Years 1 and 2 develop learning primarily about the "normal" animal using clinical case examples and scenarios. You will also develop animal handling skills, and understanding of animal husbandry, relevant industries and the role of animals in society. Personal and Professional skills focus on learning, communication and the professional role of the Veterinary Surgeon.

Year 3 provides you with an opportunity to focus on a research project of your choice. You will also develop further understanding of principles underpinning clinical veterinary sciences. At the end of Year 3 you will graduate with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci) degree.

Years 3 and 4 develop learning about animal production, trauma management, disease processes, diagnosis, management and prevention. This part of the course also integrates learning of pathological processes with the food industry, zoonotic disease and public health. Personal and Professional skills are expanded to incorporate business skills and entrepreneurship.

Year 5 consists of a series of Clinical Practice Modules that comprise small-group clinical teaching in a hospital/practical/laboratory situation at our Clinical Associates. Teaching and learning is based upon observation, discussion and practical experience; at each institution students are under the supervision of university academic staff placed at, and working within, the institution.

A total of 12 weeks Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and 26 weeks Clinical EMS is also undertaken. Animal Husbandry and Clinical EMS is organised in accordance with recommendations as defined by the RCVS. Extra Mural Studies expose students to the practical, ethical, financial, managerial and inter-personal aspects of professional practice. EMS placements are appropriately supervised and assessed and take place during vacations and during Year 5.

At the end of Year 5 successful students graduate with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS) degrees.

RVC

Two years getting fully grounded in basic science based at the London campus, followed by three years developing your clinical skills at the field station in Hertfordshire.

We feel that this is the most effective way of preparing you for Intra and Extra Mural Studies. During the programme you will learn, among other things, to diagnose and treat sick animals, understand the importance of preventative medicine and develop critical business and communication skills to help you while in practice. A lecture-free final year is devoted to developing practical skills and problem based learning in the RVC’s Hospitals and private veterinary practices.

Your learning experience will comprise directed learning, laboratory work, practical experience and clinical skills development. You will learn how to solve complex problems, either working individually or in groups. During the 5 year degree you will need to submit several research projects as coursework. These bring together many skills that will have been taught and allow you to investigate areas of veterinary medicine that interest you.

We want you to succeed throughout your time on the BVetMed. Our personal development planning system encourages you to take responsibility for your own learning and share concerns and advice with your peers. This support network means that any issues are identified at an early stage. Importantly, it ensures that you get the most out of the learning experience.

Life as a Veterinary Medicine Student

Current/Past Student Experiences

How to Cope with Placements

Graduate Options

With a 2:1 degree it is possible to apply for veterinary medicine as a second degree. However, this is an expensive route as you cannot get tuition fee loans for a second degree and must fund the course yourself. Think very carefully before deciding on this route; if you want to complete a different degree as well as veterinary medicine, it is better to try and intercalate, most/all of the universities offer this as an option.

Fees

As of 2013 entry, the fees for graduates applying for veterinary medicine are as follows:

Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Nottingham and RVC are £9,000 per year

Edinburgh is £27,900 per year

Glasgow is £24,000 per year

The HEFCE now funds the UK universities for second degree vet med students, but this does not apply to the Scottish universities, which is why they are more expensive. It is not possible to get any loan to cover fees so you must find a way to fund this yourself. Many people borrow from friends, family, or savings. Sponsorship is one option but beware; it is extremely hard to come by and shouldn’t be relied upon as the main source of funding.

However the good news is that second degree vet med students are an exemption under the ELQ's[2], and are able to apply for maintenance loan only (no grant/bursary).

Universities Offering Veterinary Medicine in the UK

Bristol Vet School: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/

Cambridge Vet School: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/

Dublin Vet School: http://www.ucd.ie/vetmed/

Edinburgh Vet School: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/services

Glasgow Vet School: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/vet/

Liverpool Vet School: http://www.liv.ac.uk/veterinary-science/

Nottingham Vet School: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/index.aspx

Royal Veterinary College - London: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/

Surrey Vet School: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/vet/index.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

I am considering applying as a mature student, how will this affect my chances?

Also See

• Veterinary Medicine Stalking Page 2011 Entry
• Veterinary Medicine Stalking Page 2012 Entry
• Veterinary Medicine Stalking Page 2013 Entry
• Medicine