veterinary nursing change?

hi,
I'm going into my second year of A-Levels at the moment and am looking for advice.
For my subjects, I chose Law, English Literature and Biology. I initially wanted to go into a humanities-based area like Law, but unfortunately after my first year I've had a change of heart and have decided I would prefer to go into what has been my childhood dream of becoming a vet. After looking at multiple different universities and courses, I'm struggling on what to do next.
I've looked at veterinary nursing courses specifically, as these mostly only require an A-level in biology, which I am capable of achieving, whereas most other veterinary courses require chemistry, or at least another science/math based subject. I'm wondering if Law would count as a social science and maybe be counted as a science subject, or if I'm better off finding a Level 3 veterinary course to take before continuing to university. Would universities still consider me with only my A-Level in biology, especially if it is a foundation/gateway degree, or would my application be overlooked in preference of those with two science-based subjects?
I'm looking to currently get some work experience in some small animal veterinary practices this year too, and would appreciate some advice on my options.
Thank you!

First of all, kudos for following your dream.
Second, law is not considered a "science". The typical science subjects are: maths, physics, biology, and chemistry.
If by some fluke they consider other science subjects, they can include: economics, psychology, geography, computer science, and sociology, before they consider law, business, and politics. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branches_of_science
With veterinary science, it's a core science subject, so you would be looking at physics, biology, and chemistry mostly. Maths would come in at a close second, but you would need to check the entry requirements of the individual degree (their definitions can vary). Failing that, you would need to contact undergrad admissions to clarify their definitions
Even if you do take a Level 3 veterinary course, they might not accept you if the specific qualification isn't one that they accept (see their entry requirements). As veterinary science is one of the more competitive degrees (alongside dentistry and medicine), chances are they will be picky.
For foundation year courses, there is a chance that they might accept you. You will need to check the entry requirements of the individual degree though. See the following for example:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/veterinary-medicine-surgery-foundation-entry-bvms (any subjects)
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Veterinary-Medicine-and-Surgery-including-a-Gateway-Year-BVM-BVS-with-BVMedSci-BVMBVS-U6UVTMGY.html (need both biology and chemistry)
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2025/vet-science/bvsc-gateway-to-veterinary-science/#entry-requirements (biology or chemistry, so you are eligible if you meet the grade requirements)
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/veterinary-gateway#panel-a-levels (require chemistry)
I would recommend doing Chemistry A Level privately, if you can't find an adult college that offers it as an A Level for applicants older than 18 years old. You should also do the practical assessment with the A Level to maximise your chances of acceptance, but this will likely cost an extra £1000 on top of your exam fees.
If not, you are likely looking at Access to HE courses with strong biology and chemistry content (check the entry requirements of individual degrees before doing this) or do a foundation year.
If by some odd situation where they accept Maths instead of Chemistry, I would opt for Maths because you don't need to arrange to do the practical assessment. It's a complete pain to get it arrange. However, I don't think many unis that offer veterinary medicine would offer this.

Thank you so much for such a detailed response!
I’ve started by contacting a couple universities for advice and options, and I’m working on doing some volunteering at vet practices to hopefully up my chances.
I believe I’m capable of getting into the Bristol gateway course you mentioned (fingers crossed) and I’ve also looked into Hartpury Veterinary Nursing (https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/university/courses/bsc-hons-veterinary-nursing/) which only mentions needing biology at grade D (again, fingers crossed! I’ve also contacted them directly by email to ask.)
My anxieties are really sprouting from the chance that I apply to these universities and am rejected solely because I do not have another A-Level in science whereas other applicants might be more appealing because they do. There’s also a university near me which offers a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing in which the entry requirements are significantly lower than most and only requires biology (https://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/course/DG0051/foundation-degree-veterinary-nursing?uioid=514004) but this is preferably a last choice.
Would taking an Animal Care course before going on to Veterinary medicine/nursing up my chances? I don’t mind how long it takes—my mind is set on it.
I also come from a disadvantaged area (POLAR4 Quantile 1, upon looking it up) and have heard that this may increase my chances of getting a contextual offer with lowered grade boundaries. Does this give me any hope?

hi,
I'm going into my second year of A-Levels at the moment and am looking for advice.
For my subjects, I chose Law, English Literature and Biology. I initially wanted to go into a humanities-based area like Law, but unfortunately after my first year I've had a change of heart and have decided I would prefer to go into what has been my childhood dream of becoming a vet. After looking at multiple different universities and courses, I'm struggling on what to do next.
I've looked at veterinary nursing courses specifically, as these mostly only require an A-level in biology, which I am capable of achieving, whereas most other veterinary courses require chemistry, or at least another science/math based subject. I'm wondering if Law would count as a social science and maybe be counted as a science subject, or if I'm better off finding a Level 3 veterinary course to take before continuing to university. Would universities still consider me with only my A-Level in biology, especially if it is a foundation/gateway degree, or would my application be overlooked in preference of those with two science-based subjects?
I'm looking to currently get some work experience in some small animal veterinary practices this year too, and would appreciate some advice on my options.
Thank you!
(edit: i realise my wording was a bit unclear but veterinary nursing is my firm choice of what i want to do, not veterinary science/medicine. im looking into apprenticeships now and have contacted multiple local vets, just waiting for responses!)

Hi! I am currently a student veterinary nurse at Nottingham Trent University and I have just finished my first year. Having biology as an A level and getting at least a pass (C) will be more than enough to get into a veterinary nursing degree in a lot of universities (Nottingham Trent, royal veterinary college of London, Bristol etc). I did A level biology, psychology, and economics and that was accepted. I think your best bet is contacting the universities and checking if they accept law as a second science (social science). Or sometimes they can make exceptions and just accept the one science A level!
It depends on what you are looking for as you can become a veterinary nurse either through an apprenticeship or through a degree. Which both have their pros and cons. For example having a veterinary nursing degree means you can progress into more opportunities. For example I’m planning on using my veterinary nursing degree to do a graduate entry degree in veterinary medicine. Or you can even use the VN degree to work abroad. Becoming a veterinary nurse via apprenticeship means you don’t have the stress of university, and you are guaranteed to be paid during working hours. There are many more pros and cons for each but these are just a few.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!