The Student Room Group

Mature Student Looking into Options for Veterinary Medicine

Hello!

I’m currently 25 and looking into possibly starting University in Veterinary Medicine.

I’m leaning towards going via an Access to Higher Education diploma, as I finished school and went straight into a working apprenticeship before working as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant in Small Animal Surgery for about 6/7 years - I fell in love with the field of work, but feel like pursuing nursing isn’t my calling.

I’ve found wonderful resources so far by looking through these forums - but have a few questions for maybe those who are currently doing the degree as a mature student, or who approached with an Access to Higher Education.

Did it feel lesser-than, than if you had done it with A levels?
Was your application process different (if any prior experience with Unis)?
Did you feel suitably prepared (ha-ha) for starting Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine?
Were there any stipulations about your GCSEs? I’ve seen some Universities specify that because I’ve been out of formal education for at least three years, they’d require a minimum of A*s/As at GCSE level for English, Science, and Maths.

Any pointers? Specific Universities that consider AHE applicants?

I’m nervous - but excited!
Reply 1
Original post by s.l.riley
Hello!
I’m currently 25 and looking into possibly starting University in Veterinary Medicine.
I’m leaning towards going via an Access to Higher Education diploma, as I finished school and went straight into a working apprenticeship before working as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant in Small Animal Surgery for about 6/7 years - I fell in love with the field of work, but feel like pursuing nursing isn’t my calling.
I’ve found wonderful resources so far by looking through these forums - but have a few questions for maybe those who are currently doing the degree as a mature student, or who approached with an Access to Higher Education.
Did it feel lesser-than, than if you had done it with A levels?
Was your application process different (if any prior experience with Unis)?
Did you feel suitably prepared (ha-ha) for starting Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine?
Were there any stipulations about your GCSEs? I’ve seen some Universities specify that because I’ve been out of formal education for at least three years, they’d require a minimum of A*s/As at GCSE level for English, Science, and Maths.
Any pointers? Specific Universities that consider AHE applicants?
I’m nervous - but excited!

There’s another thread discussing this. I’ve just completed it and starting vet med at Surrey in September. Take a look!
Reply 2
Original post by Knm1988
There’s another thread discussing this. I’ve just completed it and starting vet med at Surrey in September. Take a look!

thank you so much!
Reply 3
Original post by s.l.riley
Hello!
I’m currently 25 and looking into possibly starting University in Veterinary Medicine.
I’m leaning towards going via an Access to Higher Education diploma, as I finished school and went straight into a working apprenticeship before working as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant in Small Animal Surgery for about 6/7 years - I fell in love with the field of work, but feel like pursuing nursing isn’t my calling.
I’ve found wonderful resources so far by looking through these forums - but have a few questions for maybe those who are currently doing the degree as a mature student, or who approached with an Access to Higher Education.
Did it feel lesser-than, than if you had done it with A levels?
Was your application process different (if any prior experience with Unis)?
Did you feel suitably prepared (ha-ha) for starting Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine?
Were there any stipulations about your GCSEs? I’ve seen some Universities specify that because I’ve been out of formal education for at least three years, they’d require a minimum of A*s/As at GCSE level for English, Science, and Maths.
Any pointers? Specific Universities that consider AHE applicants?
I’m nervous - but excited!

I went on a course via Access to higher education in zoology and Vet medicine. Although I'm pursuing veterinary nursing there was a few people who have gone on to be accepted for Veterinary Medicine. I believe the requirements is to gain 144 UCAS points(maximum) and have so many hours that you can prove you've worked within the setting. I studied in Manchester.
2 students are now enrolled in veterinary medicine in UCLAN. Another is going to Poland. These students got offered interviews in various universities following their predicted grades. Hope this helps.
My friend did an Access course in science and is now studying Vet Med. Not all Universities will accept Access though. You must email their admissions team and ask if they accept it and if so, what grades and units they want. Some are very specific about how many chemistry units you need, for example.
Original post by Tracy09
I went on a course via Access to higher education in zoology and Vet medicine. Although I'm pursuing veterinary nursing there was a few people who have gone on to be accepted for Veterinary Medicine. I believe the requirements is to gain 144 UCAS points(maximum) and have so many hours that you can prove you've worked within the setting. I studied in Manchester.
2 students are now enrolled in veterinary medicine in UCLAN. Another is going to Poland. These students got offered interviews in various universities following their predicted grades. Hope this helps.


Hey I'm doing an Access course and I'm looking into studying in Poland may I ask which university in Poland the person is studying?

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