UCLan Vet Med Mature Student

3

I'm 35 y/o and starting at UCLan in September on their veterinary course, having previously done their foundation year. I have done a degree and an MA in the past and am looking forward to the teaching/learning element, but the social aspect is what I'm slightly nervous about. Is there anyone of a similar age starting at UCLan's vet school this September?!

Reply 1

R4y_J

Hi thinkpeople, you are not alone. I am a 31 y/o international student starting the program. Not exactly your age, but not far off!! I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few more students our age that are also part of the BVMS program!

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

gingerandcalico

2

Hello,
Appreciate that this may be an old post, so no longer active, but I am currently contemplating applying for the foundation year at UCLAN as a mature student (I am also in my 30s) and had some specific questions about the course and practicalities, like finances etc. I also have previously completed an undergraduate degree and a masters. I am particularly interested to hear about your experience thinkpeople, as you seem to be a home student (as I would be).

Reply 3

gingerandcalico

2

*to add, I am coming from a non-science background as well.

Reply 4

thinkpeople

OP

3

Hi, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have 🙂 I’m primarily self-funded, with some support from a maintenance loan provided by SFE. However, I don’t receive additional funding, so money is tight! The course itself is demanding—there’s a lot of material to cover, and the lectures are packed with content, which can feel overwhelming at times. It’s also important to note that this isn’t a cheap course, especially with IMR placements. Practices often have specific clothing requirements, and purchasing the necessary items can be an added financial strain.

Completing the foundation course beforehand was incredibly beneficial, and I’d strongly recommend it to anyone without a science background. The foundation level introduces essential concepts and laboratory techniques, providing a solid base to ease the transition into the full-time BVMS course. It definitely made my experience less stressful and helped me adjust more effectively to the workload and expectations.

If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer x

Reply 5

gingerandcalico

2

Thank you so much, this is super helpful! I would love to speak to you more about this, so will privately message you if that is ok?

Reply 6

thinkpeople

OP

3

Original post

by gingerandcalico

Thank you so much, this is super helpful! I would love to speak to you more about this, so will privately message you if that is ok?

Of course, looking forward to hearing from you.

Reply 7

UniLancashire

Official Rep

15

Original post

by gingerandcalico

Hello,
Appreciate that this may be an old post, so no longer active, but I am currently contemplating applying for the foundation year at UCLAN as a mature student (I am also in my 30s) and had some specific questions about the course and practicalities, like finances etc. I also have previously completed an undergraduate degree and a masters. I am particularly interested to hear about your experience thinkpeople, as you seem to be a home student (as I would be).

Hi @gingerandcalico,

Apologies for my late response here. It's great to hear that you are interested in studying on our BVMS Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (with Foundation Year) programme. Whilst I haven't studied on this programme myself, I'd be more than happy to help with any questions you have. 😊

All the best,
Sarah

Reply 8

Student1499

4

Hi there, I'm 25, I have a law degree and decided for a change of career by applying for veterinary medicine with a foundation year at UCLAN, I just received the offer today. I live quite a while away from the university so me and my partner would have to relocate for me to be able to commit to this study. I understand the process at UCLAN is slightly different to what it is for other universities for this kind of course. And that you have to reapply during your foundation year to get into the first year of veterinary medicine at UCLAN by doing the MMI interview. Could someone let me know how this process worked for them, I'm slightly worried to commit to this course and later be told you can't carry on, onto the first year because you didn't pass the MMI. Please let me know as I'm really excited to start this course just want to put my worries at ease at least a little bit.

Reply 9

gingerandcalico

2

Original post

by UCLan Ambassador

Hi @gingerandcalico,
Apologies for my late response here. It's great to hear that you are interested in studying on our BVMS Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (with Foundation Year) programme. Whilst I haven't studied on this programme myself, I'd be more than happy to help with any questions you have. 😊
All the best,
Sarah

Thanks Sarah. I actually have just received my offer to study on the Foundation Year and have accepted, so will be beginning in September! Now just sorting out logistics, like relocation!

Reply 10

Gabsgab

7

Original post

by Student1499

Hi there, I'm 25, I have a law degree and decided for a change of career by applying for veterinary medicine with a foundation year at UCLAN, I just received the offer today. I live quite a while away from the university so me and my partner would have to relocate for me to be able to commit to this study. I understand the process at UCLAN is slightly different to what it is for other universities for this kind of course. And that you have to reapply during your foundation year to get into the first year of veterinary medicine at UCLAN by doing the MMI interview. Could someone let me know how this process worked for them, I'm slightly worried to commit to this course and later be told you can't carry on, onto the first year because you didn't pass the MMI. Please let me know as I'm really excited to start this course just want to put my worries at ease at least a little bit.

Hi there, I’m going through the same thoughts as you and now preparing to apply for the UCLAN foundation course. I also had a law degree and did not have biology in my levels. Can I please message you to know more about your background ?

Reply 11

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Gabsgab

Hi there, I’m going through the same thoughts as you and now preparing to apply for the UCLAN foundation course. I also had a law degree and did not have biology in my levels. Can I please message you to know more about your background ?

Hi @Gabsgab,

Thank you for your message and patience. It's great to hear that you are interested in studying with us and are preparing to apply. We do have a handy page about mature students which has some great information and you can also hear from our mature students. You can access the page here: Mature Students - Studying at University. If there is any help you need or have any questions please let me know.

Best wishes,
^Zac 🙂

Reply 12

UniLancashire

Official Rep

15

Original post

by gingerandcalico

Thanks Sarah. I actually have just received my offer to study on the Foundation Year and have accepted, so will be beginning in September! Now just sorting out logistics, like relocation!

Hi @gingerandcalico,

Fantastic news, congratulations! 🎉 This is such an exciting time as you now prepare for your university journey ✨

Will you be staying in university accommodation? If so there's lots of great information about our types of accommodation and how you can apply here. 🏡

There's also an official University of Central Lancashire offer holders thread which might be useful in finding others who will be studying on the same course as you - Official Uni of Central Lancashire Offer Holders Thread 2025 entry - The Student Room

Let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to welcoming you onto campus 😊

Best wishes,
Sarah

UCLan Vet Med Mature Student

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated