The Student Room Group

Don’t have the correct subject requirements

Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!

Reply 1

Original post by Bella199tyde
Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!

you can take up work experience (volunteering, internships) to overpower subjects you've taken. Im sure a few unis if not all will consider your application if you do well in your a levels and have experience in the subject you wanna take outside of school in a work setting. You can also do short term courses and webinars and mention those in your personal statement as well- I'm sure you'll find loads of them online.

Reply 2

Original post by Bella199tyde
Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!


You could see if you're eligible for any foundation years. There are some designed for people who have the required grades but took the wrong A level subjects. Alternatively, could resit your science GCSE and sit Biology A level in a gap year but this could be costly as your school may not be willing to support you. I don't agree with the other poster - doing work experience doesn't replace any entry requirements. You'd be better off contacting specific unis you're interested in so they can give advice on your situation.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

Original post by priyuhuhuhn
you can take up work experience (volunteering, internships) to overpower subjects you've taken. Im sure a few unis if not all will consider your application if you do well in your a levels and have experience in the subject you wanna take outside of school in a work setting. You can also do short term courses and webinars and mention those in your personal statement as well- I'm sure you'll find loads of them online.

This is essentially a nonsense. If a Uni wants A level Biology, then random work-experience is not going to replace that, and neither will 'short courses' or any other stuff that is not actually A level Biology.

Reply 4

Original post by priyuhuhuhn
you can take up work experience (volunteering, internships) to overpower subjects you've taken. Im sure a few unis if not all will consider your application if you do well in your a levels and have experience in the subject you wanna take outside of school in a work setting. You can also do short term courses and webinars and mention those in your personal statement as well- I'm sure you'll find loads of them online.

You're expected to have work experience even with the correct A-levels.

Reply 5

Original post by Bella199tyde
Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!

There a few Unis that offer specific Foundation style courses for those who want study STEM subjects, and have good A level grades but in the 'wrong' A level subjects. However, I'm not certain if any of them lead directly to Vet/Animal Science.

Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc | University of Leeds
Science Foundation Year | University of Southampton
Science With Foundation Year - The University of Nottingham

Or, you could think about taking extra A levels in a gap-year to give you the right qualifications, or forget 'degree' and take an apprenticeship etc instead :
Apprenticeships | Vets4Pets
RSPCA - Apprenticeships and internships
Veterinary Technician/Nurse - Royal Army Veterinary Corps | Army Jobs

Reply 6

Original post by Bella199tyde
Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!

What humanities have you studied? I'm afraid in STEM careers, facillitators arent usually accepted. May need to resit GCSE and then do alevel, if this is rreally your dream.
Original post by Bella199tyde
Hi,
I’m really stuck. I want to go into vetinary physiotherapy but every degree/apprenticeship requires science A level (specifically Biology). I couldnt be further away from this as I’ve done humanity based a levels and a Btec so I’m really stuck on what to do? And I’ve also only got a 5-5 in GCSE science and maths which stopped me being able to go onto do science at a level. What are my options could anyone help please!

Hi there!

you could consider doing degrees with foundation years. A foundation year is an extra year, often with much lower entry requirements. Secondly, backing up your personal statement with why you have made the switch from humanities based subjects to veterinary subjects conveys you genuine passion and motivation for this switch. Have you also considered access courses? These are designed for those wanting a career change and are mostly targeted at adults, but may be applicable to you.

While work experience is good to support any applications you make, it does not replace the necessary education required to take a degree in veterinary physiotherapy. If the above doesn't work out and you need a science A-level, then consider taking a year out to complete this. It is better you wait a little longer to enter the course that you want, than to apply for a degree you don't want to do and have no passion for - you will end up with a career you don't want and maybe even low grades due to your lack of motivation.

I also recommend you contact the universities you are interested in to discuss your specific circumstances - directly applying and engaging with admissions can help guide any decisions you want to make and support you going forward.

i hope this helps, any more questions I am happy to answer :smile:

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Quick Reply