Switch from Engineering to vet med

Hi, I recently started a chemical engineering degree (1st year) however I’ve always had becoming a vet at the back of my mind and I have now realised I definitely would like to become one. I am currently at a uni that does not offer vet med, applications for vet med closed on the 15th October hence I cannot apply for a 2026 start therefore would have to wait till 2027. Does anyone know if theres any way I could start it earlier?

Hi, I recently started a chemical engineering degree (1st year) however I’ve always had becoming a vet at the back of my mind and I have now realised I definitely would like to become one. I am currently at a uni that does not offer vet med, applications for vet med closed on the 15th October hence I cannot apply for a 2026 start therefore would have to wait till 2027. Does anyone know if theres any way I could start it earlier?

In August 2025 UCLan and Notts were both in clearing I believe. So as soon as clearing opens phone both those unis!!!! You will be at an advantage as you will already have your results and other students will need to wait for results day for theirs. I’m also not sure but could you apply to a gateway/ foundation course as they’ve not closed yet have they?! Good luck!

Hi @KS123.,
It's completely normal to have a change of heart when it comes to your university courses. I know you said there's no Vet Med at your university but have you spoke to an academic or student support? They may be able to provide some advice and go through your options.
Vet Med was in clearing last year but this is something you don't know will happen until the day of clearing. I wouldn't rely on this as each year is different. You could however, take a gap year if you aren't wanting to stay on your course and get some work experience.
Have a look at our foundation year vet med course here: Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (with Foundation Year), BVMS You can apply for this until January so this may be a good option to get your food in the door of vet med. Completing the foundation year (Year 0) of this programme does not guarantee automatic progression to Year 1 of our standard BVMS programme, which you can find out more about in the foundation year link above. To progress onto Year 1 of our BVMS course you'll need to take part in the standard application process. You can delve into the modules, entry requirements and progression into year 1 in the above link too.
I would suggest reaching out to our admissions team if you have any further questions, want to discuss your options and so on. You can find contact details here. It's worth having a look at @UniLancashire_vets on Instagram to stay up-to date with our vet school, see behind the scenes and are also there for you if you have any questions 🙂
Hope this helps,
^Zac

Do you know if i need to write a personal statement just to go through clearing? Im guessing so otherwise unis in clearning wouldnt come up on my UCAS account.

I’d say so yes! Just work on one in the background so you have it there if you need it. I think (although I could be incorrect here) but you could also apply for a foundation Vet med course as the dead lines for those haven’t closed yet? Phone up the likes of UCLan, RVC, Notts and Bristol just to see options. Good luck!

I have already taken a gap year so I would like to get into it as soon as possible but if worse come to worse I will apply for a foundation year. Thank You for you help!