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Applying to UK Vet School without Chemistry – any realistic routes?

Hi everyone, I’m currently preparing to apply for Veterinary Medicine in the UK for 2027 entry and would really appreciate some advice as I’m finding the process quite confusing.

My top choice would ideally be Bristol, as I live locally, but I’m still trying to understand where I realistically stand. I completed the International Baccalaureate abroad (28 points) with Higher Level Biology, but I never took Chemistry. I then went on to complete a BSc (Hons) Equine Science (2:1) at Hartpury University, and I am currently studying an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Nottingham, which I will complete in 2027 (so I don’t yet have predicted grades). Through my master’s I’ve also completed extensive veterinary placements and work experience with both small animal and equine practices.

My main concern is the lack of Chemistry, as I know this is normally a requirement. I’m open to doing an Access to HE Diploma in Science/Veterinary Science if necessary, but ideally I’d prefer to avoid doing another full qualification if there is another pathway. I’m interested in Bristol’s accelerated graduate entry programme, the standard 5-year BVSc, and would also consider a foundation year if needed, but with only four UCAS choices I’m struggling to work out the most strategic options. I’ve contacted several universities but haven’t really received clear guidance, so I feel a bit stuck in a grey area academically.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or know whether there are ways to apply without A-level/IB Chemistry when you already have a relevant degree and postgraduate study? Any advice on which routes might realistically give me the best chance, or how to plan my four choices strategically, would be hugely appreciated!

Reply 1

Original post
by juliaselinger
Hi everyone, I’m currently preparing to apply for Veterinary Medicine in the UK for 2027 entry and would really appreciate some advice as I’m finding the process quite confusing.
My top choice would ideally be Bristol, as I live locally, but I’m still trying to understand where I realistically stand. I completed the International Baccalaureate abroad (28 points) with Higher Level Biology, but I never took Chemistry. I then went on to complete a BSc (Hons) Equine Science (2:1) at Hartpury University, and I am currently studying an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Nottingham, which I will complete in 2027 (so I don’t yet have predicted grades). Through my master’s I’ve also completed extensive veterinary placements and work experience with both small animal and equine practices.
My main concern is the lack of Chemistry, as I know this is normally a requirement. I’m open to doing an Access to HE Diploma in Science/Veterinary Science if necessary, but ideally I’d prefer to avoid doing another full qualification if there is another pathway. I’m interested in Bristol’s accelerated graduate entry programme, the standard 5-year BVSc, and would also consider a foundation year if needed, but with only four UCAS choices I’m struggling to work out the most strategic options. I’ve contacted several universities but haven’t really received clear guidance, so I feel a bit stuck in a grey area academically.
Has anyone been in a similar situation, or know whether there are ways to apply without A-level/IB Chemistry when you already have a relevant degree and postgraduate study? Any advice on which routes might realistically give me the best chance, or how to plan my four choices strategically, would be hugely appreciated!


hi i did biomed btec at college and then animal science at uni got a 2:1 i also didnt have enough chemistry for some unis however bristol i think was fine if u email them a transcript of ur degree they can clarify whether its got enough science in it essentially i think rvc would also be worth looking into as they were satisfied with just my degree when it came to applying.

In the end i applied for surrey, bristol, rvc and H&K for surrey i had to do the HE vet science access course which im still doing now i have a conditional offer from surrey and hope to start in september i didnt get any other offers but got through to some interviews but hope this helps!

Reply 2

Original post
by c_h_l__o
hi i did biomed btec at college and then animal science at uni got a 2:1 i also didnt have enough chemistry for some unis however bristol i think was fine if u email them a transcript of ur degree they can clarify whether its got enough science in it essentially i think rvc would also be worth looking into as they were satisfied with just my degree when it came to applying.
In the end i applied for surrey, bristol, rvc and H&K for surrey i had to do the HE vet science access course which im still doing now i have a conditional offer from surrey and hope to start in september i didnt get any other offers but got through to some interviews but hope this helps!

Thank you so much for that, I really appreciate it! How are you finding the HE vet science access course? Are you doing it online and alongside work / other commitments etc? When I reached out to Surrey they mentioned that they would only consider me if I took Chem A-Level or did an Access course! Bristol and RVC are currently looking at my transcripts so still unsure there!

Reply 3

Original post
by juliaselinger
Thank you so much for that, I really appreciate it! How are you finding the HE vet science access course? Are you doing it online and alongside work / other commitments etc? When I reached out to Surrey they mentioned that they would only consider me if I took Chem A-Level or did an Access course! Bristol and RVC are currently looking at my transcripts so still unsure there!


aw ur welcome! so i work full time at a vets as a vca and started the course in summer last year it’s entirely independent learning i’d say u get the materials then have to do ur assignment based off of the work you can email tutors but they don’t really give u much guidance. there’s 17 assignments in total u can pretty much take as long as u want im hoping to be done by june, having already done an animal science degree id say the content generally isnt super difficult just time consuming some chemistry modules are abit difficult but it’s definitely clear ur working at a level rather then degree level if that makes sense, overall i would recommend it if it gets u into vet school just be aware of the fact (depending on what vet schools u apply to) likely will need distinctions in every module which is quite a lot of pressure ive found so far but defo manageable

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