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Vet nursing to vet med

Is there anyone who's done a vet nursing degree and gone onto do vet med who could tell me how they found it and if it was worth it?
Essentially, I would really like to do vet med. However, I don't think I'll finish with a levels good enough to apply (I was predicted an ABB so unsure of whether its worth taking a gap year and reapplying) So far, I've been rejected from each vet med course and only been offered a place for vet nursing and bioveterinary science. So just wondering if there's anyone out there who had a similar experience, and what they did in the end?

Any advice will be deeply appreciated 🙏

Reply 1

Original post
by shapeless-keep
Is there anyone who's done a vet nursing degree and gone onto do vet med who could tell me how they found it and if it was worth it?
Essentially, I would really like to do vet med. However, I don't think I'll finish with a levels good enough to apply (I was predicted an ABB so unsure of whether its worth taking a gap year and reapplying) So far, I've been rejected from each vet med course and only been offered a place for vet nursing and bioveterinary science. So just wondering if there's anyone out there who had a similar experience, and what they did in the end?
Any advice will be deeply appreciated 🙏


I’m in the same position as you , I’ve been rejected from my vet med choices so I’m doing vet nursing then doing vet med accelerated x

Reply 2

Original post
by Tiascottlewis
I’m in the same position as you , I’ve been rejected from my vet med choices so I’m doing vet nursing then doing vet med accelerated x


No way haha, which uni are u planning to go?
Also, do u have a plan on how to pay for the 2nd degree cuz tbh, that's the only thing worrying me x

Reply 3

Original post
by Tiascottlewis
I’m in the same position as you , I’ve been rejected from my vet med choices so I’m doing vet nursing then doing vet med accelerated x

Don’t rely on 4 year as the only vet route if possible as it is extremely fierce competition. I would reapply next year with the grades :smile:

Reply 4

My honest advice would be to do an Access to HE Diploma rather than a degree. You'd keep your eligibility for funding for the veterinary degree and it only takes one year. There's no funding for tuition for a second degree in veterinary, unfortunately. It's a tough degree to work alongside.

Reply 5

Original post
by shapeless-keep
No way haha, which uni are u planning to go?
Also, do u have a plan on how to pay for the 2nd degree cuz tbh, that's the only thing worrying me x


I’m planning to go to uni of Bristol . And you can apply for maintaincance loan but I think you have to pay the tuition fee so I’ll have to do part time work . Staying at home another year isn’t a option for me so this is lowk my only choice 🥲🥲

Reply 6

Original post
by wombats
My honest advice would be to do an Access to HE Diploma rather than a degree. You'd keep your eligibility for funding for the veterinary degree and it only takes one year. There's no funding for tuition for a second degree in veterinary, unfortunately. It's a tough degree to work alongside.


What is the Access to HE diploma, I've never heard of it before??

Reply 7

Original post
by Tiascottlewis
I’m planning to go to uni of Bristol . And you can apply for maintaincance loan but I think you have to pay the tuition fee so I’ll have to do part time work . Staying at home another year isn’t a option for me so this is lowk my only choice 🥲🥲


Very relatable 😭, well hopefully it all works out for you. It's tough out there haha

Reply 8

Original post
by shapeless-keep
Very relatable 😭, well hopefully it all works out for you. It's tough out there haha


What uni are you planning to go to ?

Reply 9

Original post
by Tiascottlewis
What uni are you planning to go to ?


I have an offer for vet nursing at harper adams

Reply 10

Original post
by shapeless-keep
What is the Access to HE diploma, I've never heard of it before??

They are level 3 courses designed to prepare for university study. They are accepted by many universities as an alternative entry qualification to A levels. You usually have to be 19+ to do them.

They are made up of different units and you complete assignments and exams as you progress through the course. My diploma had units in chemistry, biology and maths. They have graded and ungraded units. Ungraded are pass/fail and graded are pass, merit or distinction.

The universities that accept them will generally list the requirements for the make-up of the diploma to be suitable for entry. You can search for suitable courses on this website: https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk

If you're doing it at a college, Advanced Learner Loans are available to pay for them and the balance of the loan is written off when you complete your degree.

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