Overview
Veterinary medicine degree is a highly sought-after field, with a growing demand for qualified professionals to care
for the health and welfare of animals. The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities for veterinary medicine, offering
a range of programmes that cater to students from different backgrounds and career aspirations. Whether you’re a high
school student interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or a practising veterinarian looking to further
your education, the UK has something to offer.
In order to begin a successful career in veterinary medicine, a degree in veterinary medicine from a UK institution is
highly recommended. Graduates will find employment in the food-safety, research, and pharmaceutical industries thanks
to their transferable abilities.
In the course of a standard five-year undergraduate veterinary medicine programme, you may expect to study topics
including anatomy, physiology, animal husbandry, microbiology, public health, parasitology, and pathology. The first
two years of the programme are considered the “foundation phase,” followed by the “clinical” years of the third and
fourth years and the “professional” years of the fifth.
There is a high competition for the few veterinary medicine university slots that become available each year. One spot
for every 14 home/EU candidates and one place for every 42 international students is the ratio in 2014. About 2,150
people applied for 190 Home/EU spaces in Edinburgh, and 500 people applied from outside the country for 17 places.
Those who have studied veterinary medicine in the UK have gained the skills necessary to aid in the operational treatment and care of animals.
Many of the same core courses and subjects are studied in veterinary medicine as they are in conventional medical
schools. Most programmes endure five years, after which students can apply to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
and begin working as veterinarians.
What Does a Degree in Veterinary Medicine Entail?
A degree in veterinary medicine typically takes five or six years to complete, depending on the programme. During this
time, you’ll study a range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and veterinary surgery. In
addition, you’ll receive hands-on experience through clinical rotations, during which you’ll work with a variety of
animals and gain experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions.
At the undergraduate level, you’ll typically complete a five-year program that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of veterinary medicine. At the graduate level, you’ll have the option to pursue a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, a research-focused program that takes two to three years to complete.
Career Oppertunaties
Students who get their veterinary degrees will find jobs in various settings, including nonprofits dedicated to animal
care, research facilities, slaughterhouses, and public health departments. Postgraduate
study allows students to focus their careers on more niche areas of their chosen field.
Graduate Destinations
In the 2013/14 academic year, 5,090 students enrolled in this course.92% of those who graduated found work
immediately. Top four graduate destinations:
Entry Requirements for Veterinary Medicine in the UK
A Levels – It is common for veterinary medical programmes to require a minimum of two other topics in addition to biology at the A-level before admitting a student.
The minimum GPA required for universities and colleges varies from BBC to A*AA, with AAA being the average.
You’ll also need five GCSEs (A-C) overall, including in math, English, and science.
Scottish Higher – Higher (the most common qualification) entry requirements might be anywhere from BBBCC to AAAAB, with AABBB being the norm for entry to universities and colleges. Occasionally, colleges will ask for a few credits beyond a Higher in Advanced Highers. In general, if a university or college requires Advanced Highers, they will look for at least an AA.
Top UK Universities for Veterinary Medicine in the UK
University of Nottingham
Since its first graduating class in 2011, the University
of Nottingham‘s School of Veterinary Science has been ranked first in the country by the National Student Survey
(NSS) and second in the United Kingdom for research impact. Career development resources, extracurricular study
opportunities, and student support services at Nottingham University were rated highest in a recent poll conducted by
the Association of Veterinary Students.
Entry requirements:
A Levels: BBC
IB: 28 points
University of Glasgow
The undergraduate veterinary medicine programmes at the University
of Glasgow are one of only four in Europe to be fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
Association. Students ranked the University of Veterinary Medicine as the best veterinary school in the United
Kingdom.
Entry requirements:
A Levels: AAA
IB: 38
points
Fees: £33,500 per year for international
students
University of Surrey
After years of planning, the University of Surrey‘s School of Veterinary Medicine opened in 2015. The Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre, the Veterinary Pathology Centre, and the cutting-edge classrooms and labs together cost £45 million and represent the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. The school has a perfect score of 100 on the National Student Survey and is going from strength to strength.
Entry requirements:
A Levels: AAB
University of Bristol
For
almost 50 years, the University
of Bristol‘s Veterinary School has been educating future generations of veterinarians through its three
undergraduate majors and one taught Master’s degree programme. Academics in the School of Veterinary Sciences are at
the forefront of their fields, and their work directly impacts national policy and practise.
Fees: £36,300 per year for international students
Final Words
The UK is renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive training programme in veterinary medicine, which is recognised
globally. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified staff, and hands-on experience with
various animal species.
Studying in the UK also allows students to immerse themselves in a culturally diverse and vibrant environment, which is vital for personal growth and professional development. Overall, a veterinary medicine degree from a UK university is an investment in a rewarding and fulfilling career, and graduates will be well-equipped to make a significant impact in the field of veterinary medicine.
FAQ’s
How long is a veterinary medicine course?
Five years is the typical
period spent in school to earn a veterinary medical degree in the United Kingdom. However, a four-year graduate
entry veterinary degree programme may be accessible to those with a bachelor's degree in a relevant
discipline.
What qualifications do you need for veterinary medicine?
The majority of veterinary
universities require applicants to have at least an A in biology and another discipline to apply for their
programmes. The minimum need for admittance is BBC, and the maximum is A*AA, with the majority of universities
requiring AAA. Also, you'll need five GCSEs (A-C): English, math, science, history, and PCB (optional).
Is math compulsory for veterinary medicine?
In order to earn this
degree, chemistry is required regardless of where you decide to study. Biology is recommended (and obligatory at
some universities), and mathematics is helpful but not necessary. You can still apply to select colleges even if you
have trouble with math, though.
How much does a veterinarian earn?
In the United Kingdom, the
average annual wage for a new vet is £33,838, with that number rises to £63,967 for those with experience. In the
United Kingdom, veterinarians earn a median annual salary of £45,000, or £23.08 an hour.
What are the entry requirements for veterinary medicine in the UK?
You will often need biology
and another subject from your A-levels if you want to continue on to veterinary school. The minimum GPA required for
universities and colleges varies from BBC to A*AA, with AAA being the norm. You'll also need five GCSEs (A-C)
overall, including math, English, and science.
Are vets in demand in UK?
This has all changed since
the passing of Covid and the advent of Brexit, both of which have added bureaucracy that has resulted in a massive
uptick in demand for veterinary knowledge, resulting in a retention and recruitment problem in the veterinary
industry.
