Veterinary Degrees Online

Applicants are normally required to have three A levels, but we also welcome applications from candidates with other qualifications of equivalent standard and from students with other competencies. If you have any questions about whether specific qualifications or subject combinations are acceptable, please contact the Admissions Tutor for your degree.

We welcome applications from students with overseas or alternative UK qualifications of equivalent standard, including European, French and International Baccalaureates, German Abitur, Scottish Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, and Advanced Placements (USA). Please supply full details direct to the Admissions Tutor.

Supplementary information should not be sent to UCAS.

Non-UK applicants must be able to demonstrate a competence in English language through IELTS or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English are informed that native language A levels will only be regarded as additional qualifications.

Applications from school leavers who wish to take a gap year are welcome. Applicants must state in their UCAS personal statement how they propose to spend their time.

Candidates who are unsuccessful cannot be reconsidered for entry within the same cycle but may reapply the following year without prejudice to the new application.
Biochemistry/Biotechnology

Minimum entry requirements are AAB at A2 level (340 points). These must include chemistry and at least one other science subject (biology is preferred but not mandatory) or mathematics at grade A. The ideal combinations would be: chemistry and two further science subjects; or chemistry and one further science subject and mathematics; but other combinations are considered. General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer. Two AS levels may be acceptable in place of a third A level. This is in addition to grade C or above in GCSE mathematics, chemistry, biology (or combined sciences), and English language (or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in all elements). For Research Abroad options, foreign language to GCSE or AS level is beneficial. For International Baccalaureate we ask for 38 overall with grade 6 in chemistry, grade 6 in biology at Higher level, and grade 5 in Subsidiary level English. BTEC qualifications (with distinction) will also be considered.
Biology

Minimum entry requirements are AAB at A2 level in any order (340 points). These must include biology and either chemistry, mathematics or physics. General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer. Two AS levels may be acceptable in place of a third A level. This is in addition to grade C or above in GCSE mathematics, chemistry, biology (or combined sciences) and English language (or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in all elements). For the Year in Europe or Year in Research (if taken abroad) options, candidates must have a relevant foreign language to GCSE (minimum grade C) or AS level. For Languages for Science degrees (C1R1, C1R2, C1R4) a minimum grade B in the relevant foreign language must be achieved to at least AS level (or equivalent). For International Baccalaureate we ask for 38 overall with grade 6 in biology and grade 6 in chemistry or mathematics required at Higher level and grade 5 in Subsidiary level English.

Entry requirements
You will need 120 points including one science A-level or Applied A-level (preferably in Biology) and five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths and Science. A National Diploma qualification in a science subject may be considered.

All prospective students must have obtained at least two weeks work experience in one or more veterinary practices before being invited to attend an admissions interview. Please reference all work experience in your personal statement when applying.

Applications are encouraged from mature students.

Reasons to choose this course
It is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
We offer access to a brand new veterinary nursing building on campus to support the course.
You will gain work experience in veterinary practices throughout the course.

About the course
The course integrates work experience in a veterinary training practice with the underpinning teaching at the University. These work placements are incorporated throughout the three year course with placements from three to 26 weeks and allow you to complete the National Occupational Standards.

The newly built veterinary nursing building contains a simulated veterinary practice to give you the practical ‘know-how’ on vital veterinary nursing procedures and the adjoining new animal unit will allow you plenty of handling practice of a wide range of species.

Assessment
Assessment will be via a combination of written and practical university exams and assignments, together with an external examination by the RCVS. Students will also complete a portfolio of evidence within the workplace, which is assessed externally.

Progression
Successful graduates may have the opportunity to fast track to the third year of a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing qualification by attending a summer school.

Your future career
Students successfully achieving the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing may be entered onto the registered list of qualified veterinary nurses, which is held by the RCVS. Students can then use the post-nominal letters VN and are qualified to give animals medication and perform acts of minor surgery under veterinary direction.