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CONTENTS
- What's a veterinary degree?
- Veterinary degree entry requirements
- What subjects are needed to study veterinary?
- Best veterinary universities in the UK
- How to compare veterinary degrees
- How to compare veterinary degrees in Clearing
- What if you can’t find a veterinary degree in Clearing?
What's a veterinary degree?
A veterinary degree deals with the health and wellbeing of animals. Under the umbrella of veterinary degrees, there’s veterinary dentistry, veterinary science, veterinary medicine and veterinary therapy. A veterinary degree typically takes five to six years to complete.
Veterinary degree entry requirements
The UCAS points to study a veterinary degree range from 112 (BBC at A-level; DMM-D*D* at BTEC level) to 152 points (A*AA at A-level; D*DD at BTEC level).
| Type | Minimum Grades/Points Required (with Foundation Year) | Minimum Grades/Points Required | Maximum Grades/Points Required | Average Grades/Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS Points | 32 | 112 | 152 | 144 |
| A-levels | EE | BBC | A*AA | AAA |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | PP | DMM - D*D* | D*DD | DDD - DDM |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 | 32 | 42 | 34 |
What subjects are needed to study veterinary degree?
A-levels
Many veterinary degrees will require an A in biology, an A in chemistry and an A in a third subject. Some courses will ask for either biology or chemistry rather than both. General studies and critical thinking often aren’t counted towards your points total.
BTECs
Veterinary degrees that accept BTEC qualifications will want you to have studied a science or animal-related subject. You’ll typically need to have combined this with an A in chemistry at A-level.
GCSEs
You’ll need at least five GCSEs, with a B/6 or above in English and maths. Most veterinary degrees will ask for at least an A/7 in biology and chemistry or combined science.
International Baccalaureate
A 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level is required for many veterinary degrees. Typically, two of these will need to be in chemistry and biology.
Best veterinary universities in the UK
Our sister site, the Complete University Guide, publishes university league tables every year ranking UK unis nationally and in 70+ subject areas. Check out the latest rankings to see the best UK unis for veterinary science.
How to compare veterinary degrees
Search, save and compare veterinary degrees using Whatuni’s Find a Course tool. Browse what’s on offer by typing ‘veterinary’ into the search bar.
You can use the filters for a bespoke search, based on what you find important. When you select a course, you’ll find full course information, including course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fees and key course stats.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of courses, begin your research. Order each university’s prospectus to give you an overview of learning facilities, accommodation, social activities, support and much more.
Booking an open day will let you scope the campus, speak to current students and potential tutors. You’ll get an idea of what to expect from student life at the university too.
Reading student reviews offers another insight into what life will be like as a student at a given university. Simply enter the university and subject to see what students are saying.
How to compare veterinary degrees in Clearing
Very few veterinary degrees have spaces available in Clearing, but there may be some. When Clearing opens at the beginning of July, you’ll be able to use Whatuni’s Clearing tool to search, save and compare what’s available.
Pre-register for Clearing with Whatuni in the meantime to stay up to date. This will give you access to monthly Clearing content via newsletters, Whatuni’s Clearing guide and allow you to start saving and comparing any veterinary courses that may have places in Clearing.
What if you can’t find a veterinary degree in Clearing?
You’ll still have other options you can explore:
- Study a veterinary foundation year: This is for students who don’t have the required qualifications to start directly onto a degree. The first year is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for degree-level study. The entry requirements for these courses are much lower, but remember that the extra year will add time, course fees and living expenses to your degree.
- Study a veterinary HNC/HND: Higher National Certificates and Diplomas are vocational-based courses that are the equivalent to one (HNC) or two (HND) years of a bachelor’s degree. The entry requirements for veterinary HNCs and HNDs are a lot lower than for a degree and can lead to a veterinary degree upon completion.
- Study a veterinary foundation degree: Like HNDs, foundation degrees (FdSc) are vocational-based courses that last two years full-time and are worth two years of a bachelor’s degree. Entry requirements are low and these courses are ideal if you didn’t get the grades for direct entry onto a degree, or for mature students looking to re-enter higher education. After completing a foundation degree, you can progress onto a veterinary degree.
- Take a gap year and resit your exams: If you have your heart set on a course but don’t get the grades you need, consider taking a year out and resitting your exams either in autumn or the following year. During the year you can study and gain relevant work experience to boost your university application.
