Veterinary medicine focuses on the care and treatment of animals. It covers everything taught in a regular medical degree, such as psychological assessment, preventative care surgery and other complex processes. Veterinary medicine courses usually last five years.
Veterinarian science is a lucrative field. It is always in demand, and there is no shortage of work in the UK and the world over. Learn more about studying for an undergraduate degree at top universities for veterinary medicine in the UK below. To apply, visit an SI-UK India office near you or book your free consultation today.
The Best UK Universities for Veterinary Medicine
Below is the list of the top nine UK universities for studying veterinary medicine, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. University of Cambridge
The Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge has an international reputation as a centre of excellence and performs world-class veterinary research.
The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at the University of Cambridge includes modern facilities such as a five-theatre small animal surgical suite, a fully equipped intensive care unit, and an equine surgical suite and diagnostic unit, with an MRI machine capable of imaging standing horses. Small animals, farm animals, and horses are housed on-site to provide continual opportunities to consolidate students’ animal handling skills. The nearby University Farm also allows all students to participate in lambing and dairy management.
- Suggested course: Vet. M.B (Hons) Veterinary Medicine
- Entry requirements: A Levels: A*AA. IB: 42 points.
- International fee: £67,194
2. University of Edinburgh
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh was the highest-ranked veterinary school in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 and is currently ranked the best in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide.
Placements allow students to further practice their animal handling and clinical skills, increase their confidence and work experience, and provide valuable insight into the real world of work. Graduating from the School will allow students to register with the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Suggested course: BVM&S (Hons) Veterinary Medicine
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA. IB: 38 points with 666 at HL.
- International fee: £37,500
3. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool Institute of Veterinary Science has two on-site working farms, two referral hospitals, and three first-opinion practices, enabling undergraduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in all aspects of veterinary practice. In a recent national student survey of universities, the Institute was voted second for veterinary science.
With courses designed to create practical, compassionate and resilient veterinary surgeons, graduates will be equipped with the skills and qualities required to practice as vets in the 21st century.
- Suggested course: BVSc (Hons) Veterinary Science
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA. IB: 36 points.
- International fee: £42,700
4. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow Veterinary School is one of seven European veterinary schools to have achieved accredited status for its undergraduate programmes from the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the 2016 National Student Survey, the School of Veterinary Medicine was voted number one in the UK for veterinary science. Study abroad opportunities are available in all five years of the course through participation in compulsory extra-mural studies.
- Suggested course: BVMS Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA. IB: 38 points.
- International fee: £35,175
5. University of Nottingham
The School of Veterinary Science at the University of Nottingham ranked top of the National Student Survey (NSS), and it was ranked 2nd in the UK for research power. The school and campus are award-winning, purpose-built, and offer students innovative and highly rated courses. In a recent Association of Veterinary Students survey, Nottingham was ranked first for career progression preparation, extramural studies and student welfare.
- Suggested course: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery including a Gateway Year BVM BVS with BVMedSci
- Entry requirements: A Levels: BBC. IB: 28 points.
- International fee: £38,400
6. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol’s veterinary school offers three undergraduate degrees and one taught master's programme and has trained veterinary professionals for over 50 years. In the School of Veterinary Sciences, academics are leaders in their field whose research helps inform national policies that can lead to developments within veterinary practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits the School’s programmes and it is rated highly in the National Student Survey 2020 for overall student satisfaction (97%).
- Suggested course: BVSc Veterinary Science: Accelerated Graduate Entry
- Entry requirements: Undergraduate bachelor's degree (first or 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant science subject.
- International fee: £36,300
7. Royal Veterinary College
The Royal Veterinary College is a globally renowned top UK and European vet school. It is the first veterinary school in the UK, and the only one worldwide, to achieve full accreditation by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Students can access an equine clinic, referral hospital, farm animal centre, and post-mortem hall. 86% of recent Veterinary Medicine students found work or pursued further studies within six months of graduation.
- Suggested course: BVetMed (Hons) Veterinary Medicine
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAA. IB diploma: 666 at Higher Level, including Biology and Chemistry.
- International fee: £44,610
8. University of Surrey
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey is the UK's newest veterinary school. State-of-the-art facilities worth £45 million include a Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre, Veterinary Pathology Centre and modern lecture theatres and laboratories. The School achieved 100% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019 and continues to go from strength to strength. Graduates can register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to work as veterinary surgeons upon completing their degree.
- Suggested course: BVMSci (Hons) Veterinary Medicine and Science
- Entry requirements: A Levels: AAB. IB diploma: 35 Required subjects: Biology and Chemistry HL6/SL7.
9. Harper and Keele Veterinary School
The Harper and Keele Veterinary School, a collaboration between Harper Adams University and Keele University, aims to diversify the veterinary profession by offering alternative routes to aspiring vets. With expertise in agriculture, animal sciences, and medical education, the school prepares students for interdisciplinary collaboration in animal health and environmental science. Through joint programmes and interaction with various health professionals, students gain a holistic understanding of One Health principles, fostering global collaboration to address pressing challenges in veterinary and human health and environmental sustainability.
- Suggested course: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS)
- Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate: 6, 6, 6 in three Higher Levels, including 6 in Biology or Chemistry and 6 in one other of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths or Physics.
Study Veterinary Medicine in the UK
Enhance your prospects by studying veterinary medicine in one of these UK universities. Book your free consultation with SI-UK India to learn more and apply to study veterinary medicine in the UK.
FAQ
How many years of study is veterinary medicine?
Undergraduate courses to study veterinary medicine are 5-6 years in length
Is a veterinarian a medical doctor?
Yes, veterinarians are medical doctors with a degree in veterinary science.
Which is the best veterinary school in the UK?
The University of Cambridge, Edinburgh and Liverpool are among the best universities for studying veterinary medicine courses.
Is veterinary school expensive?
On average, the cost of studying veterinary medicine is £32,000 per annum for international students.
Do you need to be good at maths to be a vet?
Maths is a prerequisite for studying veterinary medicine. Veterinarians need math to perform accurate diagnostics and medication diagnostics.
What are veterinary medicine careers?
A vet can specialise in a specific animal care field, such as oncology or surgery, and pursue a career as a veterinary physician. Other career paths include animal nutritionist careers, working in research or education or as a scientific journalist.
Why study veterinary medicine at a UK university?
Studying veterinary medicine in the UK will equip students with the knowledge and skills to help with the well-being and treatment of animals. Taught modules include anatomy, physiology, genetics, animal behaviour, animal husbandry, nutrition, public health and epidemiology.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
