UK Veterinary Medicine Courses
Studying Veterinary Medicine in the UK will equip you with skills to excel in the field of animal health and welfare
A veterinary medicine degree in the UK will give students an excellent base to begin their veterinary career, equipping them with the knowledge and ability to help with the surgical treatment and care of animals. Transferable skills will also see graduates move into food safety, research and pharmaceuticals sectors.
A typical veterinary medicine undergraduate degree lasts five years, and modules generally cover anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry, microbiology, public health, parasitology and pathology. The programme's first two years are classed as the foundation phase, with the third and fourth clinical and fifth professional.
The number of places available to study veterinary medicine each year is limited, and the application procedure is highly competitive. In previous years, for example, Edinburgh received approximately 2,150 applications for 190 Home/EU places and 500 overseas applications for 17 places, meaning there is about one place for every 14 Home/EU applicants and one place for every 42 overseas applicants.
Types of Veterinary Medicine Degrees
Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine
A Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed) provides world-class scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. This dynamic course merges a rich veterinary heritage with cutting-edge technology, fostering a unique blend of clinical advancement and engaging teaching methods. You'll master the scientific foundations of veterinary practice and research, honing problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities. You'll gain extensive practical exposure with immersive experiences in our bustling RVC hospitals and collaborative settings. This comprehensive curriculum equips you with essential skills to understand normal body function, identify diseases, and ensure animal well-being, preparing you for a successful career in veterinary medicine.
- Course Duration: 5-6 years
- Course Fees: £30,000 - £50,000
- Entry Requirements: Typically include AAA in three A-level subjects: Biology at grade A and Chemistry at grade A. International Baccalaureate (IB): 32-38
Master’s in Veterinary Medicine
A Master's in Veterinary Medicine is a postgraduate degree designed for aspiring veterinarians seeking advanced knowledge and specialisation. This rigorous curriculum builds on the foundation of undergraduate veterinary studies, offering an in-depth exploration of specific areas such as surgery, pathology, or public health. Students delve into advanced clinical techniques, research methodologies, and diagnostic procedures. A master’s fosters critical thinking, leadership skills, and understanding of animal health. Graduates are well-prepared for specialised veterinary practice, academia, research, or public health careers, contributing significantly to the field's advancement and animal welfare.
- Course Duration: 1-3 years
- Course Fees: £20,000 - £40,000
- Entry Requirements: Typically include A-levels (e.g., AAB) or an equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score (e.g., 34 points), along with relevant science subjects.
PhD in Veterinary Medicine
A PhD in Veterinary Medicine represents the highest academic achievement in the field. This demanding doctoral is tailored for individuals who are dedicated to advancing veterinary science through extensive research. Doctoral candidates immerse themselves in specialised areas, conducting original investigations and significantly contributing to the field's knowledge base.
- Duration: 1-3 years
- Course Fees: £25,000 - £45,000
- Entry Requirements: A UK High 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent.
Scholarships
There are a variety of veterinary medicine scholarships available to international students studying in the UK, including:
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies UK Graduate/International Scholarship
- Offer: This scholarship provides financial support of £5,000 per year.
- Programme: Applicable for students pursuing a full-time Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) degree at the University of Edinburgh.
- Purpose: The scholarship aims to assist students with the cost of their veterinary education.
- Note: Eligibility criteria and application deadlines may vary, so applicants should refer to the University of Edinburgh's official website for specific details.
RVC International Scholarships for BVetMed
- Offer: This scholarship covers the full tuition fees.
- Selection Criteria: Recipients are chosen based on their admissions performance, including interview scores, academic track record, and the quality of their application.
- Purpose: The scholarship recognises and rewards outstanding international students pursuing the BVetMed programme at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).
- Note: Applicants should check RVC's official website for detailed information on application procedures, eligibility, and deadlines.
Veterinary Medicine Jobs and Careers
Veterinary medicine graduates are in demand and will move into private animal welfare practices and work at charities, laboratories, abattoirs and within the public health sector. If a student chooses to continue studying at postgraduate level, careers can be forged in more specialist areas of the profession.
Salary
According to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, the average starting professional salary for Veterinary Medicine graduates in the UK was around £33,000. However, experienced vets could earn over £50,000.
What are the entry requirements for Veterinary Medicine?
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 36-38 points.
- Typical A-level requirements: AAA including Chemistry, Biology or Physics.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 7.0 overall, with no lower than 6.5 in any one component.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Veterinary Medicine in the UK?
To learn more about the best veterinary medicine courses in the UK, find details on the top ranking Veterinary Science universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Liverpool
- University of Glasgow
- University of Nottingham
- University of Bristol
- Royal Veterinary College
- University of Surrey
- Harper and Keele Veterinary School
Study Veterinary Medicine in the UK
If you are interested in studying veterinary medicine in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.
Veterinary Medicine FAQ
The average length of a full-time veterinary medicine degree in the UK is five years. However, if you already have an undergraduate degree in a related field, you may be eligible to enrol in a four-year graduate entry veterinary degree.
The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh is the top ranked veterinary school in the UK. The most recent Research Excellence Framework also ranked the school first among all UK veterinary schools.
To be eligible for a veterinary medicine degree, you will typically need A-level biology and two other subjects. The range for entry level requirements goes from BBC to A*AA, with most universities requesting AAA. Furthermore, you will also need five GCSEs (A-C), including PCB, English, and maths (optional).
Chemistry is an absolute requirement for this degree, biology is a good choice (and required by some universities), and maths is good too, but optional. However, if you struggle with maths, it won’t be a problem for you, as some schools will accept your application.
The average starting salary for a vet in the United Kingdom is £33,838 per year, while the average salary for experienced veterinarians is £63,967 per year. Vets in the UK make an average of £45,000 per year or £23.08 per hour.
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