First place to check out is http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=90334&int1stParentNodeID=89658#vet_prof

There are only a few vet schools in the UK. This means there are only a few places so it is very competitive, in terms of applicants per place it may be more competitive than medicine. The entry requirements are similar to that for medicine, typically AAB or AAA at A-level to include Chemistry and possibly Biology or another science. This means you’re going to have to be quite clever, particularly with the sciences. You’ll have to apply through UCAS by the earlier deadline of October 15th because most Vet schools will want to interview you. Try to get some work experience with a vet. Some institutions will demand this and it’s always a good idea to show your commitment to being a vet.

Veterinary medicine, sometimes called veterinary science (eg, at Bristol and Liverpool), but beware of becoming confused with veterinary nursing courses -these do not lead to you becoming a full vet, are normally 5 years long (6 if with an intercalated science degree). The first three years are pre-clinical and the last few are the clinical stage (the more applied practical bit).

After you get a Veterinary Medicine degree you’ll need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to practise as a vet.

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Vet Schools:

There are only 7 universities in the UK that offer the qualifying veterinary medicine degrees. I would say the more prestigious ones are Cambridge, the Royal Veterinary College (University of London), Bristol and Edinburgh.

Bristol

http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/courses/vetsci.html

AAB to include Chemistry, Biology and one other academic subject. I think they want you to take the BMAT, teh Bio-Medical Admissions Test, see http://www.bmat.org.uk/index.html

For the clinical years you get moved to the Vet school which is a few miles out of Bristol in what may seem like the middle of nowhere. You may find that a bit off putting as you’ll be away from clubs, shops, etc.

Cambridge University

Requirements in full at http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/vetmed/requirements.html

Typically AAA at A-level. You’ll also need to take the BMAT. Cambridge will also ask for a Cambridge Admission Form (CAF), Ask your school for this or download it from their website. It’s also a collegiate university which gives a different (and I would say good) feel to your uni experience.

http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/

Glasgow

http://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/prospectus/faculties/vet/studyingveterinarymedicinesurgery/

AAB at first sitting including Chemistry at A, Biology at A with a third academic subject (preferably a science subject) excluding Art, Drama, General Studies, Music

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University

http://www.vet.ed.ac.uk/Prospective_students/about_us.htm

Entry requirements:

– three A levels at AAB in Chemistry (at A grade), Biology and either Maths or Physics at A level required at one sitting.

– four A levels at ABBB in Chemistry (at A grade), Biology, Maths and Physics required at one sitting.

– No other subjects are considered.

– If Physics has not been studied at ‘A’ level a good pass at GCSE is required.

– Candidates wishing to undertake two A/S levels in place of ‘A’ level Physics and Mathematics may do so providing that both Chemistry and Biology are offered at full ‘A’ level. Normally two ‘A’ grades must be achieved at A/S level. (Due to pressure on places, at present, no combination of subjects other than those listed above are approved for entry onto the course).

– Above grades must normally be passed in one sitting and at the first attempt.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, especially fun during festival time in August.

Royal Veterinary College (University of London)

http://www.rvc.ac.uk/AboutUs/Index.cfm

At AAA or AAB to exceptional candidates at A-level. Three subjects including Biology and Chemistry and one other subject of your choice, which does not overlap. They’ll also want you to take the BMAT. Full requirements at http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Education/Undergraduate/BVetMed/EntryReqs.cfm

Bear in mind that this in London so you’ll get both the excitement of being in that city but also the expense. Also this is a specialist veterinary college within the federal University of London. It may require more of an effort if you want to socialise with non-Vets once in a while.

University of Liverpool

Entry requirements are AAB + one AS/further A level. At least two science A levels including Biology. Chemistry A level is recommended but not obligatory. GCSE Maths, English and Physics or Dual Science (including Physics) grade B at GCSE. See http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/departmental_admissions_policies/Veterinary_Science.htm

University of Nottingham

http://www-wip.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/courses/ug_courses_introduction.php

Minimum of Grades AAB, in Chemistry, Biology (or Human Biology) and a third subject (excluding only General Studies) at A level (A2). Chemistry and Biology must be passed at Grade A.Taking a fourth A level will not increase your chances of being offered a place at this school.Requires 6 weeks worth of work experience at a vet, farm or zoo. see http://www-wip.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/courses/ug_entry_qualifications.php

Only opened in 2006 so very new. Pros likely to have brand new equipment, etc. Cons, hasn’t yet established a reputation, may experience some teething errors.