Veterinary Medicine BSc

Veterinary Medicine is the study of animal health, disease, surgery and welfare. It trains students to become veterinary surgeons, capable of diagnosing, treating and preventing illness in animals ranging from pets and livestock to wildlife. A Veterinary Medicine degree is ideal for students who love animals, excel in science, and want to make a difference in both animal and public health.

Course Structure

Veterinary Medicine is typically a five-year degree (BVetMed, BVSc, or DVM), or six years if including a foundation or gateway year. It is a highly competitive course, with entry requirements among the highest of all UK degrees. The degree is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), enabling graduates to register as veterinary surgeons in the UK.

Teaching combines lectures, anatomy labs, clinical placements, dissections, animal handling, and rotations in veterinary hospitals. Assessment includes written exams, practical skills assessments (OSCEs), clinical case reports and a final-year portfolio.

Typical Modules

Years 1–2 – Pre-Clinical Foundations

Anatomy and Physiology

Biochemistry and Genetics

Animal Husbandry and Welfare

Infectious Diseases and Immunology

Veterinary Public Health

Practical Animal Handling and Laboratory Skills

Years 3–4 – Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Pathology and Pharmacology

Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Laboratory Medicine

Surgery and Anaesthesia

Reproduction and Obstetrics

Farm Animal, Equine and Companion Animal Medicine

Clinical Skills Training and Simulations

Year 5 – Clinical Practice

Rotations in Small Animal, Equine, Farm Animal and Exotic Animal Practice

Clinical Decision-Making and Case Management

Professional Skills and Ethics

Final-Year Research Project or Dissertation

Placements on farms, in kennels, catteries, or wildlife centres are often required throughout the course.

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

• A levels: Chemistry (essential), Biology (essential), plus one other science (Physics or Maths often preferred).

  
  

• BTECs: Applied Science may be considered at some universities but usually alongside A level Chemistry.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Higher Level Chemistry and Biology are required.

  
  

• Work experience is crucial, often 2–4 weeks minimum across farms, vet practices, stables or animal shelters.

What Makes a Strong Application

Universities seek students with academic excellence, practical experience and strong motivation. A strong application should include:

• Excellent grades in Biology and Chemistry.

  
  

• A personal statement showing passion for animal health, research and veterinary practice.

  
  

• Work experience in diverse animal settings, including vet surgeries and farms.

  
  

• Evidence of resilience and teamwork, given the demanding nature of the career.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Veterinary Medicine degree builds a unique blend of scientific and professional skills:

• Clinical expertise – diagnosing and treating animal illnesses.

  
  

• Practical animal care – handling and managing a wide range of species.

  
  

• Problem-solving – applying scientific knowledge to complex cases.

  
  

• Communication – working with animal owners, farmers and fellow professionals.

  
  

• Research and analysis – contributing to veterinary science and public health.

  
  

• Leadership and teamwork – in clinical and emergency contexts.

  
  

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Veterinary Students

Here are four accessible and inspiring reads:

“If Only They Could Talk” by James Herriot – Warm, humorous tales from a vet’s life.

“Tell Me Where It Hurts” by Nick Trout – A modern look at veterinary practice.

“Vet on Call” by Marc Abraham – Behind the scenes of everyday vet life.

“Being a Veterinarian” by Cassie J. Holmes – Insights into the realities of the profession.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Veterinary graduates usually start as assistant vets, with salaries around £30,000–£35,000. With experience, vets in practice earn £40,000–£55,000. Specialists, consultants or senior vets may reach £70,000–£100,000+, especially in equine or referral practices. Academic and research roles also offer competitive progression.