In this article, we will look at the top vet schools in UK, the different programs offered by these schools and also entry requirements for vet schools in UK.
Students will find that there is a lot of overlap between traditional medicine programs and veterinary medicine in terms of the modules and subjects studied. After graduating, you can register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and start your career. Courses typically last five years.
Why Study To Become A Vet?
The ability to advance the health and welfare of your patients is one of the most advantageous aspects of a job in veterinary medicine, such as that of a veterinary pathologist.
You can also lessen the suffering of animals who have sustained severe wounds or long-term illnesses.
1. Interesting Career
For a veterinarian, no two days are ever the same. You will have the chance to look at several animal species, see a range of wounds and ailments, and use a number of diagnostic tools to decide on the best courses of action. On any given day, anything could walk through the clinic door.
2. A great salary
Although you must consider all the educational fees associated with earning that desired DVM degree, veterinary medicine is one of the animal vocations that can offer a high compensation.
3. Community Engagement
By treating their animals for appointments and emergencies, veterinarians have the opportunity to interact with many individuals in the community.
Additionally, they have the chance to inform and counsel owners about a number of crucial health issues.
4. Independent Professional Status
While you might begin by working for an established clinic, you have the choice of opening your own business, possibly even one that is mobile, which has far lower initial costs.
5. Lifelong Education
Veterinarians are perpetual learners. To maintain your medical license, you must complete continuing education hours, and even in the absence of a formal obligation, the majority of veterinarians are interested in learning the latest methods and advancements.
Becoming A Vet In the UK
You must get a veterinary degree that has been authorized by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Course admission is quite tough. The selecting procedure is therefore highly meticulous. In most universities, you can anticipate being questioned and taking screening exams. You must demonstrate that:
- You can complete the course’s academic prerequisites.
- You are very motivated and are aware of what the position entails.
- that you have acquired some useful professional experience
The typical length of a veterinary degree is 5 to 6 years. You might be able to enroll in a 4-year graduate entry veterinary degree program if you currently hold a degree in a similar field.
Salary Expectation Of A Vet In UK
The typical yearly salary for a veterinarian in the United Kingdom is 86,800 GBP. The lowest salary is 45,100 GBP, and the highest is 133,000 GBP (highest).
This is the typical annual pay after housing, transportation, and other amenities. Based on factors like geography, gender, experience, and talents, veterinarian earnings can vary greatly.
The List of Vet Schools In UK
There are numerous reasons to seek a career as a veterinarian if you love animals because it is one of the most well-liked and lucrative job alternatives for animal lovers. Below are the 11 accredited vet schools in UK.
# Royal Veterinary College, University of London
The Royal Veterinary College, which is a Member Institution of the University of London, is the largest and most prestigious autonomous veterinary college in the United Kingdom.
The College offers CPD programs in veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing, as well as undergraduate and graduate programs in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and biological sciences.
The RVC, one of the top institutions in the world for veterinary and biological science research, brings together people who are all passionate about the welfare of both humans and animals. According to the QS World University Rankings, published in 2021, the RVC is recognized as the world’s best veterinary school.
Students who go on to become practicing veterinarians, research scientists, veterinary nurses, and executives in business and government are drawn to their programs because of their international appeal.
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine:
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed) program provides veterinary medicine students with world-class academic and clinical preparation. This fascinating course adopts a novel approach to fusing technological advancement, medical and scientific advancement, and engaging teaching and learning techniques.
You will spend the first two years largely at the Camden Campus where you will study basic veterinary sciences, learn how to handle and examine horses, farm animals, and companion animals, and hone your communication and teamwork skills.
You will spend the majority of your third, fourth, and fifth years primarily based at the Hawkshead Campus, where you will gain the clinical science knowledge and practical skills required for you to fully participate in clinical practice at the RVC, collaborative practices, and private veterinary practice.
2022 fees: £9,250.
Learn about other programs here (undergraduate, postgraduate, veterinary CPD)
Click here for more information.
Admission: The following lists the typical academic prerequisites for admission to the BVetMed program.
- AAA in three subjects at A Level:
- Grade A in biology
- Grade A in chemistry
- Third topic of your choosing
- A minimum of five GCSEs with an A or grade 7
You must have past work experience in order to acquire animal handling abilities and get insight into veterinary surgeons’ jobs if you want to apply for the BVetMed. You must have fulfilled the following minimum prerequisites before applying:
- 70 hours total of paid or unpaid work experience in one or more veterinary practices (e.g., 10 full days).
- A total of 70 hours, excluding time spent at home, working for a family business, or caring for pets, should be spent working with live animals.
The 140 hours listed above must be completed during the 18 months immediately before the application deadline. Although it is appreciated, prior experience will not count toward the 140-hour requirement.
# University of Cambridge
The Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge is a center of excellence for teaching and research and is at the cutting edge of veterinary science and education. The Department of Veterinary Medicine is a sizable, multidisciplinary department with fully integrated scientific activity across the entire University.
In order to provide clinical teaching materials, the department hosts undergraduate and graduate students running a small animal and equine hospitals, as well as equine and farm animal clinical services.
Most of the research teams are located in department buildings on the university’s West Cambridge Site, although others are dispersed among the Schools of Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Clinical Medicine.
Students start learning how to handle and manage all the major domestic species during their first week, and then they move on to handling amphibians, reptiles, birds, and ‘exotic’ mammals.
These abilities grow increasingly important as the years go on as you work to learn confident clinical examination in preparation for the final year, which is totally clinic-based.
Students have access to first-rate resources, including specialized consultation and examination rooms, operating rooms, surgical suites, a linear accelerator for radiation, clinical pathology and post-mortem labs, and a clinical skills lab that is open 24 hours a day to students of all years.
Click here for more information.
Admission: The candidate’s eligibility to the DVM degree is limited since they must either hold an appointment at the Cambridge Veterinary School in addition to an accredited veterinary degree or have a degree from the University of Cambridge.
A UK Good II.i Honours Degree is required for admission to this program.
Please consult International Qualifications to determine the local equivalent if your degree is not from the UK. The application period begins on September 1, 2021, closes on October 4, 2022, and the course begins on January 5, 2023.
You can access the applicant portal by clicking the “Apply Now” button. There, you can prepare and submit your application and any necessary supporting materials, as well as ask for references.
A request is only finished when
- You have used the applicant portal to submit your application and any necessary supporting papers.
- Your £75 application fee has been paid.
- Your referees have supplied references for you.
- You won’t be able to submit your application if you miss the deadlines listed in this section.
# University of Liverpool
The School has world-class academics, therapeutic facilities, and research that enhance the learning environment as part of their overall plan to educate well-rounded, inquisitive global citizens who connect and engage with the major issues of the age.
The Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences is home to the School of Veterinary Science. Their goal is to become a hub of excellence for animal health and welfare on a regional, national, and international scale through research and education.
Click here to see all programs offered by this school.
Click here for more information about school.
# The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
William Dick established the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1823, making it one of the oldest veterinary institutions in the world.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is an exceptional center of clinical practice, education, and research.
More than 800 staff members and nearly 1400 students are housed on their purpose-built campus, which is surrounded by the stunning Pentland Hills Regional Park and contributes to their remarkable sense of community.
With an award-winning curriculum, cutting-edge teaching techniques, and an interdisciplinary learning environment, they offer exceptional veterinary education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for both their undergraduate and postgraduate students. (See programs)
Click here for more information.
# University of Glasgow
They are essentially a multidisciplinary research organization, and collaborating across disciplinary boundaries is one of their primary strengths.
The capacity to connect studies on animal illnesses, production, and welfare with ecological and evolutionary techniques make them exceptional in the UK.
They do research at several biological scales, including molecules, cells, individuals, populations of people, and ecosystems. They provide a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Click here for more information.
# University of Bristol
The Bristol Veterinary School is located at a designated location in the village of Langford, 14 miles south of Bristol, on the edge of the rural Mendips.
Modern facilities are located on their 105-hectare estate, which is ideal for their researchers who conduct a wide range of research activities.
These facilities are also essential to their commitment to providing top-notch instruction for all undergraduate courses and postgraduate taught programs.
Currently, they provide three undergraduate degrees, one taught master’s program, and certificate-level courses in addition to postgraduate research options. All of these presentations are given by academics who routinely publish their findings and share their cutting-edge research activities through their teaching.
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# University of Nottingham
They offer cutting-edge courses that are well-liked by both students and companies. You will have all you need for studying, help when you need it, and activities to be involved in to balance your time at university as a member of their community.
In the last year without lectures, clinical practice modules are used to finish the clinical education and experience required for undergraduate studies.
You will collaborate with the academic personnel from the local university and the clinical staff employed by Clinical Associates.
All domestic species, livestock production methods, wildlife conservation, pathology, and public health are all covered in clinical practice programs.
They offer undergraduate degrees, post-graduate-taught degrees, and post-graduate research degrees.
Click here for more information.
# University of Surrey
They are developing a vet school that is distinctive as the newest School of Veterinary Medicine in the UK. They are creating a school with vast vistas while adhering to traditional ideals like professionalism, scientific pique, and clinical excellence.
Their vast network of collaborators in research, business, and clinical practice provide students with exceptional learning opportunities.
Their multinational viewpoint on all facets of veterinary science is guaranteed by their worldly orientation. They offer Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD programs that you can apply for.
Click here for more information.
# Harper and Keele Veterinary School
Both institutions take great pleasure in their student life, and they both have lovely campuses and welcoming staff.
Two very successful universities provide distinct benefits to Vet School students. With access to on-campus farms and significant companion animal facilities with more than 3000 animals on site, Harper Adams has a long history in the animal sciences (agriculture, bio-veterinary science, vet nursing, and vet physiotherapy).
Keele possesses expertise in the health and life sciences has established a top medical school in the UK, and has made major recent investments in facilities like cutting-edge teaching labs.
An extraordinarily rich and authentic environment for veterinary education and research has been developed thanks to new veterinary buildings on each campus and close ties with veterinary clinics and related enterprises.
A five-year curriculum is completed by students to get a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree.
Click here for more information.
# The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science (in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College)
You have the opportunity to receive training at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Aberystwyth University as part of this jointly hosted Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree.
Since its founding in 1872, Aberystwyth University has conducted ground-breaking research in the fields of agriculture, animals, and biology.
The RVC, a constituent institution of the University of London, is the largest and oldest autonomous veterinary school in the UK and dates back to 1791.
The QS World University Rankings by subject place the RVC as the top veterinary school in the world.
In addition to being renowned researchers, physicians, and experts in their fields, lecturers at Aberystwyth University and the RVC are also highly trained educators.
Click here for more information.
# University of Central Lancashire
There are foundational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs offered by this school of veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine, veterinary science, veterinary physiotherapy & rehabilitation, and veterinary clinical practice are all topics covered in their curriculum.
Why choose them to study veterinary medicine?
Learn from a team of knowledgeable professors in veterinary medicine and animal science that have a wealth of real-world experience.
Utilize the Preston Campus and Myerscough College & University Center’s cutting-edge, modern facilities.
With clinical internships starting in Year 1, experience an intensive and practically oriented education. View all their courses.
Click here for more information.
FAQs.
How long is vet school in the UK?
5 Years! With the exception of students who intercalate to get a bachelor’s degree in addition to their veterinarian certificate, most undergraduate veterinary medical programs in the UK last five years.
Which is the easiest vet school to get into UK?
The Royal Veterinary College seems to be the easiest to get into based on the ratios: Only three U.K./EU applicants applied for each position in 2017.
For each position, there were four applications from people outside the U.K. and EU. The Royal Veterinary College had 270 openings, which was also the most.
- Where can I study veterinary in UK?
- The University of Edinburgh.
- The University of Cambridge.
- The University of Nottingham.
- The University of Liverpool.
- The University of Glasgow.
- The University of Bristol.
- The University of Surrey.
- Royal Veterinary College.
- University of Central Lancashire
Which is the best UK vet school?
(Complete University Guide 2021) Glasgow’s veterinary medicine program is ranked first in the UK and second in the country (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
Are vets called Dr in UK?
Physicians include doctors, dentists, and veterinary surgeons. Members of the RCVS should be treated equally to other clinical professionals since doctors and dentists in the UK are allowed to use the courtesy title “Dr.”
How much does a vet earn UK?
Newly qualified veterinarians typically start out making between £30,500 and £35,500.
Your pay may increase to roughly £40,000 to £70,000 with additional training and experience.
Veterinarians who work with larger animals typically make more money than those who treat smaller animals.
Is becoming a vet worth it?
Most veterans may anticipate stable employment. Over the following ten years, veterinarian employment is expected to rise by 17%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Veterans can anticipate receiving a respectable salary. Veterans made a median salary of approximately $100,000 in 2020, according to the BLS.
WHAT A levels do you need for vet?
Normal prerequisites for veterinary medical degrees include biology and two other subjects at the A-level.
University and college admissions standards range from BBC to A*AA, with AAA being the most typical prerequisite. You will also require five GCSEs (A-C), including math, science, and English.
How much does it cost to study veterinary in UK?
In comparison to other nations, the expense of attending veterinary school in the UK is significantly higher.
However, the career prospects and pay for this occupation are great. In the UK, the cost of veterinary school is approximately £9,000 per year for domestic students and between £14,000 and £19,000 per year for overseas students.
Is it too late to become a vet UK?
If you really want to make it work, it’s never too late to apply to vet school. Older students need to be completely aware of all the difficulties they may encounter.
How many vet schools are in the UK?
Currently, the U.K. has 11 veterinary schools.
How hard is it to be a vet?
It is obvious that being a veterinarian entails much more than just cuddling up to puppies and bunnies.
It’s a difficult job with the potential for long days and erratic cases. However, a career in veterinary medicine can be very satisfying for the proper person.
Which veterinary course is best?
- Diploma in Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Diploma in Veterinary Assistant.
- Diploma in Veterinary Pharmacy.
- Diploma in Veterinary Lab Technician.
How much does Royal Veterinary College Cost?
The tuition is pretty expensive. Your annual tuition at RVC will be at least 20,000 USD.
Can a vet become a human Doctor?
After earning a medical degree and passing the license and medical board tests, the answer is yes, a veterinarian can practice medicine on people. Vets’ aptitude for sciences, chemistry, and biology makes them particularly advantageous for careers in medicine.
How many vets graduate each year in UK?
According to “Patterns and Trends in UK Higher Education,” veterinary science students have experienced the “most noteworthy” change, growing from 4,850 in 2007–2008 to 7,145 in 2016–2017, a 47% rise.