BVSc Veterinary Science

Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science is delivering the BVSc Veterinary Science degree in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Aberystwyth University was established in 1872, and for over a hundred years has been delivering innovative research in the Agriculture, Animal and Biological Sciences.

Established in 1791, The RVC is the UK’s largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a member institution of the University of London. The RVC is ranked as the world’s number one veterinary school in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2019.

The BVSc Veterinary Science degree, jointly hosted at both Aberystwyth University and the RVC offers you a chance to train at two world-leading institutions.

Teaching is organised in strands. These strands are visited on multiple occasions, initially focusing on the healthy animal, and progressing through diseases of different systems, their investigation and management. There are also non-system strands that focus on the underpinning science and the impact of animal disease on public health.

In the first two years you will be based in the heart of Wales at Aberystwyth University, studying the biology underpinning veterinary sciences, acquiring basic farm animal, horse and companion animal handling and examination skills, developing your communication, problem solving and team working skills. Aberystwyth University has a long history of animal health teaching and research and is committed to educational excellence.

In your third, fourth and fifth years you will be based at the RVC’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire where you will acquire the advanced knowledge and practical skills in the clinical sciences necessary for you to become a registerable veterinarian. During this period your clinical training will be undertaken in a range of the RVC’s clinical facilities and affiliated veterinary practices as well as a specific rotation at Aberystwyth University focused on production animal issues relevant to Wales.

The RVC has three outstanding academic and clinical departments. Lecturers at Aberystwyth University and the RVC in each department are not only world-class researchers and clinicians who are passionate about their field; they are highly qualified teaching professionals. At Aberystwyth University, students will benefit from the extensive university farms, Lluest Equine Centre and other teaching facilities.

The strands making up the basis of teaching are as follows:

From first to the third year:

• Principles of Science

• Locomotor

• Cardiovascular and respiratory

• Urogenital: renal

• Urogenital: reproduction

• Alimentary system

• Neurology and special senses

• Lymphoreticular and haematopoietic

• Skin

• Population medicine and veterinary public health (PMVPH)

• Scholarship evidence-based medicine.

During the fourth and fifth years:

The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments. 

Students participate in both intramural rotations and ClinEMS placements across species and disciplines. They will also undertake a research project of their choice.

Animal Husbandry Extra-Mural Studies (AHEMS)

AHEMS is undertaken during the first two years of the programme. AHEMS placements are designed to help you consolidate your learning about animal husbandry, develop animal handling skills, and learn about animal industries. You must complete 12 weeks of AHEMS before entry to the third year of the course. To gain a stronger insight into Welsh veterinary needs, six weeks of these AHEMS will be performed in Wales.

Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS)

ClinEMS is the time dedicated to gaining practical clinical experience in the latter years of your veterinary science programme to support your learning and clinical experience. ClinEMS will allow you to gain experience in a variety of different clinical and other veterinary-related organisations, where you will consolidate your learning about diagnosis and management of animal diseases, enhance your practical clinical skills, and acquire greater understanding of how veterinary organisations operate.

During the third, fourth and fifth years you will undertake ClinEMS placements, totalling 26 weeks of placements. To gain a stronger insight into Welsh veterinary practices, 13 weeks of these ClinEMS will be performed in Wales.

Intramural clinical rotations

In the final two years of the course, your clinical experience will focus on:

• observation, discussion and practical experience as a clinical team member within the RVC hospitals, and in clinical enterprises in which the RVC is a collaborating partner

• during your time on rotations your learning and understanding will be complemented by a broad range of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Modules

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

 Year 1

• Professional Studies & Evidence Based Medicine (Year 1)
• Animal Husbandry
• Alimentary, Endocrine & Urogenital Systems (Year 1)
• Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Locomotor Systems (Year 1)
• Neurology, Ophthalmology & Special Senses
• Principles of Science (Year 1)
• Population Medicine & Veterinary Public Health

Year 2

• Alimentary, Endocrine & Urogenital Systems (Year 2)
• Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Locomotor Systems (continued from Year 1)
• Principles of Science (continued from Year 1)
• Professional Studies & Evidence-Based Medicine continued from Year 1)

 Year 3

• Alimentary
• Population medicine and veterinary public health
• Reproduction
• Cardiovascular and respiratory
• Skin
• Locomotor
• Neurology and special senses
• Lymphoreticular and haemopoietic
• Principles of science
• Professional studies

Year 4

The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments.  

• Lymphoreticular and haemopoietic
• Urogenital: renal
• Endocrine
• Population medicine and veterinary public health
• Rotation preparation
• Intramural clinical rotations

Year 5

• Professional studies
• Intramural clinical rotations

Employability

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accredits UK veterinary degrees to ensure new veterinary surgeons are fit to practise on graduation, and thus eligible to join the RCVS Register as Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Only those individuals registered with the RCVS can call themselves veterinary surgeons and practise veterinary surgery in the UK. The RVC, Aberystwyth University and the RCVS are working closely together to ensure that our BVSc course meets the standards required for the RCVS to grant full accreditation in 2026 when the first cohort of students graduate.

Graduates develop an in-depth scientific knowledge that may be applied to a broad range of career pathways including the spectrum of clinical practices, veterinary and biomedical research, veterinary public health and food security, conservation medicine and a range of activities with government and veterinary-related industries. Additionally, having trained partially in Wales throughout the degree, graduates will be extremely well-suited to continue their career in Welsh practices and other veterinary institutions and employers.

For all enquiries relating to the course content and teaching please contact Aberystwyth University vetssat@aber.ac.uk. All applications should be made to the RVC and will be dealt with by RVC Admissions.

The standard academic requirements for entry to the BVSc programme are outlined below.

A Levels

AAA in three A Level subjects:

• Biology at grade A 
• Chemistry at grade A 
• A third subject of your choice. The third A Level subject should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry.
• Contextual offers available

We also require a 'pass' in the science practical for each subject, where taking the English curriculum.

Contextual Offers

Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations.

• A* grades are not required and predictions for A* will not give advantage at selection or offer stage over applicants predicted A.
• There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.
• Restrictions apply to re-sits to all qualifications - see 'FAQs' tab.

See additional GCSE requirements below.

Welsh Baccalaureate 

Applicants who achieve the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with grade A will be accepted with two A Levels:

• Biology at grade A
• Chemistry at grade A

Please also see notes under the 'A Levels' tab above.

Contextual Offers

Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain  Widening Participation (WP) criteria (further information to be provided shortly).   No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

Advanced Highers at grades AA in:

• Biology
• Chemistry

In addition to 5 Highers at AAAAB grades including:

• Biology
• Chemistry

and at least National 5* grade B in:

• Physics
• English
• Mathematics

* If you have bypassed one or more of these subjects at National 5, you will need this subject/grade at Highers level. 

Contextual Offers

Offers of AB in Biology and Chemistry will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology and Chemistry. H1 required in one of these sciences.  

Minimum O3 is required in:

• Physics*
• English
• Mathematics

* where Physics is not available at Leaving Cert level, we'll consider a high grade in Junior Cert Science. 

International Baccalaureate

666 at Higher Level including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• A third subject of your choice 

Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score. The ‘6’ can be in any of the Higher Level subjects. 

There is no third subject which is preferred or gives any special advantage in the selection process.

See additional GCSE requirements below.

Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to the IB Diploma, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:

• SL Mathematics: Analysis and approaches
• SL English A (or grade 6 in English B)

and must also demonstrate competency in Physics (e.g. MYP Science grade 6+).

Mathematics: Applications and interpretation cannot be accepted in lieu of Mathematics: Analysis and approaches.  

Diplomas and Further Certificates (including Access and L3 Extended Diploma)

All qualifications below are considered on top of existing Level 2 requirements (e.g. GCSEs, National 5s, O Levels, etc). If you are not sure you have equivalent qualifications, please contact us at admissions@rvc.ac.uk

Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)

Diplomas must be Science-based and include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction. You must achieve at least Merit in all other graded Level 3 credits.

See the Access to Higher Education website to search for possible courses in your area. We do not accept on-line versions of the course.

Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine

Distinctions must be achieved in the Chemistry and Biology modules.

See the Birkbeck website for further details.

Level 3 Extended Diploma 

Applied Generals

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science / Applied Science (Biomedical Science): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:

•  Principles and Applications of Science I (90)
•  Principles and Applications of Science II (120)
•  Science Investigation Skills or Contemporary Issues in Science (120)
•  Two of: Applications of Organic Chemistry; Applications of Inorganic Chemistry; Practical Chemical Analysis (120)

In addition:

For Applied Science: at least three units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved.

For Applied Science (Biomedical Science): at least four units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved in three of them.

Tech Levels

City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:

• Biological Systems of Animals
• Synoptic Assessment (1)
• Synoptic Assessment (2)
• Theory Exam (2)
• Undertake Investigative Project in the Land-Based Industries

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080)**: D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:

•  Animal Biology (120)
•  Animal Breeding and Genetics (120)
•  Animal Welfare and Ethics (120)
•  Practical Skills in Animal Science (60)
•  Animal Metabolism (60)
•  Advanced Animal Nutrition (60)
•  Investigative Research Project (60)

Level 3 Extended Diploma (unreformed syllabus)

Pearson Applied Science (2010 syllabus) QCF

D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:

• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Physiology of Human Body Systems AND/OR Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques AND/OR Chemistry for Biology Technicians
• Biomedical Science Techniques AND/OR Chemical Laboratory Techniques
• Using Statistics in Science AND/OR Informatics in Science

Pearson Animal Management (2010 syllabus) QCF

D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:

• Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition
• Understand the Principles and Carry Out the Practice of Biochemistry and Microbiology 
• Understand the Principles of Inheritance and Genetic Manipulation 
• Fundamentals of Science 
• Chemistry for Biology Technicians OR Understand the Principles of Chemistry for Biological and Medical Science

Cambridge Pre-U

Distinctions (D3 or higher) in three Principal Subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• A third subject of your choice

There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.

Applications are welcome from those who meet our science requirements and are taking a combination of A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U. Offers will be made on an individual basis, depending on the combinations.

GCSE (only in addition to other qualifications)

At least five GCSEs at grade A (7) including:

• AA in Science (Double Award)/7-7 in Combined Science or Biology and Chemistry or Science and Additional Science.

 with at least a grade 6 (B) in:

• English Language or Welsh Language, with at least a grade 4 (C) in the second language if both were taken
• Mathematics
• Physics (if taken as a separate GCSE)

For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click here.

Welsh applicants

Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.

International and EU Applicants

For advice on the acceptability of your qualifications please send details, referring to each of the required subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and English) to

admissions@rvc.ac.uk

Admissions Statement: Bachelor of Veterinary Science – BVSc

For more information useful to international applicants, please go to  International students section

Applications will not be considered from students currently on a degree programme unless they are in their final year.

Graduates holding related degrees

If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:2, or a Bachelor's without honours at 2:1 or above (e.g. 3-year from Australia, South Africa), you can be considered for the BVSc programme (D105). Applicants will need to be prepared to provide secondary school level transcripts/certificates as these may be used in conjunction with their degree to assess an applicant's viability. 

If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:1, you can apply directly to the RVC's Graduate Accelerated BVetMed (D102) programme. You are welcome to apply to the BVSc (D105) instead/as well but must be prepared to fund, and study on, the 5-year programme; no transfer to D102 is available post-application. 

If you are currently studying for a Masters degree we will only consider your application for deferred entry, as receipt of the Masters results and proof of the completion of the degree occurs too late to enrol on a new course in the same calendar year as the Masters degree is completed. 

Graduates holding non-related degrees

Applicants with a degree from a non-related discipline will need to meet the standard academic entry requirements stated above (in addition to work experience). 

Graduate finance

Graduate applicants eligible for a loan from Student Finance England (SFE) should be aware that financial support is different for applicants taking BVSc as a second degree. Guidance can be found here. We recommend contacting SFE directly with any further queries. 

Transferring into BVSc

It is not possible to transfer to the BVSc course from a degree programme partly completed at another university, nor can we use partial qualifications towards entry.

Internationally-qualified veterinarians

International applicants already holding a Veterinary Medicine degree who are seeking to practice in the UK are not eligible to apply for this course and should refer to the registration department of the RCVS.

English Language Requirements

The below table contains a full list of all English language qualifications which Aberystwyth University and the RVC accept as alternatives to IELTS.

All students who have not taken IELTS must demonstrate they meet our English language requirements through one of the below qualifications before they can enrol with the college, with the exception of those have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in a country listed as exempt by the UKVI.

Students from European countries whose national qualifications include acceptable English language qualifications will be able to see this in the entry requirements for their country. 

North America

USA

Graduate High School with at least four full-year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 5544 including Biology and Chemistry both at grade 5.

Alternatively, the following combinations can be accepted:

• ACT score of 28 in English and Maths (including Writing test) plus AP Biology and Chemistry at Grade 5;
• ACT score of 28 in English and Maths (including Writing test) plus IB Higher Level certificates in Biology and Chemistry at Grade 6.
• SAT score of 630 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', and an Essay score of 6,6,5 (in any order), plus AP Biology and Chemistry at Grade 5;
• SAT score of 630 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', and an Essay score of 6,6,5 (in any order), plus IB Higher Level certificates in Biology and Chemistry at Grade 6.

The RVC's institution code for College Board to be used when sending your results is 7970.

Please contact us for the previous SAT requirements, if you sat these prior to the revised qualification. 

Canada

As there are regional differences, please contact admissions@rvc.ac.uk for province-specific requirements. BC and ON are shown below as a guide:  

British Columbia

Pass the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation with five academic grade 12 courses including Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A 90% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 90% in Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English, Physics and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions). Grade 11 Life Sciences will normally be expected. 

Ontario

Pass the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 'U' courses including Biology and Chemistry. A 90% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 90% in Biology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English, Physics and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions).

Caribbean

Obtain Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) unit 2 grades of I, I, I (one, one, one) in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject, in addition to Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) grade II (two) in English A, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Europe

Where an English grade is not specified, applicants will need to meet one of RVC’s accepted English Language qualifications. Where not specified, applicants must also demonstrate they have studied Physics and Mathematics to the equivalent standard of GCSE grade B.

European Baccalaureate

Pass the Baccalaureate with 85% overall, and 8.5 in elective Biology and Chemistry. 7.5 required in Maths and 8 required in Year 5 Physics (or 7.5 in elective Physics). 7 in L1 English is an accepted English language requirement. 

Austria

Achieve the Reifeprüfung/Matura from Realgymnasium with Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden and grade 1 in Biology, Chemistry and English. Grade 3 required in Maths and Physics. 

Belgium

Achieve the Diploma van secundair onderwijs/Certificat d'enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS) with 80% (8/10; 16/20) overall. 85% (9/10; 17/20) required in Biology and Chemistry. 65% (7/10; 13/20) required in Maths and Physics.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Obtain the Diploma o završenoj srednjoj školi/Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved 554 in the Matura exams with 5 in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 3 in Maths and Physics compulsory subjects. 

Czech Republic

Achieve the Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce having passed the state maturita exams with 1,1,2,2 including 1 (Výborný) in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should also be demonstrated in Maths (if not included in the maturita) and Physics. 

Denmark

Pass the Bevis for Studentereksamen with grade 10 in four Level A subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Maths and Physics are required at minimum Level B grade 7 or Level A grade 7. English required at Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7.

Finland

Pass the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen with Eximia cum laude approbatur in three subjects including Biology and Chemistry, and at least Magna cum laude approbatur in a fourth subject. A minimum of Cum laude approbatur is required in Maths if not part of the four subjects above. Competency must also be demonstrated in Physics. 

France

Pass the Baccalauréat général with 14 overall. 16 required in Earth & Life Sciences and Physics-Chemistry, both of which need to beone's enseignements de spécialité and taken through to terminale.        Mathematics needs to be sat in the penultimate year, and grade 12 achieved.  [OIB Anglais: if 14 is achieved in English, no further English language qualification is required.] 

Germany

Pass the Abitur with 1.4 overall. 13 required in Biology and Chemistry, both as Kurse mit erhöhtem Anforderungsniveau/Leistungskurse. Applicants should demonstrate successful completion of grade 10 having achieved at least 3 in Maths and Physics. 

Iceland

Pass the Stúdentspróf (natural science specialisation) with 9 in Biology, Chemistry and English. 7 is required in Maths and Physics.

Italy

Pass the Diploma di Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico with 95 overall and individual grades of 10 in Science, 8 in Maths and 8 in Physics. 

Luxembourg

Pass the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires (Section C) with mention tres bien overall and 52 in Biology and Chemistry. 40 required in Maths and Physics. 

Macedonia

Pass the Matura with an average of 4.5 and at least 4.9 in Biology and Chemistry. Strong competency should be shown in Maths and Natural Science. 

Malta

Pass the University of Malta Matriculation Certificate with AA at Advanced Level in Biology and Chemistry and AAA in three Intermediate Level subjects. If not included as Intermediate subjects, grade 3 must be achieved in Maths and Physics as part of the Secondary Education Certificate. Alternatively, IGCSE/O Levels in Maths and Physics at grade B are accepted. English may be accepted if taken as a first language; please contact admissions. 

Montenegro

Achieve the Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths and Physics. 

Netherlands

Pass the VWO (Natuur profiel) with 8 overall with 8 in Biology and Chemistry. 7 is required in Maths and Physics, and 9 is required in English.  

Norway

Pass the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring/Skole (Natural sciences and mathematics stream) with 5 overall and 5 in Biology and Chemistry. 4 required in Maths, English and Physics. 

Poland

Achieve the Świadectwo Dojrzałości (Matura) with 80% average in the Egzamin dojrzalosci. 85% is required in Advanced Level Biology and Chemistry, and 75% in Standard Level Maths. Competency should be also demonstrated in Physics. 

Portugal

Pass the Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação with 18 overall, and 19 in Biology and 19 in Physics-Chemistry. 15 is required in Maths. 

Romania

Pass the Diplomă de Bacalaureat (science stream) with 9 overall and individual grades of 9 in Biology and Chemistry, and 8 in Maths and Physics. 

Serbia

Achieve the Diploma o položenom završnom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths and Physics. 

Slovakia

Pass the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške with 1,1,2,2 including 1 in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should be demonstrated in Gymnazium-level Maths and Physics. 

Slovenia

Pass the Maturitetno spričevalo (Matura) with 25 overall, and 5 in Biology and Chemistry. 4 required in Maths. Competency should be demonstrated in Gimnazija-level Physics. 

Spain

Pass the Bachillerato with 9 overall and individual grades of 9 in Biology/Biology-Geology and Chemistry/Physics-Chemistry. Achieve 7 in Maths and 7 in Physics if Physics-Chemistry not taken. 

Sweden

Pass the Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola (Naturvetenskapsprogrammet) with ABB in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject. A minimum of grade C should be achieved in Mathematics, Physics and English C.

Switzerland

Obtain the Federal Maturity Certificate or Federally Recognised Cantonal Maturity Certificate with grade 5 in 'Biology and Chemistry' (Schwerpunktfach/Option Spécifique), and 4 in Maths and Physics. 

Asia

If not specified, you must also demonstrate you have studied English (first language), Physics and Mathematics to the equivalent standard of GCSE/O Level grade B.

Hong Kong

Pass the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades 555 in Biology, Chemistry and one other elective subject, plus grade 4 in Maths and grade 5 in English core subjects. We will consider Maths as a third elective subject provided both the compulsory and the extended modules are taken with grades 5* (compulsory section) and 5 (extended section).

Malaysia

Obtain the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades AAA in three Principal level passes including Biology and Chemistry. In addition, grade 4/B is required in the SPM in Maths and 5/A in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Grade B must be achieved in English (first language) at either O Level (1119), or as part of the STPM.

Singapore

Obtain Singapore GCE A Level grades AAA at H2 level in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject. O Level Maths, English (first language) and Physics at grade B. In place of O Level English, we can accept grade B in Secondary 4 IP Language Arts/English Language. 

OR

Pass the Polytechnic Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience, Veterinary Technology or Biotechnology with an overall GPA of 3.0 and with grade B in all Biology and Chemistry modules.

Africa & Middle East

Iran

Obtain the Pre-University Certificate having studied the Nazari (Experimental science) stream. Achieve an average of 16.5 across all Biology subjects and 16 in Chemistry/Chemistry (lab). 13 is required in Maths and Physics/Physics (lab). 

Tanzania

Pass the ACSEE (natural sciences stream) with AAB+ in one of the following principal subject combinations: PCB, CBG, CBA or CBN. Division I must be achieved in the CSEE including B in Basic Mathematics; English Language; Biology; and Physics or Chemistry.

Uganda

Pass the UACE with AAA in the principal subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Pass the UCE with Division One, including Distinctions in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 4 (Credit) in English Language, Maths and Physics.

Oceania

All references to English below are to first-language English only. If you are studying English as a second language, please see RVC’s accepted English Language qualifications.

Australia

Excluding Queensland, an ATAR score of 90 is required. Please see below for state-specific subject/grade requirements:

New South Wales

Pass the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with the following 2-unit Category-A Board Developed Courses: Biology, Chemistry and one other at band 5; English, Maths and Physics must be achieved to at least band 3. 

Queensland

Pass the QCE including the following core subjects: Biology, Chemistry and one other at HA; English, Maths and Physics must be achieved to at least SA. Your OP score should be in bands 1-4.

South Australia

Pass the SACE with the following at Stage 2: 20 credits of Biology and Chemistry at grade A. To at least Stage 1: 20 credits of English, Maths and Physics at grade B. 

Victoria

Pass the VCE with the following: 3/4 Biology and Chemistry at grade A (average), English and Maths at grade C+ (average), as well as 1/2 Physics.

Western Australia

Pass the WACE with the following: Year 12 Biology and Chemistry at grade A. Year 11 English, Maths and Physics at grade B. 

New Zealand

Obtain the University Entrance Certificate with National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 with Excellence overall including in Biology and Chemistry. Minimum of NCEA Level 2 Merit grades required in English, Maths and Physics.

Some countries' education systems are not equivalent to A Levels in the UK. The programme(s) below are designed to give you that equivalent level of study so you can apply for our programmes:

• University of London Foundation programmes for International Students (UK-based)
• UCL University Preparatory Certificate for Science & Engineering (UPCSE) for International Students

You must take Biology and Chemistry as Core Units and achieve 70% in both subjects, and 70% overall for the Certificate. 

View website for more information on the programme. 

These requirements assume that you have met the standard entry requirements for UPCSE: if you have entered that course with special circumstances or through a different route, please see advice for International and EU applicants, above.

To apply for the BVSc you will need to have prior work experience in order to have developed animal handling skills and obtained an insight into the work of veterinary surgeons. Before you apply, you must have completed the minimum requirements:

• A total of 70 hours (e.g. 10 full days) of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more veterinary practices
• A total of 70 hours in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership), with at least 35 in large animal (excluding horse riding and horse ownership/family farm).

Work experience for those applying in September/October for 2023 entry only

We appreciate that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some applicants who are planning to apply in September/October 2022 may have experienced difficulties in obtaining the level of work experience we normally require prior to application. Therefore, for those applying in the 2022/23 application cycle only, the following principles will apply:

Prior to application, all applicants must have completed the following work experience:

• A total of 35 hours of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more veterinary practices
• A total of 70 hours in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership)

By 31 July 2023, all applicants will be required to have fulfilled the following requirements:

•  A total of 70 hours (e.g. 10 full days) of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more veterinary practices 
• A total of 70 hours in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership)

The above work experience must have been completed since April 2021 (18 months prior to the application deadline).

Where an applicant has completed less than the 70 hours of clinical experience at the point of application, it will be a condition of any offer of a place to have achieved the full 70 hours by the 31 July 2023 deadline. Applicants with less than 35 hours of clinical and 70 hours of non-clinical work experience at the point of application will not be considered.

All applicants to this course must attend an interview if invited and cannot receive an offer without attending an interview. Interviews will be held at Aberystwyth University at a time to be confirmed.

Invited applicants will be required to bring to the interview their passport (in some cases, another valid form of photo ID will be acceptable), original certificates for their GCSEs and (if already completed) A Levels or equivalent qualifications and reference lettersto cover the minimum work experience requirements as stated above.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) quality assures veterinary degrees at UK vet schools by means of specific accreditation standards.

Graduates from accredited schools join the RCVS register as members allowing them to practise veterinary surgery in the UK.

Aberystwyth University, the Royal Veterinary College and the RCVS are working together to ensure that the new degree meets these standards and that graduates will be eligible for registration. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, veterinary degrees must have a “recognition order” from the Privy Council before graduates can automatically be eligible for registration with the RCVS.

The Privy Council will take advice from RCVS on this. The process takes a number of years as full approval cannot be considered until after the RCVS undertakes a formal inspection of the full course and its standards in 2026 when the first cohort of students will have completed their degrees.

Until that time, both institutions are liaising regularly with the RCVS to ensure that progress towards accreditation is maintained.

Should any unforeseen issues arise, the Veterinary Surgeons Act includes a provision to help ensure that those completing their final exams in an as-yet-unapproved degree may still be allowed to register, in that the Privy Council may invite the RCVS to set examinations for any students attending a non-approved UK veterinary degree course, or alternatively appoint RCVS External Examiners to oversee the standard of the final year examinations. Students who pass the RCVS-controlled examinations would then be able to register with the RCVS and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK, regardless of the outcome of the degree’s accreditation process. This is in line with the arrangements for any new veterinary degree programmes.

Internal support available to veterinary students at Aberystwyth University?

Other external support networks available for veterinary students:

VetLife – support for the veterinary community www.vetlife.org.uk

AVS – the Association of Veterinary Students www.avsukireland.co.uk

Mind Matters Initiative (www.vetmindmatters.org)

Others include British Veterinary LGBT+ (BVLGBT+), British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS)

Are there bursaries available for veterinary students?

Up to date information on those bursaries available can be found at :

Veterinary Science (BVSc)  : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University

Details of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) Programme Specification are available here.

All veterinary students will be expected to provide certain personal protective equipment for use during practical work.

Below are a list of items required for the first two years at Aberystwyth University. We suggest a budget of £150-200.

If you are unsure of where to buy the items, we suggest you order directly from Monmark, a clothing supplier that stocks the required items. Aberystwyth University has no commercial relationship with Monmark, nor does it benefit financially from using them. We suggest using Monmark as they are familiar with supplying veterinary students at other UK schools. We will contact you prior to your course start date with details and order forms for these items.

Required:

Two Howie-style lab coats, white.

You will need two labcoats. One will be used in the dissection room and may get dirty or stained. The other is required for ‘clean’ laboratory practicals.

Scrub top, pale blue.

For small animal handling and practicals within the clinical skills area.

Boiler suit, grey, embroidered with AU School of Veterinary Science logo.

For large animal practicals and EMS placements. If ordering from Monmark directly, the embroidery is included in the price. If ordering elsewhere and arranging embroidery, School of Veterinary Science Logo (ZIP) 

Short sleeve waterproof parlour top.

For large animal practicals and EMS placements.

Waterproof trousers.

For large animal practicals and EMS placements.

Wellington boots, black or suitable dark colour, with steel toe cap.

For large animal practicals and EMS placements.

Safety spectacles

For lab practicals and dissection classes.

Optional:

Additional boiler suit, grey.

It can be useful to have an additional boiler suit, if it gets very dirty and you haven’t had a chance for laundry.

Dissection room wellington boots, white.

A range of boots will be provided but if you prefer to have your own pair that are not shared, you may purchase them. Please note that for health and safety reasons, these should NOT be worn outside, on farms, etc.

Sturdy boots (e.g. hiking boots).

These are useful for equine placements.