Foundation to Veterinary Science (Year 0)
UCAS code 74JJ
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 6 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025 September 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
A year zero foundation programme, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications, which leads to access onto a Veterinary Science BVSc programme.
Introduction
The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero foundation programme for Home students that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Veterinary Science) course is for students seeking entry to undertake the Veterinary Science BVSc (D100) programme.
Students seeking entry to Veterinary Science will study at Carmel College, St Helens. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.
This programme is specifically targeted at Home mature and non-traditional students, who typically have taken a break from studies.
Please note that we will not consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of programmes, as this does not demonstrate a clear commitment.
For further information on how to apply to this programme please contact: shs@liverpool.ac.uk.
What you'll learn
- Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
- Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
- A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population
- To fulfil the “Day One Competences” – a list of key skills set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- The knowledge, expertise and attitudes required for a career in clinical or academic veterinary practice, business or scientific research
- Skills to become lifelong learners, committed to professional development
- Ability to meet the needs of the profession as set out in the Vet Futures report
Routes
- Veterinary Science BVSc
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
In all modules at year zero, the study skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level are developed. Students are also introduced to a variety of learning methods, such as formal taught sessions, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, as well as a variety of assessment tasks, such as written assignments, in class data handling, written and practical examinations to provide a good grounding for vocational programmes.
There are some shared modules for all students, and then route specific modules to ensure the students are prepared for their chosen undergraduate programmes.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
There is a combination of problem-based learning, didactic teaching and small-group practical classes allowing students to develop lifelong learning techniques.
The School of Health Sciences draws on over 100 years of teaching delivered by dedicated staff with real-world, practical experience. We are a hub for an extensive network of professionals, academics and researchers, so you can be confident that a degree from us will prepare you for a lifelong career in healthcare services.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Enjoy both city and rural lifestyles on our programme. We’re distinct in the UK in that we have two farms, alongside three first-opinion practices and two referral hospitals on campus meaning you can get real experience of all aspects of veterinary practice: equine, large animal, and small animal. You’ll also benefit from our close associations with Chester Zoo.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
- Major centre for education and research in health sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
- Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
- Active research environment
- Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Studying this degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in animal sciences and the vast majority of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduation.
Most newly qualified vets choose to work in private veterinary practices but many graduates find work in:
- Laboratories
- Animal charities
- The public health sector
- Research
- Higher degrees like PhDs, or further studies in particular veterinary specialities.
You can explore the following postgraduate opportunities here at Liverpool:
- Veterinary Science MSc
- Veterinary Science PhD/MPhil/DVSc
- Bovine Reproduction DBR
- RCVS/Certificate in Advance Veterinary Practice.