Our course is designed to create practical, compassionate and resilient veterinary surgeons and to equip our graduates with the skills and qualities required to practice in the 21st century.
Introduction
Our integrated spiral curriculum offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning, where subjects are revisited year on year with an increasing focus on clinical application as the course progresses. Professional and clinical skills are introduced from day one, encouraging our students to engage with all aspects of veterinary science from the moment they begin the course. The curriculum provides opportunities to get involved with veterinary research, and to intercalate or study abroad. Completion of the course enables registration as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons upon graduation.
The Liverpool BVSc curriculum ensures that graduates:
Can fulfil the “Day One Competences” – a list of key skills set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Have the knowledge, expertise and attitudes required for a career in clinical or academic veterinary practice, business or scientific research
Are equipped with the skills to become lifelong learners, committed to their own professional development
Are able to meet the needs of the profession as set out in the Vet Futures report.
Programme in detail
You will study the science of normal structure and function, the welfare and husbandry of animals and the mechanisms and treatment of disease. You will begin learning and using practical skills from day one, taking advantage of our dedicated facilities to develop animal handling skills and using the clinical skills lab to practice the essential techniques required in every field of veterinary practice such as bandaging, injection technique, lab analysis, suturing and knot tying. You will learn how to communicate effectively with others, in both written and spoken form, and you will get to put this into practice with professional actors who act as your clients in simulated veterinary consultations.
You will continue to build on this knowledge in second year, adding further practical techniques and learning about veterinary research in our research skills course. In third year you will complete a research project, allowing you to study an area of interest in much more detail.
Our professional skills thread runs throughout the whole five years of the course and allows you to develop an awareness of the importance of practice finance and learn about how veterinary businesses operate, as well as developing your communication and consultation skills.
The fourth and final year are based at Leahurst where we have two large working farms, and first opinion and referral practices who see small animal, equine and farm species (small animal first opinion is in Liverpool). You will finish a lecture based clinical theory course by the February of fourth year and then complete 36 weeks of clinical rotations spread equally between production animal, equine and small animals with dedicated rotations in ophthalmology and exotics medicine. Over 90% of rotations take place at the Leahurst Campus, alongside students gaining front line experience in commercial practices during their 26 weeks of extra-mural studies (EMS).
Following your clinical rotations, you will have the chance to choose an elective subject to study in greater depth. This three week block follows final exams and therefore allows you to effectively practice as a vet whilst still benefiting from the support and expertise of the staff at the teaching site.
During the BVSc degree at Liverpool, you have the opportunity to take a year out from the veterinary science programme to study for an additional, intercalated degree. A wide variety of subjects are available, both at Liverpool and other universities in the UK and abroad, and examples range from basic sciences to our world renowned BSc in Veterinary Conservation Medicine.
What you'll learn
The vital qualities and skills to practice veterinary science in the 21st century.
A development of professional and clinical skills to encourage engagement with all aspects of Veterinary science/practice.
Knowledge, expertise and attitudes required for a career in clinical or academic veterinary practice, business or scientific research.
Essential techniques required in every field of veterinary practice such as bandaging, injection technique and lab analysis.
Animal handling and the use of the clinical lab skills to practice the essential techniques required in every field of veterinary practice.
The importance of practice finance and how veterinary businesses operate.
Communication/consultation skills. Put into practice with professional actors acting as clients in simulated veterinary consultations.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Animal husbandry and welfare
Infectious diseases
Normal structure and function
Professional, clinical and study skills
Public health and epidemiology
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Animal husbandry
Infectious diseases
Normal structure and function
Professional, clinical and research skills
Public health and epidemiology
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Management of disease, pathology and parasitology, Professional (including business), clinical and research skills, public health and epidemiology.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four
Clinical rotations
Management of disease
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year five
Clinical rotation
Electives
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
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
Ranked consistently amongst the top Veterinary Schools in the world
Two on-site working farms, two referral hospitals, three first opinion practices
Top ranked Veterinary School for research in REF2021
Liverpool University Veterinary Society is the largest student society with a variety of special interest sub-societies
Access to Virtual Learning Environment as well as residential schools and clinical placements.
The vast majority of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduation. Most newly qualified vets choose to work in private veterinary practices. Others decide to work for animal charities, in laboratories, abattoirs, industry or the public health sector, and some pursue careers in research. Others go on to higher degrees, for example PhDs, or further studies in particular veterinary specialities.
100% of veterinary science students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Postgraduate opportunities
Veterinary Science MSc
Veterinary Science PhD/MPhil/DVSc
Bovine Reproduction DBR
RCVS/Certificate in Advance Veterinary Practice.
Qualifying you for life
Our programme offers considerable opportunities for you to learn, to practise and to be assessed in the following key transferable skills:
Adopt the principles of lifelong learning
Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically
Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively
Effectively manage time and resources and set priorities
Apply the principles of scientific research and audit
Study topics in depth
Deal with uncertainty and work within a changing environment
Teach effectively and act as a mentor to others
Work effectively within a team.
Preparing you for future success
At Liverpool, our goal is to support you to build your intellectual, social, and cultural capital so that you graduate as a socially-conscious global citizen who is prepared for future success. We achieve this by:
Embedding employability within your , through the modules you take and the opportunities to gain real-world experience offered by many of our courses.
Providing you with opportunities to gain experience and develop connections with people and organisations, including student and graduate employers as well as our global alumni.
Providing you with the latest tools and skills to thrive in a competitive world, including access to Handshake, a platform which allows you to create your personalised job shortlist and apply with ease.
Supporting you through our peer-to-peer led Careers Studio, where our career coaches provide you with tailored advice and support.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Applicants to Veterinary Science should be aware that students will be required as part of the registration process at the start of their studies to undergo an occupational health assessment.
AAA including Biology, one other academic science related subject and any other subject excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. If Chemistry is not offered at A level, grade B at AS level is required.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
At least five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) including two science GCSEs (either as separate subjects or e.g. dual award science). With at least a grade 6 (B) in English (literature or language) and Mathematics.
Subject requirements
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We no longer accept BTEC qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall to include, Grade 6 at Higher Level Biology, Grade 6 at Higher Level Chemistry, Grade 6 at Higher Level in any other subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Grade A1 (H1) in Biology, A1 (H1) in Chemistry, Grades A1 (H1), A1 (H1), B1 (H2), B1 (H2) in four further subjects, to include Physics or Maths. New grades to be awarded in 2017 are those indicated in brackets.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Not accepted without Advanced Highers. Grade B in Biology at Advanced Higher, Grade B in Chemistry at Advance Higher, Grade AA in Biology and Chemistry and Grades AAB in 3 other subjects at Higher Level.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted in place of a third A level
Access
Kitemarked level 3 Access to Medicine at pre-approved colleges is required with a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry.
Approval MUST be obtained prior to application. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates should have work experience in both animal husbandry and clinical (veterinary practice) setting. For more information, please see the Veterinary Science Prospective Applicants page.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
