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Veterinary Science

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The deadline for UK students to apply for this course for entry in 2023 was 15 October 2022.

The deadline for international students was 15 October 2022.

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Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in veterinary science.

Course overview

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.

Our curriculum

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. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

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

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

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

Read more about studying a language

Intercalation available

Earn an additional undergraduate or master's degree by adding a year of intercalated study. Once you've completed your intercalation year - usually following your third year - you'll finish the rest of your programme.

  • Pursue in-depth study in a subject that interests you
  • Complete an additional degree in only one year
  • Available to students from any UK university
  • Pay the standard full-time fee for one academic year.

Learn more about intercalation

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.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

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.

Careers and employability

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)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £39,250
Year abroad fee £19,625
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and student finance.

Additional costs

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.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

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.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.

Scholarships and bursaries you can apply for from the United Kingdom

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Information for prospective applicants

Please refer to the Veterinary Science Prospective Applicants page for important guidance notes and detailed information for BVSc (D100) applicants.

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.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

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.

Available foundation years:

GCSE 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.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Veterinary Science BVSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

9 December 2022: Day 1 competences

Link updated in overview section ‘Day 1 competences’