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Qualification type
BVSc

Veterinary Science

UCAS code D100

Entry requirements
A level: AAA
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
5 years
Start date and application deadlines
Apply by:
Starts on:

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

How to apply

Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2025 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 15 October 2024.
Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for Veterinary Science courses
Related courses

There are five courses related to Veterinary Science that you might be interested in.

Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)

Bioveterinary Science MBiol

Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Veterinary Science) (Year 0) BVSc

Zoology BSc (Hons)

Zoology MBiol

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About this course

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

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) programme offers world-leading scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. The BVSc is internationally accredited and on graduation, you will be qualified to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the UK (RCVS), Ireland and Europe (EAEVE), Australia and New Zealand (AVBC), South Africa (SAVC), North America (AVMA) and many other countries around the world.

Our students get to enjoy a vibrant university experience for the first three years of the course, based at the central Liverpool campus. Years 4 and 5 are based at our Leahurst site, on the stunning Wirral, with North Wales on your doorstep.

Liverpool vet school offers in-depth clinical and research-based training and a hugely motivated, dedicated teaching staff. The university provides all of its own teaching across all five years of the course, using our two farms (covering beef and dairy cattle, pigs and sheep), our own teaching horses and our own teaching clinics. Across these sites our students have access to over 10,000 small animal cases a year, and over 5,000 equine and large animal cases.

Programme in detail

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.

Your study will commence with animal handling, the science of normal structure and function, the welfare and husbandry of animals and the incidence and distribution of disease.

You will continue to build on this knowledge in second year, adding pathology and parasitology,  further practical techniques and learning about veterinary research in our research skills course. In third year, you will study pathology and parasitology in more detail  start the clinical science course and complete a research project, allowing you to study an area of interest in much more detail.

You will begin learning and using clinical skills from day one, taking advantage of our dedicated facilities to practise the essential techniques required in every field of veterinary practice such as bandaging, injection technique, lab analysis, suturing and knot tying.

Our professional skills thread also starts in year one. 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 also learn about the importance of practice finance and how veterinary businesses operate.

In fourth year, you will move to Leahurst. You will complete a lecture based clinical theory course by the February of fourth year and then complete 31 weeks of clinical rotations spread fairly equally between production animal, equine and small animals with a dedicated rotation in exotics medicine. Over 90% of rotations take place at the Leahurst Campus, with students additionally gaining front line experience in commercial practices during their 20 weeks of extra-mural studies (EMS).

Following your clinical rotations, you will have the chance to choose a 3-week elective subject to study in greater depth. You also have the opportunity to take a year out from the veterinary science programme to study in China or for an additional, intercalated degree. A wide variety of subjects are available, both at Liverpool and other universities in the UK and abroad.

International opportunities

During clinical rotations, you will have the opportunity to join up to a 3-month exchange programme with one of our partner vet schools in Europe and the USA:

  • Belgium – Ghent University
  • Finland – University of Helsinki
  • France – National Veterinary School of Alfort
  • Norway – Norwegian School of Veterinary Science
  • Switzerland – University of Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty
  • USA – Kansas State University.

Explore our Global Opportunities Search Tool for further information.

What you'll learn

  • A core foundation in basic and clinical science which will support development of clinical reasoning and practical skills
  • Animal handling and essential techniques required in every field of veterinary practice such as physical examination, injection technique and lab analysis.
  • An understanding of the role of animals in human health
  • The role of vets in the treatment and prevention of disease in individual animals and populations
  • Development of professional skills to enable engagement with all aspects of veterinary science and clinical practice.
  • The knowledge, expertise and attitudes required for a 21st century career in clinical or academic veterinary practice, business or scientific research.
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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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

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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

Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Picture by Gareth Jones
Explore where you'll study
Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square Abercromby Square Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library The Quadrangle Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library

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.
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

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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.

100% of veterinary science students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

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 - £9,535

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £44,850

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

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 paying for your studies.

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.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.
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My qualifications are from 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.

Please note that admission to our foundation year is limited to mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time, or who have taken non-traditional qualifications.

Qualification Details
A levels

AAA including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. If Chemistry is not taken at A level, it must be taken at AS level (at grade B or above) and the second A level must be another academic science-related subject (from any of the following: Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology).

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. 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.

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:
T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.
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 The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Irish Higher Leaving Certificate. H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 (new grading system) OR A1, A1, A1, A1 (old grading system). Biology: (H1); Chemistry: (H1); English: (O3 at Ordinary Level or H6 at Higher Level); Maths: (O3 at Ordinary Level/Standard Level or H6 at Higher Level).
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.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification Details
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0
TOEFL iBT 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Pearson PTE Academic 69 overall, with no component below 69
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.  
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B Grade 7 at Higher Level

Alternative entry requirements

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Entry requirements: which qualifications do you need?

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Chat with us Send us a message Phone: +44 (0)151 794 4797
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Last updated 14 May 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

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.

9 December 2022: Day 1 competences

Link updated in overview section ‘Day 1 competences’

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.