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
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 36 weeks of clinical rotations spread 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 26 weeks of extra-mural studies (EMS).
During clinical rotations, you will have the opportunity to join a 3-month exchange programme with one of our seven partner vet schools in Europe and the USA
Following your clinical rotations, you will have the chance to choose an 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, and examples range from basic sciences to our world-renowned BSc in Veterinary Conservation Medicine.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
