Foundation to Veterinary Science (Year 0) | September 2027 entry | Courses

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

Compulsory modules	Credits
BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL001)	22.5
BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002)	22.5
CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL008)	22.5
CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL009)	22.5
FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE (HEAL012)	20
MATHS FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE (HEAL011)	10

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by 1 September 2026 at the latest.

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 Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

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

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

Animal dentistry students analysing animal bones

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.

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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 at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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 - £10,050
Foundation year fee - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)

International fees

This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.

The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

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. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

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

Ruth Cannell Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

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 £26,500 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.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

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

Qualification	Details
A levels	This programme is designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time (5 years or more) or who have taken non-traditional qualifications. Please note that we will not consider A-Level students or School Leavers. However, consideration may be given to candidates who studied some time ago. In order to give all applicants an equal opportunity, applicants who have been rejected following an interview will not normally be considered again. Consideration will be given to extenuating circumstances that warrant candidates applying with more recent qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
T levels	T levels are not currently accepted.
GCSE	5 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade 6 (B) to include Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry or dual combined science.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	Students currently studying BTEC level 3 will not be considered; BTEC level 2 will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE
International Baccalaureate	Applicants currently studying for International Baccalaureate will not be considered
Irish Leaving Certificate	Applicants currently studying for Irish Leaving Certificate will not be considered
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Applicants currently studying for Scottish Highers will not be considered
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	Applicants currently studying for Welsh Baccalaureate will not be considered
Graduate application	Applicants with a previous degree but do not meet criteria for direct entry to the degree programme will be considered if they are returning to education following a break.
Access	Applicants currently studying for an Access Diploma will not be considered. Mature students who have recently studied an access course (that is not eligible for direct entry) or have work- related qualifications will be considered.
Declaration of criminal background	Applicants may be expected to complete either a Declaration of Criminal Background or have a full Disclosure Barring Service check as part of their application.
Disability information	Additional support is given to students who have declared a disability on their UCAS application.
Work Experience Requirements	Evidence of knowledge and insight into the profession with emphasis on learning from work experience/observation is required. NB: Further details on specific work based experience requirements is available on the relevant degree programme pages.
International qualifications	Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

Contact us

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

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0)151 795 6000

Last updated 21 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions