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 four and five are based at our Leahurst site, on the stunning Wirral, with North Wales on your doorstep.

Our School of Veterinary Science 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.

The initial semester of the first year is designed to help students transition to higher education. Students will undertake teaching blocks related to the foundations of veterinary science in semester one (year one), providing a knowledge-based platform on which future learning and assessment will build. Such an approach helps embed the required styles and study skills alongside the ethos of lifelong learning. Horizontal integration within years, and vertical integration between years, allows longitudinal development, with animal welfare at the core.

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. This is enhanced by ten weeks of animal husbandry extra-mural studies (EMS) in authentic animal establishments.

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 and complete a blended clinical theory course with preparatory rotations.

In fifth year, you will undertake clinical rotations spread fairly equally between production animal, equine and small animals with a dedicated rotation in exotics medicine. Over 95% of rotations take place on campus, with the majority being at the Leahurst Campus. Students additionally gain front-line experience in commercial practices during their 20 weeks of clinical extra-mural studies.

Following your clinical rotations, you will have the chance to choose a six-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.

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. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.

Year two

Animal husbandry
Infectious diseases
Normal structure and function
Professional, clinical and research skills
Public health and epidemiology

Year three

Management of disease, pathology and parasitology, Professional (including business), clinical and research skills, public health and epidemiology.

Year four

Clinical rotations
Management of disease

Year five

Clinical rotation
Electives

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 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

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.

Chat with our students

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

Match with an ambassador

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.)

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 - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £44,850
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £22,425 (applies to year in China)

The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. 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.

The Bloomberg Scholarship

4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.

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.

Entry requirements

Clearing is now closed to UK and Republic of Ireland students for entry 2026.

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.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0
TOEFL iBT	If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 5 overall, with 5 or above in all components. 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

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)151 794 4797

Last updated 7 August 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions