How to apply

All applicants are required to fulfil level 2 (GSCE or equivalent) and level 3 qualifications (A Level or equivalent) and provide details of these on their UCAS application. We do use predicted grade where achieved grades are not available. Please email in advance if you are unable to provide predicted grades.

Applications that fail to provide this information will be rejected.

The most recent academic qualification should have been attained within the five years prior to the date of application.

We require the reference on the UCAS application form to be from a member of staff at the most recent academic institution you attended.

We do not require the BMAT or UKCAT examination for entry to Veterinary Science.

A levels

AAA in three A level subjects:

• Grade A in Biology or Human Biology
• Grade A in Chemistry *
• Grade A in a third subject of your choice**

* 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).

** The third A level subject cannot be general studies or critical thinking, however, there is no third subject that is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.

For science A levels in which the practical assessment is separately graded, a pass grade will be required.

Taking four subjects at A level does not confer an advantage in the application process. Grades from three appropriate subjects only will be taken into consideration, according to the criteria shown above.

Restrictions apply to re-sits in all qualifications – see FAQ below

See GCSE requirements below

International Baccalaureate

36 points required overall:

• Biology: Grade 6 at HL
• Chemistry: Grade 6 at HL
• One further subject: Grade 6 at HL

If Chemistry is not taken at HL it MUST be taken at SL (grade 6 required) and therefore, applicants MUST have a second Science subject (either Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology) at HL together with Biology

If GCSE’s not taken then:

• English: Grade 6 at SL
• Maths: Grade 6 at SL

Welsh applicants

Welsh Baccalaureate

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with grade A will be accepted as a third A level subject.

Scottish applicants

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

Advanced Highers at grades BB in:

Biology

Chemistry plus

Five Highers at AAAAB* grades including grades AA at Biology and Chemistry plus

AAAAA in National 5 to include a minimum of grade B in English, Mathematics and two science subjects. If any of these specified subjects are not offered at National 5 level, they must be offered at Higher or Advanced Higher level.

*Applicants who narrowly miss the Higher criteria may be considered as re-sit applicants. Please email for advice prior to the UCAS application deadline as your application will otherwise be rejected.

GCSE (only in addition to other qualifications)

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)

Mathematics

Level 4 Qualifications (graduate applicants)

An upper second class (2.i) Honours Degree completed in the last 5 years is required together with Biology and Chemistry at A level.

All science (BSc) degrees; grades BB in Biology and Chemistry at A level**

Arts (BA) degrees; grades AA in Biology and Chemistry at A level

** We will consider applicants who have studied Chemistry or Biology at degree or AS level and have achieved BB at A level for Biology or Chemistry and another science subject. We will also consider contextual data and extenuating circumstances for high-achieving graduates who have not completed A levels. In both instances please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for advice before you submit your UCAS application.

We regret that we are unable to accept transfers before completion of other degree programmes.

Adult learners

Non-traditional routes of entry to study Veterinary Science at The University of Liverpool.

We have two application routes to the BVSc for adult learners.

For both of these routes of entry we have two criteria:

Applicants are required to have five GCSEs at grade B (grade 6) including Maths, English (Language or Literature) and Science at the time of application.

Applicants should normally have been out of education for at least five years.

Pre-approved ‘access to higher education’ diplomas

Level 3 Access course at pre-approved colleges is required with 45 credits at Distinction to include 15 at level 3 Biology and 15 at level 3 Chemistry.

Approval of the access course must be obtained prior to application and applicants are strongly advised to check that the access course has been pre-approved before they start the course. Please see List of approved Access courses of further education colleges who provide Access courses that have already been approved, or contact the Admissions Office for further information.

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

Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions

This is a six-year course. If students successfully complete year 0, they will automatically progress to the 5-year BVSc (D100).

Applications should be made via UCAS for course code 74JJ.

The deadline for applications is 29^th January 2025.

If your country is not listed below or the graduate requirements for your country are not detailed, please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for advice on the acceptability of your qualifications.

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to be able to communicate in spoken, written and scientific English. We require the British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test – an overall score of 7.0 or above with a minimum of 7.0 in each component. Other language qualifications may be acceptable; please contact the Admissions Office with specific queries.

Information on fees for International and EU applicants

International Baccalaureate

36 points required overall:

• Biology: Grade 6 at HL
• Chemistry: Grade 6 at HL
• One further subject: Grade 6 at HL

If Chemistry is not taken at HL it MUST be taken at SL (grade 6 required) and therefore, applicants MUST have a second Science subject (either Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology) at HL together with Biology

If maths and English are not taken in standards tests (e.g. SATs, GCSE, AP) then they must be included in the IB

• English: Grade 6 at SL
• Maths: Grade 6 at SL

North America

USA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is a combination of College Board AP/ ACT's and High School Diploma

At least four College Board AP exams to include

• Biology: 5
• Chemistry: 5
• Maths: 4
• English: 4

OR

• ACT score of 27 in English and Maths (including writing test)
• Biology: 5
• Chemistry: 5

PLUS High School Diploma GPA 3.0 or above

We will also consider alternative combinations of AP Level and Honours Level/College Level courses on a case-by-case basis. Please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for advice prior to application.

Graduate applicants

Completion of at least 2 years of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.4 plus a minimum science GPA of 3.4. Required courses with a minimum grade C:

• Biology/Zoology
• Chemistry
• Organic chemistry/biochemistry
• Physics/ Maths/Statistics

CANADA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma

There are regional differences and we’ve included British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec (below).  Please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for other provisions.

British Columbia

Pass the British Columbia Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with five academic grade 12 courses. AAABB (A minimum average of 80% is required across grade 12 course) 

• Biology: minimum of 80%
• Chemistry: minimum of 80%
• English: minimum of 70% at grade 12
• Maths: minimum of 70% at grade 12 (Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions)

Ontario

Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma at advanced level, with six grade 12 U, U/C or M courses AAABBB (3 subjects with a minimum of 80% and 3 subjects at 70%)

• Biology: A/80%
• Chemistry: A/80%
• One further subject: A/80%
• English: pass at grade 12
• Maths: B/70% at grade 12 (Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions)

Quebec

Grade 12 Diplôme d’Études Collégiales with grades AAABB

• Biology: A
• Chemistry: A
• One further subject: A
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: minimum of 73% is required at grade 11 e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions

Graduate applicants

Completion of at least 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.4 plus a minimum science GPA of 3.4. Required courses with a minimum grade C:

• Biology/Zoology
• Chemistry
• Organic chemistry/biochemistry
• Physics/ Maths/Statistics

EUROPE

EUROPEAN BACCALAUREATE - The recognised A level equivalent qualification

Pass with an overall score of 83%

• Biology: 8
• Chemistry: 8
• English:
• Language 1 minimum of 6.0
• Language 2 minimum of 6.5
• Language 3 minimum of 7.0
• Language 4 not acceptable
• Maths: Grade 8 in 3-period Mathematics

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE - The recognised A level equivalent qualification

36 points overall

• Biology: Grade 6 at HL
• Chemistry: Grade 6 at HL
• One further subject: Grade 6 at HL

If Chemistry is not taken at HL it MUST be taken at SL (grade 6 required) and therefore, applicants MUST have a second Science subject (either Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology) at HL together with Biology

If GCSE’s not taken then

• English: Grade 6 at SL
• Maths: Grade 6 at SL

AUSTRIA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis

Successfully complete Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis with a score of 1 (sehr gut) in majority of subjects taken.

• Biology: 1(sehr gut) 
• Chemistry: 1 (sehr gut) 
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Abschlussprufungszeugnis from a Berufsbildende Mittlere Schule (BMS) 2 years 1-3 points

BELGIUM

The recognised A Level equivalent is Certificat d'Eseignement Secondaire Superieur / Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs / Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts

Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs, Certificate d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur’ or Abschlusszeuterrichts with an overall average score of at least 80%.

• Biology: 80%
• Chemistry: 80%
• English: if English is not studied within main qualification otherwise IETLS is required. (see below for score required)
• Maths: 65% (7/10; 13/20)

CYPRUS

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Upper Secondary School (Lykeio) Leaving Certificate (Apolytirio)

Pass Apolytirion with an overall average of 19, plus an average of 19 in Katefthinsis subjects

• Biology: 19
• Chemistry: 19
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 17

Apolytirio plus A Levels

Pass Apolytirion with a minimum average of 19 plus GCE A level grades AA including Biology and Chemistry.

• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 17

CZECH REPUBLIC

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce (Maturita)

A minimum of grade 1 (Výborný) in three subjects, and grade 2 (Chvalitebný) in one subject, in any order from both Common and Profile Parts.

• Biology: 1 (Výborný)
• Chemistry: 1 (Výborný)
• One further subject: 1 (Výborný)
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 2 (Chvalitebný)

DENMARK

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Bevis for Studentereksamen (Secondary Education Graduation Certificate) or Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) (Higher Preparatory Examination Certificate)

Pass Bevis for Studentereksamen with a minimum of three Level A subjects at grades 10, 10, 10 

• Biology: Level A grade 10
• Chemistry: Level A grade 10
• One further subject: Level A grade 10
• English: Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7
• Maths: Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7

FINLAND

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Ylioppilastutkinto

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen with grades 6665 (EEEM)

• Biology: Grade 6/E
• Chemistry: Grade 6/E
• One further subject: Grade 6/E
• English: Grade 4 in Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen English (Matriculation Certificate).
• Maths: Grade 4 in Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen English (Matriculation Certificate).

FRANCE

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Baccalaureate General / Option Internationale du Baccalaureat (OIB)

Pass the Baccalaureate General / Option Internationale du Baccalaureat (OIB) 14 (mention bien) overall

• Biology OR Earth and Life Sciences: 14
• Physics-Chemistry: 14
• English: [OIB Anglais: if 14 is achieved no further English language qualification is required] otherwise IELTS is required (see above for score required)
• Maths (sat in penultimate year): 12

GERMANY

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Abitur

Pass Abitur with a minimum GPA of 1.5 with no subject grade lower than 13 in two Leistungskurse (advanced) subjects

• Biology: 13 (advanced subject)
• Chemistry: 13 (advanced subject)
• English: Pass Abitur English at 12 points – where English is taken as an achievement/main/intensive course acceptable in place of IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: 10

GREECE

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Apolytirio Geniko Lykeio/ General Lyceum Apolytirio

Pass Apolytirio with an overall average of 19, plus an average of 19 in Katefthinsis subjects

• Biology: 19
• Chemistry: 19
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 17

Apolytirio plus A Levels

Pass Apolytirion with a minimum average of 19 plus GCE A level grades AA including Biology and Chemistry.

• English : IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 17

ICELAND

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Studentsprof

Pass Studentsprof with an overall average of 8

• Biology: Grade 8
• Chemistry: Grade 8
• English: Grade 7 [when taken as a compulsory modern language] otherwise IELTS is required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 7

IRELAND (Republic of)

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/A1
• Chemistry: H1/A1
• English: O2 at Ordinary Level or H5 at Higher Level
• Maths: O2 at Ordinary Level/Standard Level or H5 at Higher Level. 

ITALY

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Diploma di Esame di Stato

Pass Diploma di Esame di Stato with minimum overall average 95%

• Biology: Grade 9
• Chemistry: Grade 9
• English: IELTS is required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 8

LUXEMBOURG

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Diplome de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires

Pass Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with a minimum of 50 points (tres bien)

• Biology: 48
• Chemistry: 48
• English: 45 or IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: 40

MALTA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Matriculation Certificate Examination when studied at the University of Malta

AA (Advanced level) + AAB (Intermediate level to exclude Systems of Knowledge)

• Biology: A at Advanced level
• Chemistry: A at Advanced level
• English: A minimum of grade 4 in the Secondary Education Certificate
• Maths: A minimum of grade 4 in the Secondary Education Certificate

Netherlands

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)

Pass Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with an overall average of 8.5

• Biology: 8.0
• Chemistry: 8.0
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: grade 7.0

Norway

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Vitnemal - Videregaende Opplaering (VVO) - Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) 

Successfully complete Vitnemal - Videregaende  Opplaering (VVO) with a minimum overall GPA of 4.5

• Biology: Minimum of 5.0+
• Chemistry: Minimum of 5.0+
• English: Grade 4.0 in Vitnemal - Videregaende Opplaering (VVO)
• Maths: Grade 4.0 in Vitnemal - Videregaende Opplaering (VVO)

Poland

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Matura

Pass Matura (Basic and Extended level) with an average of 80%, and with 80% in at least two extended level

• Biology: 80% Extended level
• Chemistry: 80% Extended level
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 75% in Basic Level

Portugal

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Diploma Nivel Secundario de Educacao / Certificado Nivel Secundario de Educacao / Diploma de Ensino Secundari

Pass Diploma de Ensino Secundario with an average of 17

• Biology: 18
• Physics-Chemistry: 18
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 15

Romania

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Diploma de Bacalaureat

Pass Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall score of  9 in addition to an average score of 9 in each of the final graduation examinations

• Biology or Chemistry: 9
• Maths: 9
• Romanian Language: 9
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• If Biology and Chemistry are not taken the Bacalaureat then a grade A at A-level is required in both subjects.
• If Biology is taken in the Balcalureat a Grade A at A-level Chemistry is required
• If Chemistry is taken in the Balcalureat a Grade A at A-level Biology is required

Slovakia

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita)

Successfully complete Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej Skuske (Maturita) with a minimum of grade 1 (Vyborny) in three subjects and grade 2 (Chvalitebny) in one subject.

• Biology: Grade 1 (Vyborny)
• Chemistry: Grade 1 (Vyborny)
• One further subject: 1 (Vyborny)
• English: IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 4

Slovenia

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Maturitento Spricevalo

Successfully complete Maturitento Spricevalo with a minimum overall average grade of 27, including no less than grade 4 in each of five subjects at Basic Level, including grade 7 in an elective subject at Higher Level. 

• Biology: Grade 7 at Higher Level
• Chemistry: Grade 7 at Higher Level
• English: IETLS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: 4 at basic level

Spain

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Titulo de Bachiller

Pass Titulo de Bachiller at an average of 8.5

• Biology/Biology-Geology: 8
• Chemistry/Physics-Chemistry: 8
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 7

Sweden

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Avgangsbetyg / Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasieskola

Successful completion of Avgangsbetyg /Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasieskola with 2,500 credits with 18 overall average and no failed subjects plus any subject requirements

• Biology: Grade A/20
• Chemistry: Grade A/20
• English: Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola Grade C/15
• Maths: English: Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola Grade C/15

Switzerland

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Schweizerische Maturitätsprüfung

Successfully complete Schweizerische Maturitatsprufung with an overall average grade of 5.0.

• Biology: Grade 5.0
• Chemistry: Grade 5.0
• English: IELTS required (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade 4.0

Asia

Hong Kong

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Successfully complete the HKDSE with grades 555 from either 3 electives or 2 electives plus one core subject (excluding Liberal Studies)

• Biology: Elective subject Grade 5
• Chemistry: Elective subject Grade 5
• One further subject at either elective or core: Grade 5
• Maths (Core): HKDSE Grade 4
• English (Core): HKDSE Grade 4

INDIA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Standard XII

India Standard XII with a minimum overall average of 85% from four core subjects (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE).

• Biology 80% in the Standard XII
• Chemistry 80% in the Standard XII
• English: 75% in the Standard XII
• Maths: 60% in the Standard X

Malaysia

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Malaysian Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) / Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia

Pass UEC Senior Middle Level with grades AAAAA excluding Chinese, Bahasa Malay and Book Keeping and Commerce OR STPM - AAA in three of 5 subjects

• Biology: Grade A
• Chemistry: Grade A
• English: SPM grade C1 with at least C1 in each component or IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: Grade B

Singapore

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Singapore Cambridge A-Level at H2 Level

Obtain Singapore GCE A Level grades AAA at H2 level

• Biology H2: A
• Chemistry H2: A
• One further subject H2: A
• English: O’level grade B or IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: O’level grade B

OR

Pass the Polytechnic Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience, Veterinary Technology or Biotechnology with an overall GPA of 3.2.

• Biology all modules: Grade B
• Chemistry all modules: Grade B
• English: O’level grade B or IELTS (see above for score required)
• Maths: O’level grade B

 The Singapore Intergrated Programme Cambridge Advanced Level (SIPCAL) English is NOT accepted.

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

SOUTH AFRICA

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the National Senior Certificate (with Matriculation Endorsement) or Independent Exam Board (IEB). 

77666 excluding Life Orientation

• Biology/Life Sciences: 7
• Chemistry/Physical Sciences: 7
• English: 5
• Maths: 5

OCEANIA

Australia

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the ATAR/OP AND completion of Year 12 certificate

ATAR 92.00 or OP 5 AND completion of Year 12 certificate (see below for example)

Graduate applicants

Applicants are generally required to have a good Bachelor (Honours) degree at Upper Second-Class standard or a high pass (approximately 70%) or a GPA of 5.0/7.0 in the three-year Ordinary degree from a recognised Australian university

Our standard requirement for Ordinary Bachelor degree graduates from the top Group 8 institutions is a GPA of 4.5/7.0 or 65% overall (equal to a UK 2:1)

Applicants must also have the following

Other Accepted Qualifications

For Ordinary Bachelor degree graduates from NARIC recognised but non-Group 8 institutions, we require a GPA of 5.0/7.0 or 71% overall

NEW ZEALAND

The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the NCEA level 3

Considered on case by case basis, please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk with qualifications

Academic requirements for International and EU applicants PDF

To apply for the BVSc applicants are expected to have gained a minimum of three weeks (15 days) work experience from the list below.

At least one week needs to be from A or B. If applicants are unable to secure a placement in veterinary practice then they must complete the Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession MOOC, in addition to the 15 days of work experience. 

Please see advice on how to correctly evidence your work experience and the MOOC.

1. Veterinary Practice
2. Working within commercial animal industry with core species (cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, rabbits).  Note that core species does not include wildlife or zoo placements. Commercial industry includes, charities, urban and other commercial farms, kennels, stables, rescue centres
3. Working in a customer- facing role (e.g. within retail or hospitality industries).

The three weeks of work experience must be obtained within the five-year period directly preceding the application deadline, so for this year would be experience carried out from 15^th October 2019. Earlier experience is welcome but will not count towards this requirement. The work experience submission portal will require you to evidence how many working days or half days of experience you have gained. If you have completed your experience an hour or two at a time then as a guide, 3.5 hours is equivalent to a half day.

Not all candidates will have equal opportunities for access to work experience and whilst we recommend a broad range of experience, there is no selective advantage on completing more than three weeks or on the nature of the work experience that applicants have been able to complete.

To be shortlisted for interview, applicants must

1. Meet our academic requirements
2. Correctly evidence at least 15 days of work experience by 30^th October 2024.

We typically interview 700-1000 applicants between November and January using an online platform.

The interviews are structured panel interviews and are designed to objectively assess a variety of non-academic attributes. The highest scores at interview are given an offer (100%) weighting.

We then further review applicants with borderline scores at interview and consider contextual data. We do not further consider either academic performance or prior work experience, these minimum criteria are only considered for selection for interview. We typically give offers to 40-50% of those we interview.

All universities, including ours, receive information from UCAS derived from the details you enter on your UCAS form.

This includes the school or socio-economic context in which you have previously studied, together with information about any disability you may have, and whether you have been in social care at any point in your life.

Taken together, this information is often referred to as ‘contextual data’ as it provides us with some ‘context’ of any barriers that may have affected your learning journey. This data helps to facilitate fair access in admissions.

We will make allowances for applicants who meet the criteria for the university’s policy on contextual data for fair access when considering applications and these applicants may also receive a reduced offer.

To find out if you are eligible, please submit the information required into the Contextual Admissions Indicator Tool.

Further information can be found at https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/contextual-data/

Veterinary Student Health

The University of Liverpool welcomes students with disabilities and those with health conditions and the School will provide all reasonable support to enable disabled students or those with health conditions to complete their studies

Appropriate support can be provided for many circumstances even if the effects of disability or ill health are substantial. However, because of a requirement to ensure patients, clients and colleagues are not harmed through involvement in veterinary training, if you have a condition which would make it impossible for you to work safely with patients, clients or colleagues, or to acquire the skills necessary to complete your training, even with adjustments and support, then you cannot be accepted onto the undergraduate veterinary medicine programme.

The University of Liverpool has to be assured that the School of Veterinary Science can help you practise safely in training and in employment. Therefore, once you have accepted an offer of a place on the BVSc Programme and your offer becomes ‘Unconditional Firm’ (UF), you will be asked to complete a Confidential Health Questionnaire form and return it to the Occupational Health Unit, where Occupational Health Professionals will assess the Health Questionnaire. Please note that your form will not be seen by the Vet School.

All BVSc students are required to complete the form regardless of whether a disability or health condition was declared on application or not, and progression on the BVSc is subject to Health Clearance.

If you declare any disability or health condition which may require us to make adjustments to the BVSc programme, or affect fitness to practise under the RCVS Guidelines, a Disability Support Adviser will contact you to assist you further.

The Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) have produced a document outlining the fitness standards expected of veterinary students:

HEOPS Guidance

The University of Liverpool will only refuse a student a place on the grounds of their disability where:

• The chosen course of study leads to a professional qualification and the relevant professional body has regulations which would preclude membership by people with particular impairments (see HEOPS guidance).
• There are overriding health and safety concerns.
• In rare circumstances when a necessary reasonable adjustment cannot be made

Fitness to Practise as a Veterinary Surgeon

The BVSc degree from The University of Liverpool is automatically validated by the governing body of the veterinary profession, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This entitles BVSc graduates to practise as Veterinary Surgeons in the UK. It is important that they accept the professional Codes of Conduct and that they realise their professional work will be arduous and demanding. In particular they should recognise that they will hold special positions of responsibility. We ask applicants to tell us if they have experienced previous mental health or behavioural problems or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Failure to disclose information which directly relates to fitness to practise as a Veterinary Surgeon will result in termination of studies.

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/publications/fitness-to-practise-a-guide-for-uk-veterinary-schools-and/

Do you accept applications for deferred entry?

Yes, we welcome applications for deferred entry. We do not make a judgement as to how the applicant is going to spend the gap year, and we do not have a “quota” for deferred entry applications. It will be fine for you to apply in 2024 for entry in 2026 and you would state this on your UCAS application. You will need to meet both the academic and work experience criteria, still provide your work experience references and attend an interview if you are selected.

What do you look for in personal statements on UCAS forms?

We do not use personal statements for assessing applications or selecting for interview. Information about your work experience is obtained from the Work Experience Questionnaire.

Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously?

We accept reapplications without prejudice provided the application has been strengthened in accordance with our admissions criteria. A total of two applications will be considered from an undergraduate candidate.

Does it count against me if I re-sit part, or all of my qualifications?

Applications from candidates re-sitting A level examinations will be considered without prejudice if the applicant otherwise meets the GCSE criteria (as above). If an offer is made, re-sit applicants might expect it to be higher than typical (i.e. minimum of A*AA). If there were extenuating circumstances for the initial sitting of an exam this should be noted in the academic reference or the school should email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk with supporting evidence.

Will you consider my application if I sit A level examinations over 3 years?

Applications from candidates sitting A level examinations over 3 years will be considered without prejudice if the applicant otherwise meets the GCSE criteria (as above). There are many different reasons why applicants may take longer than the standard 2 years to complete their A level qualifications and so candidates are asked to email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk or advice before they submit their application. If an offer is made, applicants might expect it to be higher than typical (i.e. minimum of A*AA).

Is there benefit in doing an extended project qualification (EPQ)?

The EPQ subject or grade is not considered as part of either the selection for interview process, or any offer made to an applicant to Veterinary Science.

Do I require the BMAT or UCAT to be able to apply?

We do not require the BMAT or UCAT for entry onto our Veterinary Science course.

Do I require a modern language GCSE in order to apply?

There is no advantage or disadvantage when applying to us if your GCSEs include a modern language, however we would advise that you check the criteria for other universities, in case they require it as part of their criteria.

Do you accept iGCSEs?

Yes, we do accept iGCSE qualifications for applicants who want to study Veterinary Science here at Liverpool.

Do you accept GCSE resits?

We only allow one set of resits for GCSEs from applicants. Please be aware that we would not accept students who had resat both GCSEs and A levels unless there were extenuating circumstances.  Please email vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for further advice.

Do you accept City and Guilds qualifications and HND qualifications?

Unfortunately, we do not accept City and Guilds or HND qualifications and we would not consider them in lieu of A levels.

Are any science degrees favourable as a graduate applicant?

With regards to which science degrees are best for someone who wants to go on to study veterinary medicine with us as a post-grad applicant, we don’t mind – any BSc from an admissions point of view, such as zoology, animal biology or microbiology would all be fine.

Can I get funding for a second degree?

UK applicants should be aware that student finance from the Student Loans Company may not be available for a second degree. Information regarding funding, scholarships and bursaries can be accessed at: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/scholarships/

Do you have a set number of mature students that you will offer places to?

No, we do not have a set number of places or any quotas for mature/post-grad applicants.

Do you accept transfer requests from candidates studying Veterinary Science at other universities?

Transfers from another university to the University of Liverpool will only be considered if the applicant has a genuine personal circumstance (e.g. illness or bereavement) which requires the student to move back to their home town. Please contact vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk for further advice.

Do you accept transfer requests from candidates who have studied a Year 1 course of a BSc degree?

We do not accept transfer requests from candidates who have studied year 1 of a BSc course. Candidates who are studying a BSc should apply for graduate entry during their final year of study.

Does the BVSc course go into clearing?

In the past, the BVSc course has not gone into clearing.

What should I do if my most recent qualifications were more than 5 years ago?

You may be able to apply to our foundation course; Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Veterinary Science), which is aimed at mature students who do not qualify for entry to the D100 programme. For further advice about specific circumstances please email our admissions team at vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk

Do you offer a foundation course in Veterinary Science?

The University of Liverpool offers a foundation course; Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Veterinary Science), which is aimed at mature students who do not qualify for entry to the D100 programme. This would include applicants who have not previously sat science A Levels, those with non-traditional qualifications, or those who gained their last qualifications more than 5 years ago. Please note that students who have sat both Biology and Chemistry A Level in the previous five years will not normally be accepted.

Do you accept work experience carried out with family?

We will accept 1 week at home or working with family if it is a business such as a farm/stables/pet shop.

If you have any other questions which are not covered by these notes, please contact:

The Undergraduate Admissions Office
School of Veterinary Science
University of Liverpool
Waterhouse Building Block J
Liverpool
L69 3GL

0151 794 4797

vetadmit@liverpool.ac.uk