All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
| UK entry requirements |
| A level |
BBC
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
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| Required subjects |
A levels
B in biology (or human biology) and chemistry and C in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives). A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6 (B) to include biology, chemistry and physics (or double science or core science, additional science, further additional science), English language and maths.
Additional requirements
Please see additional criteria under entry requirements.
Work experience
We require that a minimum of four weeks animal-related work experience is undertaken before application to the course. |
| IB score |
28 (5 in biology and chemistry at Higher Level, with 4 in a third subject) |
| International entry requirements |
| IB score |
28 (5 in biology and chemistry at Higher Level, with 4 in a third subject) |
| High school qualifications |
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country |
| A level |
BBC |
| Required subjects |
A levels
B in biology (or human biology) and chemistry and C in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives). A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6 (B) to include biology, chemistry and physics (or double science or core science, additional science, further additional science), English language and maths.
Additional requirements
Please see additional criteria under entry requirements.
Work experience
We require that a minimum of four weeks animal-related work experience is undertaken before application to the course. |
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period
where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying
full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time
courses. The Standard Visitor visa
route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and
Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Contextual offers
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
This course is open to UK students only. We will only consider applicants entering higher education for the first time so graduate students shouldn't apply.
To be eligible to apply for this course, you must currently be attending a state school and meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:
- Live in an area which is of low progression to higher education and/or a disadvantaged area - see our online postcode tool
- Have successfully completed a specified sustained widening participation scheme - for example, Nottingham Potential Summer School, Sutton Trust, Realising Opportunities, UNIQ
- Be a refugee at the time of application
- Spent more than three months in care
If you do not meet the above criteria you will need to meet two of the following criteria to be eligible:
- First in the family to higher education
- Have disadvantaging circumstances which the exam board(s) have not already taken into consideration
- Be a carer
A levels and GCSEs
A levels
Grade B in biology (or human biology) and chemistry and grade C in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives). A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6 (B) to include chemistry, biology and physics (or double science, or core science, additional science and further additional science), maths and English language.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
GCSE/O level English language – minimum grade 6 (B)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum grade B
Fluency and competence in English are essential for these courses and will also be assessed first-hand at interview.
For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.
Alternative qualifications
Access courses: we will consider applicants who have undertaken access courses on an individual basis. 60 credits overall with 45 credits at level 3, of which 15 credits must be distinction. The diploma must include Biology and Chemistry to level 3. Minimum GCSE grades of 6 (B) in maths and English language.
DMM at BTEC National Diploma (subjects considered on an individual basis) including a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6 (B) to include chemistry, biology, physics (or dual science), maths and English language.
Scottish Advanced Highers: Minimum of five grade Bs at National 5, to include chemistry, biology, physics, maths and English. Minimum of grades BB in Advanced Highers to include Chemistry and Biology.
For a full list of entry requirements terms, conditions and the admissions process please visit the school website.
Work experience
Four weeks animal handling work experience from the broadest range possible is required, before you apply. We expect you to have some experience in one or more veterinary practices with small and large animals. Work experience can be done over varying hours/days. Five days of work experience equals one week.
Work experience is aimed at increasing your awareness of the role of the veterinary professional, rather than gaining specific skills or knowledge. Although many of our applicants have significantly more than four weeks experience, the important thing is the quality of your reflection and understanding, rather than just the amount covered.
We do not take applicants on for work experience on site. You should try to include some time spent on equine, lambing, dairy and small animal work. A range of settings, as well as types of animals is also useful.
It could include days at:
- catteries
- farms
- kennels
- laboratories
- rescue centres
- riding schools
- zoos
A wide range of other opportunities may also count, please contact us if you have any queries. All work experience should be completed by the 15 October application deadline. Work experience booked after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Flexible admissions policy
In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, the University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.
Students with disabilities
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 requires that veterinary surgeons are able to give at least basic and emergency treatment to all common domestic species. Students with any disability should contact the school for advice before applying.
Students with criminal convictions
All students are required during the admissions process to disclose any criminal convictions. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against conviction or other information revealed.
Mature Students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.