Veterinary Medicine and Surgery BVMBVS with BVMedSci (BVMedSci)

International student

Course overview

Veterinary medicine is a hands‑on profession, so your training should be too. This five-year degree gives you early and continuous experience with live animals, real clinical environments and a broad mix of small animal, farm animal and equine practice. With two start dates (September and April), world-recognised accreditation and a unique network of clinical associates instead of a single teaching hospital, our vet school offers one of the widest and most varied experiences in the UK.

From the beginning, you’ll work with a full range of species, including companion animals, livestock, horses, wildlife and exotics. The curriculum spans everything from emergency and critical care to more unusual skills such as blood sampling tarantulas or performing anaesthetics on fish. You’ll learn using modern facilities at our Sutton Bonington campus, including a clinical skills lab, on-site farm, stables for student-owned horses, exotic animal care facilities and the Peter Rubin Centre, a mock veterinary practice designed to build confidence before entering real clinics.

Course highlights

Experience animal handling and RCVS Day One Competences from day one in our purpose-built vet school.
Opportunities for placements in veterinary surgeries, farms, zoos and specialist animal centres.
Graduate with three qualifications – a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM), Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS), and an additional award of BVMedSci after completing an integrated research project in your third year.

Proven results

We’re ranked 3rd in the UK for veterinary medicine (Complete University Guide 2026).
100% of School of Veterinary Medicine and Science undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

How you will learn

We use a variety of teaching methods to help consolidate the theory and practical elements of the course. Teaching is delivered using four main methods:

Lectures on key topics which will be further developed in self-study, workshops or practical sessions
Practical classes, with clinical skills, live animal experience and lab work
Structured self-study time, which includes specific learning objectives, learning resources and time limits. These are supported through clinical relevance sessions, wrap up lectures and practicals.
Clinical relevance sessions which are problem-oriented, use clinical material or scenarios, and involve small-group, facilitator-led discussion. These sessions are timetabled at key points throughout the week. They will develop your understanding of significance, check knowledge learnt during self-study time and identify and resolve learning problems

Teaching methods

Anatomy sessions
Clinical skills sessions
Full-body dissection
Lab sessions
Lectures
Group study
Case-based learning
Placements
Practical classes
Problem-based learning
Prosection
Self-study
Seminars
Small group learning
Clinical relevance sessions
eLearning
Field courses
Workshops
Tutorials

How you will be assessed

You will need to achieve a variety of skill and knowledge-based learning outcomes, through different types of assessment.

Your knowledge is mainly assessed in June examinations, which are online. In addition, informal assessment opportunities allow you to evaluate and reflect on the development of your skills and knowledge as you progress through the course.

Feedback is provided for all assessments and you can discuss your progress with your personal tutor. Find out more about preparing for assessment on the university's webpage.

Assessment methods

Clinical exams
Online examinations
Objective structured clinical exams
Practical exams
Coursework
Dissertation
Formative assessments
Literature review
Portfolio (written/digital)
Verbal exam
Workplace-based assessment

Contact time and study hours

Most of our teaching staff hold veterinary qualifications suitable for clinical practice in the UK. Each year we welcome 300 undergraduate students to the school - 150 in September and 150 in April.

During your time on the course you will experience:

Lectures: 823 hours
Lab and supervised practicals: 316 hours
Clinical experience: 1151 hours
Tutorials, seminars, problem-based learning and self-directed study: 646 hours
Online and other work: 422 hours
Extra-Mural Studies (EMS): 1050 hours

View an example first-year timetable.

You'll also spend some time with our support teams, including:

Personal tutor during your entire studies
Dedicated student welfare team
Academic support from tutors
EMS co-ordinator

These teams monitor your academic progress and check on your wellbeing, help you reflect on feedback and act as a first point of contact for any guidance on academic or personal matters you may have.

Modules

4 modules

Animal Health and Welfare

This module considers:

animal health and husbandry
animal handling
housing and animal environments
animal industries and/or the role of the different species in society
legislation and regulatory bodies

Throughout the module the following species will be considered:

dogs and cats
small mammals
exotic animals
zoo and captive wildlife
indoor and wild birds
horses
cattle
sheep and goats

Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

This module considers:

Structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and lymphoreticular systems
Basic introduction to Microbiology
Basic introduction to haematology and immunology
Development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Regulation and adaptation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Methods for clinical evaluation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

Veterinary Neuromuscular System

This module considers:

structure and function of the neuromuscular system in common and domestic animals, and other selected species
development of the neuromuscular system
adaptation of the neuromuscular system in different species
examination and diagnostic techniques used in evaluation of the neuromuscular system
an introduction to clinical neurology and the study of animal behaviour

Veterinary Personal and Professional Skills 1

This module considers:

Principles of veterinary science
Methods of learning, study and assessment
Computer literacy
Use of learning resources
Problem solving skills
Professional conduct
Communication skills
Time and stress management
Understanding the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ‘Guide to Professional Conduct’

4 modules

Veterinary Endocrine Integument Systems 1

This module considers:

the basic anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the endocrine and integument systems
an introduction to clinical dermatology
histology, gross anatomy and function of the non-reproductive endocrine system including the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands
endocrine pancreas, and ectoparasitology, microbiology and cytology

Veterinary Gastrointestinal System 1

This module considers:

structure and function of the gastrointestinal system and body wall
development of the gastrointestinal system
regulation and adaptation of the gastrointestinal system
digestion and metabolism
pharmacology of the gastrointestinal system
microbiology and parasitology of the gastrointestinal system
methods for clinical evaluation of the gastrointestinal system
nutrient utilisation
animal nutrition

Veterinary Personal and Professional Skills 2

In this module you will gain an understanding of the basic principles of veterinary science, including:

diagnostic imaging
basic communication skills such history taking
an understanding and application of methods of learning, study and assessment
an understanding of the principles and methods of critical appraisal of scientific literature
an understanding of the ethical decision making skills required of veterinary surgeons including the presentation of an ethical stance with reference to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' ‘Guide to Professional Conduct.

This module considers:

Methods of learning, study and assessment
Awareness of the mental health challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and veterinary students
Critical appraisal
Communication skills
Professional conduct
Ethical problems and theories
Introduction to research
Animal law
Applied animal behaviour

Veterinary Urogenital System

This module considers:

Development of the urogenital system
Structure and function of the male and female reproductive system
Structure and function of the urinary system
Spermatogenesis, oogenesis and embryo development
The reproductive cycle and its hormones
Manipulation of the reproductive system in different animals
Pregnancy and placental function in different animals
The mammary gland and lactation
Genetics of reproduction Regulation and adaptation of the urinary system
Methods for clinical evaluation of the urinary system

4 modules

Veterinary Professional Skills 3

The aims of the module are to provide you with: An understanding of, and skills to practice, resilience, self-care, and awareness of mental health principles. An understanding of veterinary team working relationships. Skills for communication, consultation, and develop understanding and empathy with other members of veterinary teams, and clients, especially under challenging circumstance. An understanding of principles of management, marketing, business entrepreneurship and finance. An understanding of the role of the RCVS, BVA, VMD, Trading standards, and VDS in veterinary professional life. Basic skills in selecting and applying for jobs.

Fundamentals of Clinical Practice

The aims of the module are to provide you with: Fundamental knowledge of core areas required for clinical practice; Ability to apply that knowledge to a wide range of clinical scenarios involving all species evaluated in practice; The ability to use different learning resources; Development of skills involved in problem solving and decision making in clinical situations; Strategies to manage time and develop independent learning; An ability to reflect on their own ability and plan methods to address learning gaps; Develop communication skills; An ability to draw together basic clinical and practical skills and apply to a wide variety of scenarios.

Veterinary Public Health

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to veterinary public and animal health standards, processes and issues including animal foodstuffs, and transmittable, notifiable, zoonotic, reportable, and transboundary diseases and animal welfare.

Veterinary Research Project

This module enables you to investigate contemporary research methods by requiring you to design a research proposal aimed at solving a specific veterinary biomedical problem. You will, read and collate previous information and results relevant to your problem, and generate a clear and concise proposal for future research. You will complete different mentored research rotations from a range of research options, and gain insight into a variety of research methods relevant to veterinary medicine, including laboratory work, audit, experimental or observational studies or systematic literature review.

3 modules

Veterinary Clinical Science: Small Animal

The aim of this module is to equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to work in small animal clinical veterinary practice.

Veterinary Clinical Science: Farm Animal

The aim of this module is to equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to work in farm animal clinical veterinary practice.

Veterinary Clinical Science: Equine

The aim of this module is to equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to work in equine clinical veterinary practice.

4 modules

Veterinary Clinical Practice Professional Skills 5

The final year is lecture free. You will undertake 26 weeks of rotations at the School's Clinical Associates and at the School.

The rotations cover a range of professional practice including small animal, equine, farm animal, veterinary public health and exotic practice. At all placements, youstudents will be expected to demonstrate and develop professional knowledge and behaviours including:

Communication and collaboration in veterinary practice
Awareness of ethical and legal issues in practice
Engagement in reflective practice
Understanding of the role of the RCVS and other professional bodies
Taking responsibility for clinical development and employability
Understanding of practice management and entrepreneurship

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Equine

The final year is lecture free. You will undertake 26 weeks of rotations at the School's Clinical Associates and at the School.. Each placement has specific targeted learning objectives. Our current rotation sites include:

Oakham Equine/Defence Animal Training Regiment/ Pool House Equine Clinic (2 weeks core, students placed at one of these sites
Equine Skills (SVMS) (2 weeks core all students)
Oakham Equine Hospital/Defence Animal Training Regiment/Pool House Equine Clinic/Rainbow Equine Hospital (4 weeks track)
Equine Track Skills (SVMS) (2 weeks track all track students)

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health

The final year is lecture free. You will undertake 26 weeks of rotations at the School’s Clinical Associates and at the School.

Each rotation has specific targeted learning outcomes. The current rotations included in this module are:

Farm animal practice (core) – delivered at Scarsdale Veterinary Group, Lambert Leonard and May Derbyshire and Wright and Morten Veterinary Surgeons
Farm health skills (core) – delivered at SVMS
Pathology (core) – delivered through SVMS pathology service
One health: one welfare (core) – delivered at SVMS
Advanced herd health (track) – delivered at SVMS
Advanced farm practice (track) – delivered at a small group of leading farm practices across the UK
Advanced farm health skills (track) – delivered at SVMS
Veterinary public health (track) – delivered at SVMS, runs according to demand

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Small Animal

The final year is lecture free. You will undertake 26 weeks of rotations at the School's Clinical Associates and at the School. Each placement has specific targeted learning objectives. Our current core rotation sites include:

Pride Veterinary Centre Referrals (2 weeks)
Small Animal Practice (2 weeks)
PDSA Small Animal practice/RSPCA Radcliffe (2 weeks)
SVMS Pathology (pathology) (2 weeks)
Pride Veterinary centre (Out of Hours rotation)
Elective rotations (6 weeks in 2 week blocks at one or more of the following sites):
RSPCA Oldham
Dick White Referrals
Dovecote Veterinary Hospital
YourVets Sheldon
Oakham Small Animal Practice
RSPCA Leicester

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

A levels

AAB

32 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

A in biology (or human biology) and chemistry. B in a third subject.

A pass in science practical tests will be required, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives.

GCSEs

Five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) including biology and chemistry (or double science or core science additional science, further additional science) and either physics or maths.

GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 ( C) in English language.

IB requirements

IB score

32 points overall or 665 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL6 in biology, HL6 in chemistry

Alternative qualifications

Scottish Advanced Highers

Minimum of AA in Advanced Higher level, including biology and chemistry.
Minimum of AABBB in Higher level, including biology and chemistry. Grade A in Higher level in biology, chemistry, English language, maths physics can compensate for achieving grade B at National level 5.
Minimum of AAAAA in National level 5, including biology and chemistry (or double science). Either maths or physics must be passed to grade A. Minimum of grade B in maths and grade C in English language.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Minimum of AAABB in Higher level, including grade A in biology and chemistry. For Post-2017 grading you will need a minimum of 6 grade H2 at Higher level, including 85% in biology and chemistry.
Minimum of BBBBB in Junior Certificate or five Higher Merit grades in Junior Cycle, including biology and chemistry (or double science) and mathematics.
English language requirements: UK applicants will require Irish Leaving Certificate English O4 or H4. International applicants will require Irish Leaving Certificate English O2 or H3.

Cambridge Pre-U

Distinction (D3) in biology and chemistry and a Merit pass (M2) in a third subject. If biology or chemistry is not taken as a subject then separate A level passed at grade A will also be needed.

Degree

First undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate degree such as a master's or PhD in a science-related subject
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 (C) in English language

2:1 undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
A level biology and chemistry grade B
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 (C) in English language

2:2 undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
A level biology and chemistry grade A and grade B in a third subject
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and grade 4 (C) in English language

See below for graduate entry from our BSc and MSci Animal Science degree courses.

Birkbeck College Certificate of Higher Education course in Subjects Allied to Medicine

Pass with distinctions in chemistry and biology modules

BTEC

Unfortunately we are not able to accept BTEC qualifications for this course.

Entry requirements for Animal Science graduate entry

We now offer a graduate-entry route directly to year two of the April cohort for those who have studied the BSc or MSci Animal Science (Bioveterinary Science Option) at the University of Nottingham.

Applicants must have successfully completed their Nottingham Animal Science degree by the start date of the Veterinary Medicine course with a final honours degree classification of 2:2 or above.

All applicants must have minimum 6/B in GCSE mathematics and 4/C in GCSE English language.

Applicants with a 2:1 or 2:2 degree classification are also required to have studied A level chemistry. Applicants with a 2:1 degree must have achieved a B in A level chemistry, and applicants with a 2:2 degree must have achieved an A in A level chemistry.

Other qualifications

We will consider other qualifications taken by international students on an individual basis. These qualifications will need to be equivalent to our UK A level and GCSE requirements.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades 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.

Foundation progression options

You can progress to this course from:

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.

Notes for applicants

Interview

You will need to attend an interview, lasting approximately 30 minutes. This will assess your:

motivation, insight into a veterinary career and interest in veterinary topics
academic ability, communication skills, animal orientation, personal attitudes and fitness to practice as a veterinary surgeon

Work experience

You'll need a minimum of five weeks work experience. Work experience can be done over varying hours and days and should include:

a minimum of three weeks of animal handling
up to two weeks of either customer facing and/or teamwork experience
up to one week for the completion of the Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession free online course

All experience needs to be completed within three years prior to application and by the 15 October application deadline. Work experience booked after this date will not be taken into consideration.

View the admissions process for our veterinary medicine courses.

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. Please read the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fitness to Practice Guidelines.

Students with criminal convictions

All students are required during the admissions process to disclose any criminal convictions. We do not discriminate against conviction or other information revealed. Please read the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fitness to Practice Guidelines.

Placements

On this course, subject to meeting the relevant criteria, your final year will consist of a compulsory placement year. You may experience first and second opinion cases, and gain exposure to a varied caseload, in real environments. We have a dedicated Rotation Placement team in the school who can support you to find suitable placements.

Placements cover:

all domestic species
exotic animal medicine
livestock production systems
wildlife conservation

The Clinical Associates we work with for final year placements may change, but currently include:

Ark Vets Sheffield - Killamarsh
Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital
Defence Animal Training Regiment
Dick White Referrals
Dovecote Veterinary Hospital
Oakham Veterinary Hospital
Pool House Equine Hospital
Scarsdale - Farm and Equine
Wright and Morten Vets
LLM Farm Vets - Bakewell
Rainbow Equine Hospital
RSPCA Bolton
Pinfold Vets
Scarsdale Vets (small animal)
PDSA Derby
PDSA Nottingham
RSPCA Radcliffe
RSPCA Leicester (Woodside)
Twycross Zoo
Vets4Pets - Eastwood

Additionally, you will be required to undertake extra-mural studies at a range of animal handling environments including farms and veterinary practices, as required by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Some of the extra mural studies may offer opportunities for you to work abroad.

Please note: In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host.

Tuition fees

2027/28 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

Additional costs

You should factor in additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

The additional costs cover essential items you will need for the course such as:

Health and safety equipment

Compulsory branded and named protective clothing and equipment including:

boiler suit
digital thermometer
waterproof jacket and trousers
parlour top
small animal handling tunic
stethoscope clogs and scrubs (required in your final year)

Total costs for these items are approximately £300. Our vet school shop sells all items at a low cost. A complete list will be provided following your successful application.

Extra mural studies (EMS)

Undertaking EMS also incurs extra costs, but these are dependent on the location of your chosen placements in terms of travel and accommodation.

Students choose the location of EMS, so you might be able to undertake most of your EMS near to your home - helping reduce these additional costs.

Final year placements

In addition, extra costs will be incurred in your final year placements.

Accommodation is provided at some rotations but there will be extra travel costs.

The school currently provides a travel allowance to help towards these costs which are paid directly into your bank account, to assist with these costs.

Other items

You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies either through our vet school shop or second-hand. Please note that figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

32 points overall

A levels

AAB

IB requirements

IB score

32 points overall or 665 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL6 in biology, HL6 in chemistry

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

A in biology (or human biology) and chemistry. B in a third subject.

A pass in science practical tests will be required, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives.

GCSEs

Five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) including biology and chemistry (or double science or core science additional science, further additional science) and either physics or maths.

GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 ( C) in English language.

Alternative qualifications

Scottish Advanced Highers

Minimum of AA in Advanced Higher level, including biology and chemistry.
Minimum of AABBB in Higher level, including biology and chemistry. Grade A in Higher level in biology, chemistry, English language, maths physics can compensate for achieving grade B at National level 5.
Minimum of AAAAA in National level 5, including biology and chemistry (or double science). Either maths or physics must be passed to grade A. Minimum of grade B in maths and grade C in English language.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Minimum of AAABB in Higher level, including grade A in biology and chemistry. For Post-2017 grading you will need a minimum of 6 grade H2 at Higher level, including 85% in biology and chemistry.
Minimum of BBBBB in Junior Certificate or five Higher Merit grades in Junior Cycle, including biology and chemistry (or double science) and mathematics.
English language requirements: UK applicants will require Irish Leaving Certificate English O4 or H4. International applicants will require Irish Leaving Certificate English O2 or H3.

Cambridge Pre-U

Distinction (D3) in biology and chemistry and a Merit pass (M2) in a third subject. If biology or chemistry is not taken as a subject then separate A level passed at grade A will also be needed.

Degree

First undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate degree such as a master's or PhD in a science-related subject
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 (C) in English language

2:1 undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
A level biology and chemistry grade B
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and 4 (C) in English language

2:2 undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
A level biology and chemistry grade A and grade B in a third subject
GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and grade 4 (C) in English language

See below for graduate entry from our BSc and MSci Animal Science degree courses.

Birkbeck College Certificate of Higher Education course in Subjects Allied to Medicine

Pass with distinctions in chemistry and biology modules

BTEC

Unfortunately we are not able to accept BTEC qualifications for this course.

Entry requirements for Animal Science graduate entry

We now offer a graduate-entry route directly to year two of the April cohort for those who have studied the BSc or MSci Animal Science (Bioveterinary Science Option) at the University of Nottingham.

Applicants must have successfully completed their Nottingham Animal Science degree by the start date of the Veterinary Medicine course with a final honours degree classification of 2:2 or above.

All applicants must have minimum 6/B in GCSE mathematics and 4/C in GCSE English language.

Other qualifications

We will consider other qualifications taken by international students on an individual basis. These qualifications will need to be equivalent to our UK A level and GCSE requirements.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)

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.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

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.

Foundation progression options

You can progress to this course from:

Mature students

Notes for applicants

Interview

You will need to attend an interview, lasting approximately 30 minutes. This will assess your:

motivation, insight into a veterinary career and interest in veterinary topics
academic ability, communication skills, animal orientation, personal attitudes and fitness to practice as a veterinary surgeon

Work experience

You'll need a minimum of five weeks work experience. Work experience can be done over varying hours and days and should include:

a minimum of three weeks of animal handling
up to two weeks of either customer facing and/or teamwork experience
up to one week for the completion of the Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession free online course

All experience needs to be completed within three years prior to application and by the 15 October application deadline. Work experience booked after this date will not be taken into consideration.

View the admissions process for our veterinary medicine courses.

Students with disabilities

Students with criminal convictions

Placements

Placements cover:

all domestic species
exotic animal medicine
livestock production systems
wildlife conservation

The Clinical Associates we work with for final year placements may change, but currently include:

Ark Vets Sheffield - Killamarsh
Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital
Defence Animal Training Regiment
Dick White Referrals
Dovecote Veterinary Hospital
Oakham Veterinary Hospital
Pool House Equine Hospital
Scarsdale - Farm and Equine
Wright and Morten Vets
LLM Farm Vets - Bakewell
Rainbow Equine Hospital
RSPCA Bolton
Pinfold Vets
Scarsdale Vets (small animal)
PDSA Derby
PDSA Nottingham
RSPCA Radcliffe
RSPCA Leicester (Woodside)
Twycross Zoo
Vets4Pets - Eastwood

Please note: In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host.

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

You should factor in additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

The additional costs cover essential items you will need for the course such as:

Health and safety equipment

Compulsory branded and named protective clothing and equipment including:

boiler suit
digital thermometer
waterproof jacket and trousers
parlour top
small animal handling tunic
stethoscope clogs and scrubs (required in your final year)

Total costs for these items are approximately £300. Our vet school shop sells all items at a low cost. A complete list will be provided following your successful application.

Extra mural studies (EMS)

Undertaking EMS also incurs extra costs, but these are dependent on the location of your chosen placements in terms of travel and accommodation.

Students choose the location of EMS, so you might be able to undertake most of your EMS near to your home - helping reduce these additional costs.

Final year placements

In addition, extra costs will be incurred in your final year placements.

Accommodation is provided at some rotations but there will be extra travel costs.

The school currently provides a travel allowance to help towards these costs which are paid directly into your bank account, to assist with these costs.

Other items

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

School international student scholarships

These scholarships will be awarded to the students who perform best overall in the school's admissions process and will be designated when offers for places are made. The scholarship offers a 10% reduction in fees for each of the five years of undergraduate study. This scholarship is open to all applicants classified as 'overseas' for fees purposes.

EMS placements are so beneficial to learning and practising skills learnt during the course."

Abby St.John

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Careers overview

Studying our veterinary course gives you all the knowledge and practical skills you'll need to become a registered veterinary professional. You will be prepared in all aspects of basic, applied and clinical veterinary science, with an ability for deductive thought, problem-solving and research.

Some of our graduates have gone to work for:

RSPCA
PDSA
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at University of Nottingham
Oakham Veterinary Hospital Equine
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Paragon Veterinary Group
Rainbow Equine Hospital
Highcroft Vet Referrals
Rood & Riddle
Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic
Pawsquad
Anvivets
Vets4Pets
YourVets

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

100% of School of Veterinary Medicine and Science undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £35,556 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Support every step of the way

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service will work with you to boost your employability even further – helping with job and course applications, finding relevant work experience and hosting events that connect you with a wide range of potential employers.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

We’re also the top UK university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates).

Careers and Employability

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

This course is Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accredited, giving you the ability to practice as a vet in the UK and other countries when you graduate.

European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)

We are fully accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE).

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Welcome to your campus

With world-class laboratories, specialist facilities and a close-knit student community, ‘SB’ combines cutting-edge learning with a vibrant setting. Home to our biosciences and veterinary courses, you’ll enjoy a campus full of life –with everything from sports and societies to a farmers’ market right on your doorstep.

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery - U6UVTMVS

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

4 modules

Animal Health and Welfare

Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

Veterinary Neuromuscular System

Veterinary Personal and Professional Skills 1

Core modules

4 modules

Veterinary Endocrine Integument Systems 1

Veterinary Gastrointestinal System 1

Veterinary Personal and Professional Skills 2

Veterinary Urogenital System

Core modules

4 modules

Veterinary Professional Skills 3

Fundamentals of Clinical Practice

Veterinary Public Health

Veterinary Research Project

Core modules

3 modules

Veterinary Clinical Science: Small Animal

Veterinary Clinical Science: Farm Animal

Veterinary Clinical Science: Equine

Core modules

4 modules

Veterinary Clinical Practice Professional Skills 5

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Equine

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health

Veterinary Clinical Practice: Small Animal

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Entry requirements

5 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Entry requirements

5 years full-time

Fees

Careers

Accreditation

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