University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This programme delivers the full veterinary curriculum leading to the professional qualification in veterinary medicine and surgery while including a supervised intercalated Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci) research year. Early years focus on core biomedical sciences — anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology — taught alongside clinical skills, professional development and animal handling. As you progress you move into problem-based and case-led learning with increasing clinical exposure across small animal, farm animal and equine practice.

• Preclinical modules: foundations in anatomy and embryology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, infectious disease and immunology, pharmacology and therapeutics.
• Clinical skills and professional studies: consultation and communication skills, clinical examinations, basic surgical and anaesthetic techniques, professional ethics and legal responsibilities.
• Intercalated BVMedSci year: an investigative research project with taught modules in research methods, statistics and scientific communication. Projects may be laboratory-based, field studies or clinical research aligned with staff expertise.
• Clinical years: advanced medicine and surgery, diagnostic imaging, pathology, herd health and preventive medicine, reproduction and obstetrics, epidemiology, public and animal health, and veterinary practice management.
• Practical placements: supervised clinical rotations in the university’s teaching clinics and farm units, and organised extramural clinical studies in external practices to broaden hands-on experience.
• Assessment: a mix of written exams, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), coursework and assessment of clinical competence during rotations and placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic attainment, particularly in relevant science subjects, together with substantial and relevant experience with animals. Selection is competitive and takes account of academic record, personal statement, references and performance at interview.

• Academic subjects: typical offers require chemistry and biology at advanced level or equivalent. Mathematics and physics are useful but not always mandatory depending on prior qualifications.
• International qualifications: the programme accepts recognised international school-leaving qualifications or the International Baccalaureate; equivalence should show a strong science background.
• Work and animal experience: applicants should provide evidence of meaningful exposure to animal care, husbandry and clinical environments for a range of species where possible; reflective learning from this experience is important.
• Selection process: shortlisted candidates are typically invited to interview (often in a multi-station format) and may be assessed for communication skills, ethical reasoning and motivation for the profession. Fitness to practise and Disclosure and Barring checks are required before clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates obtain the professional veterinary qualification and are eligible to register with the relevant national veterinary regulatory body, enabling them to work as veterinary surgeons. Career pathways are diverse and commonly include:

• Companion animal practice (small animal clinics and emergency hospitals)
• Farm animal and herd health practice, including advisory roles in production animal sectors
• Equine practice and sports medicine
• Clinical specialisation through internships and residencies in fields such as surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging or anaesthesia
• Careers in research and academic veterinary science, building on the BVMedSci experience
• Public and animal health, regulatory and policy roles in government, international organisations and non-governmental organisations
• Industry roles with pharmaceutical, biologics and animal health companies, and in diagnostics or veterinary consultancy

Why study at University of Nottingham

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham combines a modern, integrated curriculum with on-site clinical facilities and links with external veterinary practices and farms. Training emphasises both practical competence and research literacy through the intercalated BVMedSci year, preparing graduates for clinical practice and scientific careers.

Students benefit from dedicated teaching facilities, simulation and clinical skills centres, access to university research strengths in areas such as infectious diseases, One Health and animal welfare, and a campus environment that supports multidisciplinary collaboration. The programme’s clinical partnerships and organised extramural study options help ensure wide exposure to different species, practice types and real-world veterinary challenges.