What A-levels do you need to become a vet?
Passionate about helping animals? Find out what A-level subjects you should be taking to make your dream career as a vet possible.
If you want to study veterinary science or medicine, it’s crucial that you pick the right A-levels. Chemistry is a must-have subject wherever you plan to study, but there are certain other ‘essentials’ depending on the particular university you want to go to.
Do AS-levels still matter? We place them under the spotlight in the current A-level climate.
Take a look at individual veterinary science courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects vet students studied before arriving at university. You can compare these with what universities ask for in their entry requirements.
Veterinary medicine at The Royal Veterinary College, University of London: ‘A,A,A-A,A,B. Biology at grade A; Chemistry at grade A; A third subject of your choice, preferably at A but no lower than B.’
Veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham: ‘A,A,B. Including grade A in Chemistry and Biology and grade B in a third subject (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) at A level. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.’
Veterinary science at the University of Liverpool: ‘A,A,A. - level: Three A-levels in Biology, one other academic science related subject and any other subject excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. If Chemistry is not offered at A level, grade B at AS level is required. For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science.’
Watch now: How to choose your A-levels:
Are you taking the right A-levels for the path you want to go down? Find out with our A-level Explorer tool.
Search for a course to learn more including entry requirements, modules, student satisfaction ratings, graduate prospects and more.
A-level subjects for veterinary medicine
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for veterinary degrees?
Combining chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or taking both) is the best way to keep all veterinary courses open to you.
What A-levels are useful for veterinary science degrees?
Critical thinking will help with section three of the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), but it’s better to take it as a fifth AS-level rather than as a replacement for maths or physics.Do AS-levels still matter? We place them under the spotlight in the current A-level climate.
Take a look at individual veterinary science courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects vet students studied before arriving at university. You can compare these with what universities ask for in their entry requirements.
Examples of veterinary science degree requirements
Below is a range of veterinary courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 07 June 2018):Veterinary medicine at The Royal Veterinary College, University of London: ‘A,A,A-A,A,B. Biology at grade A; Chemistry at grade A; A third subject of your choice, preferably at A but no lower than B.’
Veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham: ‘A,A,B. Including grade A in Chemistry and Biology and grade B in a third subject (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) at A level. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.’
Veterinary science at the University of Liverpool: ‘A,A,A. - level: Three A-levels in Biology, one other academic science related subject and any other subject excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. If Chemistry is not offered at A level, grade B at AS level is required. For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science.’
Watch now: How to choose your A-levels:
Are you taking the right A-levels for the path you want to go down? Find out with our A-level Explorer tool.
Other similar degree subjects
- medicine
- veterinary nursing
- dentistry
Search for a course to learn more including entry requirements, modules, student satisfaction ratings, graduate prospects and more.
