How to Become a Vet in the UK

How to Become a Vet in the UK 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a vet (veterinary surgeon) in the UK. We’ll cover the university pathway to veterinary medicine, entry requirements, work experience, and key skills you’ll need. You’ll also learn what steps you can start taking now to increase your chances of success in this competitive field. 

Read on to learn more and discover how Dukes Plus can help you achieve your veterinary career goals. 

University Pathway to Becoming a Vet 

The most established route to becoming a vet in the UK involves attending university. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pathway: 

• A 5-year undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine (some universities offer a 6-year course, especially if including an intercalated or foundation year) 

• Professional registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) upon graduation (this licensure allows you to practice as a vet) 

• Optional: Postgraduate training or specialisation, such as a 1-year internship or a 3-5 year residency for those who wish to become specialists in fields like surgery or cardiology 

Some students may choose to complete an undergraduate degree in a related science subject (such as biology or animal science) before applying to a 4-year graduate-entry veterinary programme. After completing the accelerated graduate programme, they follow the same steps of registering with the RCVS and entering practice as outlined above. 

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Requirements 

To embark on a veterinary career, you’ll need strong academic results at GCSE level. Here’s what to aim for: 

Minimum Requirements 

At least a Grade 5 (strong pass) in English and maths, and around Grade 6 (B) in science subjects. Some vet schools specify a minimum of 5 GCSEs at high grades including sciences, English and maths. 

Competitive Edge 

Achieving mostly Grades 7-9 (A/A)* across your GCSE subjects will significantly strengthen your future application. In particular, excelling in biology, chemistry, and physics is beneficial. If your school offers Triple Science (separate sciences), taking it can give you a stronger scientific foundation for A-level studies. 

A-Level Requirements 

Your A-level subject choices and grades are critical for securing a place in veterinary school. Here’s what you need: 

Minimum Requirements 

Most UK vet schools require at least AAA at A-level (or equivalent), including biology and chemistry. A few courses may accept AAB as a minimum (for example, some programmes with a gateway/foundation year), but AAA is the typical standard offer. 

Competitive Edge 

Achieving A*AA or higher will make your application more competitive, especially for the most sought-after universities like Cambridge. High grades can help offset any slightly weaker areas in your profile and demonstrate your academic excellence in the sciences. 

Mandatory Subjects 

Chemistry and Biology are essential for nearly all veterinary medicine courses. Universities will typically not consider your application without these subjects at A-level. 

Recommended Subjects 

Maths or Physics are highly recommended as the third A-level subject. They provide useful skills and keep your options open. Some applicants also take another science or further maths. While subjects like English or Geography can be accepted by certain vet schools as a third A-level, a science-focused profile (Chemistry, Biology plus one of Maths/Physics) is often preferred. 

To apply to veterinary medicine in the UK, consider combinations such as: 

• Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics 

• Chemistry, Biology, and Physics 

Tip: Double-check the specific A-level requirements of each veterinary school you’re interested in. Entry criteria can vary slightly by university – for example, one school may accept either Biology or Chemistry if you have an additional science, while another might insist on both. Always confirm with the latest prospectus or admissions pages. 

Work Experience 

Work experience is an essential part of preparing for a veterinary career. It’s not only valued by admissions tutors – many vet schools have specific work experience requirements – but it also gives you invaluable insight into the realities of working with animals and clients. 

Types of Work Experience 

Veterinary schools generally look for two main categories of experience: 

Veterinary Clinic Experience 

Shadowing or assisting a vet in a clinical setting (such as a local veterinary practice, animal hospital, or clinic). This experience lets you observe the day-to-day duties of a vet, from consultations and surgeries to client communications. It demonstrates that you understand the profession’s demands and are comfortable in a clinical environment. 

Animal Handling (Husbandry) Experience 

Hands-on experience caring for animals in non-clinical settings. This could include working at a farm, stables, kennels, catteries, zoos, or animal shelters. Such experience helps you develop animal husbandry skills and shows that you are confident working with different species. It also builds your understanding of animal behavior and welfare – crucial background knowledge for a vet. Many universities like to see that you’ve worked with both small animals (pets) and large animals or livestock to demonstrate a broad exposure. 

Most vet schools recommend accumulating several weeks of work experience in total. For example, you might do two weeks in a vet practice and another two weeks on a farm. Requirements vary by university (some specify a minimum number of days or weeks, while others have no set number but expect significant experience). As a guideline, aim for at least 2–4 weeks of diverse animal-related experience before you apply – and more if possible. 

How to Find Work Experience 

Securing veterinary work experience can be challenging, so start early. Here are some approaches: 

Contact Local Veterinary Practices 

Reach out to local vets (your own pet’s veterinary clinic is a great start) and inquire about shadowing opportunities or work placements. Be polite and persistent – if you don’t get a response initially, a follow-up email or phone call can help. Explain that you are a student aspiring to study veterinary medicine and are eager to learn. Even a few days of shadowing at a clinic will be valuable. 

Volunteering with Animals 

Apply to volunteer at organizations that work with animals. Options include farms, stables, animal sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitation centers, kennels or catteries, and charities like the RSPCA. Many shelters or farms welcome responsible volunteers. This kind of work shows commitment and gives hands-on experience with animal care (feeding, cleaning, handling etc.). St John Ambulance’s pet therapy programs or city farms are other avenues to consider for unique experiences. 

Networking and School Resources 

Leverage any connections you might have. Ask teachers, family friends, or acquaintances if they know veterinarians, farmers, or animal facility managers who might host you for experience. Sometimes a personal introduction can open doors. Additionally, check if your school or college has a work experience coordinator who can help arrange placements or if they know of schemes for prospective vet students. 

If you’re struggling to find opportunities, don’t be disheartened – be flexible and creative. For example, during periods when in-person placements are scarce, some universities (like Nottingham) offer virtual work experience courses that can count toward your experience hours. These can be a useful supplement, though hands-on work is still crucial. 

Reflecting on Your Experience 

Gaining work experience is about more than just completing a requirement – reflection is key. Keep a journal of each placement: note what tasks you did, what you observed about animal care and client interactions, and importantly, what you learned about the veterinary profession. Reflect on challenges you encountered (e.g. assisting with an uncooperative animal or witnessing difficult decisions like an euthanasia) and how you handled or felt about them. Consider how the vets and staff demonstrated skills like empathy, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. 

These reflections will be invaluable when you write your personal statement and prepare for interviews. You’ll be able to discuss your experiences thoughtfully – for instance, explaining how shadowing a busy small-animal vet taught you about balancing clinical knowledge with compassion when communicating with pet owners. Showing that you learned from your experiences and understood both the rewards and realities of veterinary work will impress admissions tutors. 

Young Vet Summer Experience

Dukes Plus’s own Young Vet Summer Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a career as a vet. Based in London and open to budding vets aged 15-18, you’ll work with real small animals and their owners, partake in practical surgical tasks including suturing, dental work and more, and visit a working farm, equine centre and tropical animal facility as you understand how vets interact with a wide array of animals

Plus, you will get mentoring from vets from a range of specialties who have studied at some of the world’s most elite veterinary schools. There’s also the chance to work towards a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification and gain UCAS points to support your university applications.

Book your place on the Young Vet Summer Experience today.

Young Vet Summer Experience

Experience a career as a vet on our incredible summer programme, with the chance to earn a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification.

Book Now

Admissions Tests 

One big difference between medicine and veterinary medicine applications is admissions tests. Most veterinary schools do not require a standardised test like UCAT or BMAT for admission. Your academic record, personal statement, and interview performance carry the most weight. 

However, there is one notable exception: the University of Cambridge requires applicants to sit an admissions test. As of 2024, Cambridge uses the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) for Veterinary Medicine applicants (this replaced the previous Natural Sciences exam). If you plan to apply to Cambridge, you’ll need to register for this exam and take it in the autumn of Year 13 (around October). The test evaluates your scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. Cambridge will consider your score as part of their selection process. 

For all other vet schools in the UK, there is currently no universal admissions exam. Focus on excelling in your grades, personal statement, and interviews, as those will determine your success. Always check each university’s admissions guidance in case of any changes – for example, a school could introduce a new screening test or situational judgement test as part of their process. But in general, unless you’re aiming for Cambridge, you won’t need to worry about an external exam. 

Applying Through UCAS 

Applications for veterinary medicine are made through the UCAS system, just like other undergraduate courses. Note the early deadline: Veterinary Medicine (along with Medicine, Dentistry, and applications to Oxford or Cambridge) has a UCAS deadline of 15th October each year, for entry in the following year. This is earlier than the January deadline for most other courses, so you must be prepared well in advance of October in Year 13. 

You can choose up to four veterinary medicine courses on your UCAS application. (UCAS limits applicants to a maximum of four choices in any one of the fields of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.) You have a fifth slot which cannot be another vet course – it’s often used to apply for an alternative backup subject, such as Biochemistry, Animal Science, or Zoology. Some students leave the fifth choice blank if they are only interested in veterinary medicine, but it’s worth considering a related course as a safety net given how competitive vet entries are. 

Your UCAS application will include your personal details, academic achievements (grades achieved and pending), a teacher’s reference, and the personal statement – a crucial piece of writing about why you want to study veterinary medicine and why you’d make a great vet student. 

Preparing Your Personal Statement 

Your personal statement is a vital part of your application. It’s your opportunity to showcase your passion for veterinary medicine and to stand out from other candidates. Here’s what to include: 

Motivation 

Clearly explain why you want to be a vet. What draws you to this career? Perhaps you have loved animals from a young age, or a particular experience (like watching a vet save your pet, or working on a farm) inspired you. Avoid cliches, but do convey genuine enthusiasm and commitment to animal health and welfare. 

Experience 

Reflect on the work experience you have undertaken. Rather than just listing what you did, discuss what you learned. For example, you might describe how volunteering at an animal shelter taught you about the responsibilities of animal care and confirmed your resolve to become a vet, or how shadowing a farm vet gave you insight into large animal practice and biosecurity measures. Demonstrate that you understand the profession: both the rewarding aspects and the challenges (such as long hours or ethical dilemmas). 

Skills and Attributes 

Highlight the key skills and qualities that will make you a good vet student and future veterinarian. These might include communication skills (e.g. explaining medical information clearly to pet owners), empathy and compassion (for both animals and their owners), teamwork (vets work with nurses, technicians and colleagues daily), problem-solving and analytical ability (diagnosing animal illnesses), manual dexterity (for surgical or clinical procedures), and resilience (the job can be physically and emotionally demanding). 

Back up each attribute with a brief example of how you’ve demonstrated it, either through your experiences or extracurricular activities. 

Passions and Hobbies 

Show that you’re a well-rounded individual. A veterinary personal statement can certainly include mention of relevant hobbies or interests outside of academics and animal work. Whether you play a sport, a musical instrument, or have taken on leadership roles (e.g. prefect, Duke of Edinburgh Award), these activities can illustrate qualities like leadership, time management, responsibility or stress relief techniques. Veterinary schools want dedicated students, but also those who can balance work and life. Just ensure you tie it back to what it shows about you (for instance, competitive sports might show perseverance and teamwork). 

Tip: Be honest and authentic. Don’t claim experiences or skills you don’t have, and don’t include anything you wouldn’t be comfortable discussing at an interview. Admissions tutors often use the personal statement as a springboard for interview questions – so know your statement inside out, and be ready to elaborate on anything you mentioned. 

UCAS Personal Statement Format – For 2026 Entry Onwards

From 2026, UCAS is replacing the free-form personal statement with a structured Q&A format. You’ll still have up to 4,000 characters in total, but they’ll be split across three distinct questions:

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Focus here on your motivation to become a vet. Include the defining experiences that inspired you – such as animal care, problem-solving in science, or meaningful interactions during work experience.

What to include:

• Your long-standing interest in animals or science
• Experiences that clarified your desire to become a vet
• Insight into the challenges of the profession and your commitment to it

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?

This is where you connect your academic background to veterinary science. Explain how your subjects (biology, chemistry, etc.) have developed relevant knowledge and skills.

What to include:

• Specific A-level topics or projects linked to vet medicine
• Skills such as logical thinking, attention to detail, and analytical writing
• Academic challenges you’ve overcome

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Highlight your veterinary and animal-handling work experience. Reflect on what you’ve learned, how it has deepened your understanding of the profession, and what skills it helped you develop.

What to include:

• Examples from vet clinics, farms, shelters, etc.
• Lessons learned about animal welfare, client care, and resilience
• Other extracurricular activities that showcase transferable skills

Pro Tip: Keep your tone reflective, honest, and specific. Avoid vague generalisations like “I love animals” – instead, show how and why your experiences have solidified your ambition to become a vet.

Interviews 

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to interview – the final major hurdle in the vet school admissions process. Interviews are typically held from December through March (of Year 13). Vet school interviews can take two main formats: 

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) 

The majority of UK veterinary schools use the MMI format. An MMI consists of several short interview stations (usually around 6 to 8 stations, each lasting ~5–10 minutes). In each station, you’ll be presented with a task, question, or scenario, and sometimes an actor or interviewer to interact with. Once time is up, you rotate to the next station. MMIs are designed to assess a range of attributes in an objective way. 

For example, one station might be a role-play where you must communicate with a pet owner, another might present an ethical scenario (like allocating a limited budget between an expensive treatment for one animal vs. basic care for several others), another could test your understanding of animal welfare or a topical issue in veterinary medicine, and yet another might be a more traditional question about your motivation or work experience. Universities such as the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Edinburgh, Nottingham, Bristol, Glasgow, and most others use an MMI format for their interviews. Some MMIs also include a group task, where a small group of candidates works together on a problem observed by assessors. 

Traditional Interviews 

A few veterinary schools use a more traditional panel interview format. In these, you’ll typically face a panel of interviewers (for example, two or three people – often veterinary academics or practitioners, and sometimes an admissions tutor). The interview can last around 20–30 minutes and will feel more like a structured conversation. Expect questions about your motivation to become a vet, your understanding of the profession, discussion of points from your personal statement or work experience, and perhaps some scientific or ethical questions. 

The University of Cambridge is the primary example of a vet school using traditional panel interviews. In fact, Cambridge usually conducts two interviews per applicant, each focusing on different aspects (one may probe your scientific knowledge and problem-solving, while the other delves into your work experience, ethical viewpoints, and motivation). If you apply to Cambridge or any school with a panel interview, prepare for in-depth questions and a more academically challenging discussion (they might ask you about a biological concept or to interpret data, for instance). 

Preparation Tip: Practice is key for interviews. For MMIs, work on timed responses to common scenarios – you can find practice MMI questions (including veterinary-specific ones) through resources and guides. Consider doing mock interview stations with a teacher or a friend playing the role of the interviewer. For traditional interviews, practice speaking about your experiences and opinions in a concise and structured way. It’s a great idea to stay up-to-date with current issues in the veterinary world (e.g. antibiotic use in farm animals, animal welfare legislation, or even recent cases in the news) as interviewers love to see you’re engaged with the field. Finally, be prepared to think on your feet – you might get an unexpected question. If so, don’t panic; take a brief moment to gather your thoughts, then talk through your reasoning calmly. The interviewers are not only evaluating your answers, but also your communication skills, clarity of thought, and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine. 

Becoming a Qualified Vet 

Graduation and RCVS Registration 

After successfully completing your veterinary degree (and passing all the required exams and practical competencies), you will graduate with a qualification such as BVSc, BVM&S, or BVetMed depending on the university. This is a fully registrable qualification, meaning you are then eligible to register as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Registration with the RCVS is mandatory to practice as a vet in the UK – essentially, it’s the step that turns you from a vet student into a licensed veterinary surgeon. During your registration, you’ll also make a professional declaration (an oath) to abide by veterinary ethics and responsibilities. 

As a newly qualified vet, you can now legally practice veterinary medicine. Many graduates go straight into employment as a practicing vet shortly after graduation. New vets typically take entry-level positions as assistant veterinary surgeons in a practice. Some may join structured new graduate schemes offered by veterinary groups, which provide extra support and mentoring in the first year of practice.  

This transition from university to practice is exciting but also challenging – you’ll be applying your knowledge to real cases and continuing to learn every day on the job. 

Early Career and Further Training 

In your first years after qualification, your focus will be on building experience and confidence in general practice. You’ll rotate through different duties (consultations, surgeries, emergency shifts, etc.) and develop your clinical and professional skills. There is no compulsory “foundation programme” for vets as there is for new doctors, but you are encouraged to seek mentorship and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. The RCVS requires all practicing vets to do CPD each year to keep their skills up to date. 

Some graduates choose to undertake a one-year internship (often in a referral hospital or university veterinary hospital). Internships can provide intensive training in various specialties and often serve as a stepping stone to residency programs (which are more advanced specialist training positions). A residency (usually 3–4 years) plus passing rigorous exams can lead to becoming a RCVS or European/American Specialist in a particular field (for example, a Specialist in Oncology or Equine Surgery). Specialisation is not mandatory, but it’s a route for those who are passionate about a specific area of veterinary medicine or who aspire to work at the cutting edge of veterinary science. 

Whether you go directly into practice or pursue further training, the learning truly doesn’t stop at graduation. The veterinary field is continually evolving, and good vets stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. 

Working as a Vet: Career and Salary 

Working as a vet is a rewarding yet demanding career. No two days are the same. You might start your morning with routine health checks or vaccinations, then move to performing a complex surgery by midday, and end the day advising a pet owner on managing their animal’s chronic condition. Vets work not only with animals but also with people – much of the job is communicating with pet owners, farmers, or animal keepers, educating them and sometimes guiding them through difficult decisions. 

You’ll find a lot of variety in veterinary careers. Many vets work in general practice, treating household pets (companion animals) – this is the most common route. Others may focus on farm animals (livestock health management, important for food supply and farming communities) or become equine vets treating horses. There are also roles in wildlife and zoo animal medicine, although those are more specialized. Beyond clinical practice, qualified vets can work in research (contributing to advances in animal and human health), in government veterinary services (such as monitoring animal health for public health, border security, or food safety), in the military, or in industry (like developing animal pharmaceuticals or nutrition). A veterinary degree opens up many paths. 

It’s worth noting that being a vet can be physically and emotionally challenging. You may have to work long or irregular hours (especially if on call for emergencies), and dealing with sick or injured animals (and anxious owners) requires resilience. Euthanasia, for instance, is a sad but sometimes necessary part of the job to end an animal’s suffering – coping with those moments is difficult but veterinarians often find solace in the fact they are alleviating pain. On the flip side, the job can be incredibly fulfilling – saving an animal’s life, improving their quality of life, and seeing the relief and gratitude of owners brings a great sense of purpose. 

Salary expectations 

Veterinary salaries can vary based on factors like the type of practice, location, and experience. Starting out, newly qualified vets in the UK can expect a salary in the range of roughly £30,000 to £35,000 per year on average thevetservice.com. This is a typical entry-level salary for a first-year vet, which may be slightly higher in certain areas (for example, some corporate clinics or practices in London might offer a bit more to account for the higher cost of living). After a few years in practice, as you gain experience, your salary will rise. Many vets with around 5 years’ experience earn somewhere in the region of £40,000–£50,000+ per year, and with 10 years or more, this can increase further (often averaging £55,000–£70,000 for very experienced vets in well-paid roles) thevetservice.com. 

If you pursue specialist qualifications or take on senior positions (like a lead veterinary surgeon or practice partner/owner), your earnings can be higher. Some highly experienced specialists or practice owners can earn in excess of £80k annually, but those positions come after many years and often additional qualifications. It’s also important to remember that veterinary work isn’t typically as high-paid as comparable medical doctor roles – most people become vets not for the money, but for the passion for animal care. That said, you will earn a comfortable living, and the non-monetary rewards of the job – making a difference in animals’ lives and in public health – are significant. 

Career progression

Early in your career, you might be an assistant vet in a practice. With time, you could become a senior vet or team leader, or even a partner in the practice (owning a share of the business). Some vets open their own clinics after gaining sufficient experience. Others progress by branching into specialties or postgraduate certifications (for example, getting a certificate in small animal surgery or ophthalmology can allow you to take referrals in that area). There are also opportunities to move into teaching (training the next generation of vets at university vet schools) or into advisory roles. The veterinary profession in the UK is supported by organizations like the BVA (British Veterinary Association) and RCVS, and there are clear frameworks for career development. Ultimately, as a vet you have flexibility to shape your career path according to your interests – whether that’s becoming the go-to exotic animal vet in your area, a specialist surgeon at a referral hospital, or a knowledgeable general practitioner beloved by your local community. 

Essential Skills for Aspiring Vets 

Beyond academic ability, successful vets need a wide range of skills and personal qualities, including: 

Empathy and Compassion  

Caring deeply about animal welfare and showing understanding toward pet owners and clients. Animals can’t speak, so vets must be attuned to signs of pain or distress, and also handle owners’ emotions with kindness. 

Communication Skills 

You must explain complex medical information in simple terms to animal owners, write reports, and work effectively with your veterinary team. Good listening skills are just as important, to understand owners’ concerns and gather clues about an animal’s history. 

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking 

Diagnosing an animal that can’t tell you what’s wrong is like solving a puzzle. You’ll need to draw on medical knowledge, observe carefully, think logically through symptoms, and sometimes be creative in finding solutions or treatments. 

Teamwork 

Veterinary practice is a team effort. You’ll work alongside veterinary nurses, technicians, receptionists, and possibly students. Being able to collaborate, delegate tasks, and respect each team member’s role leads to better care for patients. 

Manual Dexterity 

Vets perform delicate procedures from suturing wounds to handling small kittens for an exam. Steady hands and good hand-eye coordination are important, especially for surgical work. 

Attention to Detail 

Whether it’s noticing a subtle change in an animal’s condition or keeping accurate medical records, details matter in veterinary medicine. A small oversight can have big consequences in diagnosis or treatment. 

Resilience and Dedication 

As mentioned, the job has its tough moments. You’ll need emotional resilience to cope with loss or difficult outcomes, and physical stamina for long shifts or working outdoors in all weathers (for farm/equine vets). Dedication and a strong work ethic are key – animals often need care beyond the 9-to-5 hours. 

Cultivating these skills will not only help you get into vet school (you can demonstrate many of them through your experiences and in interviews) but will also set you up for success in your future career. 

How Can Dukes Plus Help? 

Dukes Plus offers tailored support to guide students through every stage of their journey to vet school – from choosing the right subjects and gaining work experience to acing the interview. Our team of experts understands the nuances of veterinary admissions and what each university is looking for in applicants. We can help you write a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for animals and showcases your experience, and provide one-on-one coaching to prepare you for vet school interviews (whether MMI or panel style). We also offer guidance on securing valuable work experience placements and how to make the most of them in your application. 

From polishing your personal statement to running mock interviews, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. 

For hands-on experience and additional enrichment, we can also advise on extracurricular activities (like veterinary summer schools like the Young Vet Summer Experience) to boost your profile. With Dukes Plus, you’ll receive dedicated support from admissions experts who have helped many students achieve their dreams of becoming a vet. 

Speak to an Admissions Expert