Veterinary

A degree in veterinary science/medicine and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is required to practise as a vet.

Eight institutions currently offer this qualification. These are:

Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London;
University of Bristol;
University of Cambridge;
University of Edinburgh;
University of Glasgow;
University of Liverpool;
University of Nottingham;
University of Surrey.

Degree courses are generally five years in length, six in some schools. Fees will depend on individual circumstances so applicants should check with the institutions where they intend to study.

Entry requirements differ between universities so check individual institutions for specific entrance criteria. In general, biology at A-level is an essential requirement for all of the courses, as well as one or two out of chemistry, physics and maths. The minimum grades required are usually two As and a B, although some universities ask for three As. With regards to GCSEs, it depends on the entry requirements for each university.

Some universities will consider applicants who have relevant vocational qualifications, such as a BTEC diploma in Animal Science with distinction. Some universities will accept applicants without the relevant A-level or vocational qualifications due to special six-year programmes. In the first year of these programmes, the basics learnt at A-level will be covered, to prepare the students for the five-year course.

Applicants to Cambridge or the RVC must also register for, and pass, the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) before receiving an admissions interview.

All universities look for evidence that applicants have a passionate interest in veterinary science/medicine. Applicants must demonstrate this by gaining experience in a veterinary practice working with, and handling, domestic animals and livestock.

Work experience

Work experience can be sought, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, in veterinary practices, on farms and in stables, kennels and catteries and with animal charities such as the:

Universities differ on what they require you to have completed before applying- check with the relevant institutions for guidance. Speak to our Work Placement Team asap if you need to arrange this.

How to prepare for your interview

If you're preparing for your interview for a Veterinary course.

Check the information provided from the University when you were invited to interview what do you need to take with you? What type of interviews will you be undertaking? 1 to 1/ group/ presentation?
Be on time! Make sure you know where you need to be and how to get there with plenty of time to spare.
Bring all documentation they have asked you to take with you.
Dress appropriately - remember, this is an interview for a professional course.
Re-read your application form and personal statement as they will ask you to elaborate on it.
Be clear about why you want to be a VET- ; what do you know about the role and responsibilities of a VET.
Be ready to answer questions about the profession – brief yourself on current issues. Check current News related to the profession you are hoping to go into.
Be ready to answer questions about the course
Be ready to answer questions about the University – have you been to an Open Day; why do you want to study here; how will you fit in?
Be yourself! Be confident ! Good luck!

Interview Questions

veterinary.pdf

Interview- VET .pdf

Vet School University Interview Questions

http://www.applytouni.com/applying/applying-advice/university-interviews/vet-school-university-interview-questions/

https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-ucas-guide/royal-veterinary-college-interview-questions/

Veterinary medicine

Most children go through a phase of wanting to be a vet and work with fluffy animals, but in reality, working as a vet is incredibly hard work and requires real dedication to succeed. The purpose of vet school interview questions is to make sure that you fully comprehend the demands of a career in veterinary medicine, as well as the many personal and ethical challenges that you may face.

Subject specific vet school interview questions

It is important to demonstrate that you have seriously considered veterinary medicine as a career, and that you have thoroughly researched the subject. Here are a few of the questions that your vet school may ask to assess your understanding:

What appeals to you about working as a vet?
What difference do you think you can make in this career?
What areas of veterinary medicine interest you most and why?
What would be your ideal job after graduation?
What challenges do you think vets come up against?
What experience have you had of veterinary work?
Did that experience change your view, and if so how?
What are the positives and negatives of life as a vet?
Describe a typical day for a vet in private practice

Personal vet school university interview questions

Being a vet is incredibly demanding on your time, your patience and your expertise, with long years of study followed by extended hours in practice. Your interviewers will want to assess if you are cut out for the stress and pressure of training and working as a vet. You may be asked questions such as:

What skills do you think a good vet needs?
Give examples of times you have shown these skills
How well do you work in a team and can you lead with confidence?
How do you think you will cope with the intense studying required?
Everyone’s pet is important to them. How do you show you care and yet still keep to your demanding schedule?
How would you tell someone bad news about their pet’s health?
You want to help everyone, but there simply isn’t time. How do you prioritise?
You suspect a pet is being mistreated; how would you deal with this?

Ethical vet school interview questions

There are perhaps more ethical issues in veterinary medicine than any other field of study, and work as a vet often involves compromises that are far from ideal. Your vet school may ask you a number of questions that make you feel uncomfortable, but you should answer as honestly and ethically as you can:

Would you put a healthy animal to sleep if the owners no longer wanted it?
How do you feel about euthanasia as an alternative to costly treatment?
Are the nips and tucks of pedigree breeds justified, even if they cause health problems?
Is badger culling morally acceptable if it stops bovine TB?
Should commercial considerations outweigh the welfare of animals?
Would you refuse treatment to a sick or injured animal if the owner could not pay?
What do you feel about the use of live animals in veterinary studies?
Should exotic species be kept as pets?

Useful Links - Ethical

https://veterinary-practice.com/article/why-the-fuss-about-ethics

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/Media/Default/Grad%20Dip%20VN/Legal,%20ethical%20and%20professional%20issues%20for%20veterinary%20nurses.pdf

https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/ethical-guidance/

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/

Alternative careers

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/veterinary-medicine

Work experince

Animal related careers

Career Videos

Studying Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge

School of Veterinary Medicine facilities | University of Surrey

Cambridge Mock Interview for Veterinary Medicine