Undergraduate students examining a skeleton in the Surgery Suite, Clinical Building, Sutton Bonnington campus

Vet medicine: what is a prelim and gateway course?

Our course, explained.

We offer three undergraduate courses in veterinary medicine. They all lead to the same qualifications, but have different entry requirements. 

It’s important to understand the differences, so you can choose the right course for you.

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery BVMBVS with BVMedSci 

This is our five-year course. It is for students who:

  • have not experienced disadvantaging circumstances
  • have biology and chemistry A levels

There are two intakes, so you could start in September or April.

What is the preliminary year course?

This is our six-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery including a Preliminary Year. It is for students who don’t have the required science A levels to join the five-year course. This is also known as a 'foundation' course. 

After successfully completing your first year, you'll automatically join the five-year course to complete your degree.

What is the gateway course?

This is our six-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery including a Gateway Year. It requires slightly lower grades, and is for applicants who have experienced disadvantaging circumstances. This is also known as a 'foundation' course. 

After successfully completing your first year, you'll automatically join the five-year course to complete your degree.

Whichever course you choose, you will benefit from the same expert teaching, modern facilities, and wide array of placement opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Open Day June 2022