All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
UK entry requirements |
A level |
AAB
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
|
Required subjects |
A-levels
Grade A in chemistry and biology (or human biology) - a pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Grade B in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives).
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) to include biology and chemistry (or double science or core science, additional science, further additional science) and one of physics or maths. Minimum of grade 6 (B) in English language and maths.
Work Experience
We require that a minimum of four weeks animal-related work experience is undertaken before application to the course. |
IB score |
34 (6 in biology and chemistry at Higher Level, with 5 in a third subject) plus GCSEs as above. |
International entry requirements |
IB score |
34 (6 in biology and chemistry at Higher Level, with 5 in a third subject) plus GCSEs as above. |
IELTS |
7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element) |
High school qualifications |
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country |
A level |
AAB |
Required subjects |
A-levels
Grade A in chemistry and biology (or human biology) - a pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Grade B in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives).
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) to include biology and chemistry (or double science or core science, additional science, further additional science) and one of physics or maths. Minimum of grade 6 (B) in English language and maths.
Work Experience
We require that a minimum of four weeks animal-related work experience is undertaken before application to the course. |
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period
where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying
full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time
courses. The Standard Visitor visa
route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and
Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Contextual offers
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
A levels and GCSEs
A levels
Grade A in chemistry and biology (or human biology) - a pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Grade B in a third subject (excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and global perspectives).
GCSEs
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) to include biology and chemistry (or double science or core science, additional science, further additional science) and one of physics or maths. Minimum of grade 6 (B) in English language and maths.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
GCSE/O level English language – minimum grade 6 (B)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum grade B
Fluency and competence in English are essential for these courses and will also be assessed first-hand at interview.
For details of other English language tests and qualifications we accept, please see our entry requirements page.
Alternative qualifications
Degree
At least 2:1 in a science-related subject (any BSc) together with A level chemistry and biology grade B with supporting GCSE grade 6 (B) in maths and English.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Minimum of 6 grade H2 at Higher level, to include a minimum of 85% in biology and chemistry; minimum of five grade As at Junior Cert to include chemistry and biology (or double science), one of physics or maths must be passed to grade A, minimum of grade B in maths and English language; grade A or grade H2 minimum of 85% in Leaving Certificate in physics/biology/chemistry/maths/English can compensate for achieving grade B in Junior Certificate.
Scottish Advanced Highers
Minimum of grades AA in Advanced Higher in biology and chemistry; minimum of grades AABBB at Higher level, to include biology and chemistry; minimum of five grade As at National 5s to include chemistry and biology (or double science), one of physics or maths must be passed to grade A, minimum of grade B in maths and English language.
Vocational Qualifications
Distinctions must be achieved in the chemistry and biology modules for Birkbeck College’s CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine, with supporting GCSE qualifications as above
If the Welsh Baccalaureate is taken, this can qualify as the third subject at A level.
For a full list of entry requirements terms, conditions and the admissions process please visit the school website.
Work experience
Four weeks animal handling work experience from the broadest range possible is required before you apply. We expect you to have some experience in one or more veterinary practices. Work experience can be done over varying hours/days. Five days of work experience equals one week
Work experience is aimed at increasing your awareness of the role of the veterinary professional, rather than gaining specific skills or knowledge. Although many of our applicants have significantly more than four weeks experience, the important thing is the quality of your reflection and understanding, rather than just the amount covered.
You should try to include some time spent on equine, lambing, dairy and small animal husbandry work. A range of settings, as well as types of animals is also useful. It could include days at:
- catteries
- farms
- kennels
- laboratories
- rescue centres
- riding schools
- zoos
A wide range of other opportunities may also count, please contact us if you have any queries. All work experience should be completed by the 15 October application deadline. Work experience booked after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Flexible admissions policy
In recognition of our applicants’ varied experience and educational pathways, the University of Nottingham employs a flexible admissions policy. We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances. Please see the University’s admissions policies and procedures for more information.
Students with disabilities
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 requires that veterinary surgeons are able to give at least basic and emergency treatment to all common domestic species. Students with any disability should contact the school for advice before applying.
Mature Students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.