The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery is a 5 year degree. As a vet you can contribute to society in a variety of ways. This can include serving the healthcare needs of animals, advocating for animal welfare, contributing to research, food production, conservation, innovation and business. In addition, you will play a central role in the health of human and animal populations (companion, wildlife, laboratory and production) and their environments. The University is one of eight Vet Schools in Europe to have achieved accredited status for its undergraduate programmes from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Applying to study veterinary medicine is often perceived as highly competitive and the course is regularly touted as one of the hardest to get on to. But it’s more achievable than most people think, and it’s not just about grades! We encourage applications from all educational and financial backgrounds. If applicants are from educationally or financially disadvantaged backgrounds, all of this information will be taken into account as part of the selection process. If you don’t get the grades, or aren’t predicted them, getting into vet school is still achievable. Work experience with animals is also an essential requirement for admission to the course. We do not require a specific number of weeks of work experience as we are aware that opportunities may differ between individual candidates. Applicants will however be expected to take every opportunity available to them to gain relevant practical experience of livestock husbandry and handling animals. As a minimum this should include one week in a veterinary practice. Applicants are also advised to conduct their own online research into areas where they have been unable to gain practical experience. This can include completion of virtual work experience to boost their knowledge and understanding of the veterinary profession.

If this is not possible, we can accept completion of a Virtual Work Experience MOOC in place of some in-person work experience. This may include knowledge and experience gained working in a veterinary, agricultural, research and/or biomedical setting. Students are not penalised if they re-apply to vet school following an unsuccessful application. Many applicants who were not successful in their first year of application have reapplied successfully and make brilliant vet students.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY IN 2026

SQA Higher Entry Requirements (by end of S6)

• AAAAB Higher at end of S5 + BB Advanced Higher

• Additional requirements: Highers Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics. Advanced Higher Chemistry and either Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Practical experience. Interview.

• Advanced Higher Biology is recommended as this would be beneficial for the first year of the course.

SQA Higher Adjusted Entry Requirements* (by end of S6)

• AABBB Higher at end of S5 + BB Advanced Higher

• Additional requirements: Highers Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics. Advanced Higher Chemistry and either Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Practical experience. Interview. Successful completion of Reach.

• Advanced Higher Biology is recommended as this would be beneficial for the first year of the course.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

Veterinary Medicine at Glasgow is ranked 2nd in the UK (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). 

University of Glasgow – Undergraduate study – 2026 Degree programmes A‑Z – Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

Student Recruitment, Marketing & Admissions Team
Vet-Admissions@glasgow.ac.uk