BVSc Veterinary Science (D100)

2025 entry | view 2024 entry

Course summary

This course has a brand-new curriculum featuring cutting-edge, evidence-based teaching methods.

These include: case-based learning (addressing real-life clinical scenarios); signposting lectures; authentic coursework; a flipped classroom approach; and built-in consolidation activities.

You will also benefit from:

  • Opportunities to explore in-depth study and the Veterinary School's cutting-edge research.
  • Getting hands-on with animals from the start of the curriculum, with a range of placements.
  • Working alongside experts in their field.

Dual campus experience

Benefit from a dual campus experience with learning across both city and nearby rural campuses.

The Clifton campus is situated in the vibrant cultural hub of Bristol city centre and makes use of the pre-clinical facilities at the UK's only School of Anatomy. There is also teaching at the nearby Bristol Veterinary School, located on our rural Langford campus.

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Bristol Veterinary School is home to a range of extensive facilities including:

  • Langford Vets multidisciplinary small animal referral hospital, farm animal and small animal practices - with an equine practice nearby
  • Purpose-built anatomy and post-mortem facilities
  • Diagnostic labs
  • Award-winning clinical skills lab
  • Dairy farm
  • Abattoir.

You will benefit from an innovative curriculum and gain inspiration from world-leading researchers. Our celebrated team of clinical demonstrators will nurture you to develop essential practical skills.

Students can enjoy the onsite cafe, gym, student barn and abundant green spaces, alongside our welcoming and supportive community of staff and students.

Take a virtual tour of the Langford Campus.

Networking and global career opportunities

Our partner organisations ensure students have ample experience across a wide range of species, such as opportunities to work in equine hospitals, the charity sector and with exotic species.

Graduates can pursue global career opportunities due to various accreditations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Bristol Veterinary School holds accreditations from the following professional bodies:

  • The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  • The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
  • The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)

The RCVS have a mutual agreement with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

See further key information about our veterinary courses on the Bristol Veterinary School website.

Course structure

Our revised curriculum is mapped to five vertical themes which will run throughout the whole curriculum: 

  • Scientific foundations of veterinary medicine   
  • Practical and clinical skills   
  • Clinical and professional reasoning   
  • Developing as a professional and lifelong learner   
  • Animals, people and planet   

Students also spend time on farms and in veterinary practices during vacations (Extra-Mural Studies; EMS), as required by the RCVS. 

For the first three years, you will be primarily based at the main University campus in Clifton, with time spent at the clinical campus in Langford. Years four and five are taught mainly at the Langford campus.

Year 1  

Covers the anatomy and physiology of a range of body systems and the husbandry and handling of common species.  

Year 2 

Covers the body's response to disease and how this is handled. Continuing with the anatomy and physiology of body systems whilst learning about the husbandry and handling of pigs, poultry and exotic pets. 

Year 3  

Learn how to diagnose and manage common conditions in a range of body systems. Practical learning will focus on clinical examination, surgical skills and communication skills. 

Year 4

You will continue to build on knowledge of diagnosis and management of common conditions, working through increasingly complex cases and problems, and learning more advanced practical skills. 

Year 5 

An extended final year with supervised core rotations in a range of workplace settings, including some shifts outside normal working hours. For more information on course requirements please see the admissions statement below. 

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Graduates are required to obtain a 2:1 in their degree and BBB at A-level, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Foundation degree (Level 5) or Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE Level 5) in relevant subject (minimum 60%) and BBB at A level including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
ABB including AB (in any order) in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics

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85% overall, with 8.5 in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAB
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include:
  • at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and
  • at least 12 credits from Chemistry units; and
  • at least 12 credits from one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics.
  • One subject (Chemistry or the second science) must be achieved with 12 credits at Distinction, the other must be achieved with 9 out of the 12 credits at Distinction.


More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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