Qualifications needed to become a vet
Image © Moritz Wussow / Adobe Stock
If you have dreams of becoming a veterinary surgeon, it is definitely worth thinking about how you are going to get there early on in life.
Thinking early about these choices and preparing your route will be highly beneficial in securing a place at your ideal university. You don’t want to make any wrong decisions that could stop you in your tracks.
A-levels
Science subjects are the definite subjects to take, especially biology, as it deals solely with human and animal life. Other options to consider alongside biology would be physics and chemistry, to show a broader knowledge of the scientific area.
If you’re hoping to take four A-levels, maths would be another good option.
Some universities may be generous and allow entry with a non-scientific subject, however this subject must be a core subject, such as English, geography or history.
If this is a choice you would prefer, it is a risk, should they only accept mathematical and scientific subjects. Look at vet school prospectuses or give them a call to discuss entry requirements.
AS levels
AS levels are chosen alongside A-levels in the first year of study and are often dropped at the end of the first year.
They are not always as important as A-levels due to this, but it’s still worth putting all of your effort into achieving the grades.
If you only intend to study A-levels without taking on AS levels at all, that shouldn’t be a problem, but the benefit of doing so would be to earn extra UCAS points for your application and choose another subject area that interests you.
GCSEs
GCSE qualifications should all be passed with at least C grades, and, in most cases, A grades will be required in core subjects – especially in all of the sciences.
Aim to work hard, even this early on in your education – it will have a knock-on effect in your further studies.
If you would like any more information on the qualifications and skills needed to become a vet, take a look at the RCVS website or BVA website.
