Program Overview
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) program at the University of Liverpool is a five-year, internationally accredited program that provides world-leading training in veterinary medicine. It emphasizes practical, compassionate, and resilient veterinary surgeons equipped with the skills and qualities required for 21st-century practice. The program offers in-depth clinical and research-based training with a dedicated and motivated teaching staff. Graduates are qualified to practice as veterinary surgeons worldwide.
Program Outline
Veterinary Science BVSc - University of Liverpool
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) program at the University of Liverpool offers world-leading scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. It is internationally accredited, qualifying graduates to practice as veterinary surgeons in the UK (RCVS), Ireland and Europe (EAEVE), Australia and New Zealand (AVBC), South Africa (SAVC), North America (AVMA), and many other countries worldwide.
Objectives:
The program aims to create practical, compassionate, and resilient veterinary surgeons equipped with the skills and qualities required for 21st-century practice.
Program Description:
- The BVSc program is a five-year, full-time program.
- The first three years are based at the central Liverpool campus, offering a vibrant university experience.
- Years 4 and 5 are based at the Leahurst site, located on the Wirral peninsula with North Wales nearby.
- The program provides in-depth clinical and research-based training with a dedicated and motivated teaching staff.
- The university provides all teaching across the five years, utilizing its two farms (beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and sheep), teaching horses, and teaching clinics.
- Students have access to over 10,000 small animal cases and over 5,000 equine and large animal cases annually.
Outline:
Curriculum:
- The program utilizes an integrated spiral curriculum, revisiting subjects year-on-year with increasing focus on clinical application as the course progresses.
- The curriculum covers animal handling, the science of normal structure and function, animal welfare and husbandry, disease incidence and distribution, pathology, parasitology, veterinary research, clinical science, and professional skills.
Course Schedule:
Year 1:
- Animal husbandry and welfare
- Infectious diseases
- Normal structure and function
- Professional, clinical, and study skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 2:
- Animal husbandry
- Infectious diseases
- Normal structure and function
- Professional, clinical, and research skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 3:
- Management of disease, pathology, and parasitology
- Professional (including business), clinical, and research skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 4:
- Clinical rotations
- Management of disease
Year 5:
- Clinical rotations
- Electives
Modules:
- Animal Handling and Essential Techniques: Students learn practical skills like physical examination, injection technique, and lab analysis.
- Clinical Science: This course focuses on the application of scientific knowledge to clinical practice.
- Professional Skills: Students develop communication, business, and ethical skills relevant to veterinary practice.
- Research Skills: Students learn about research methodologies and conduct research projects.
- Public Health and Epidemiology: This module explores the role of veterinarians in public health and disease prevention.
- Clinical Rotations: Students gain practical experience in various veterinary fields, including production animal, equine, small animal, and exotic medicine.
- Electives: Students can choose to study a specific area of veterinary science in greater depth.
Assessment:
- The program utilizes a combination of problem-based learning, didactic teaching, and small-group practical classes.
- Assessment methods include exams, coursework, presentations, and practical assessments.
Teaching:
- The program emphasizes research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment.
- The teaching staff utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, and online learning resources.
- The program incorporates the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on developing digital fluency, confidence, and global citizenship in students.
Careers:
- The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in animal sciences.
- The majority of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduation.
- Common career paths include:
- Private veterinary practices
- Laboratories
- Animal charities
- Public health sector
- Research
- Students can choose to study a language as part of or alongside their degree.
- The program allows for intercalation, enabling students to earn an additional undergraduate or master's degree.
- The program offers a "Year in China" option at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in Suzhou.
- The program has strong links with Chester Zoo.
- The University of Liverpool Veterinary Society is the largest student society, with various special interest sub-societies.
- The program provides access to a Virtual Learning Environment, residential schools, and clinical placements.
Tuition fees: UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £42,700 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
University of Liverpool
Entry Requirements:
- For applicants from the United States:
- High school graduation diploma with a GPA of 3.0 plus one of the following:
- 3 College Board AP exams (grades 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5)
- 2 College Board AP exams (grades 4 and/or 5) and another externally-assessed qualification (e.g. an IB higher level certificate)
- 2 College Board AP exams (grades 4 and/or 5) and an Honors/College level class (grade B+ or higher).
- Where there is a subject requirement at A Level, a College Board AP in this subject is required.
- For applicants from England:
- AAA including Biology, one other academic science related subject and any other subject excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. If Chemistry is not offered at A level, grade B at AS level is required.
- At least five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) including two science GCSEs (either as separate subjects or e.g. dual award science). With at least a grade 6 (B) in English (literature or language) and Mathematics.
- Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
- For applicants from other countries:
- Irish Leaving Certificate: The recognised A level equivalent qualification is the Irish Higher Leaving Certificate. H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 (new grading system) OR A1, A1, A1, A1 (old grading system).
- Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher: Not accepted without Advanced Highers. Grade B in Biology at Advanced Higher, Grade B in Chemistry at Advance Higher, Grade AA in Biology and Chemistry and Grades AAB in 3 other subjects at Higher Level.
- Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: Accepted in place of a third A level
- Access: Kitemarked level 3 Access to Medicine at pre-approved colleges is required with a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry. Approval MUST be obtained prior to application.
- Work Experience Requirements: Candidates should have work experience in both animal husbandry and clinical (veterinary practice) setting. For more information, please see the Veterinary Science Prospective Applicants page.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26
- Pearson PTE Academic: 69 overall, with no component below 69
- Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
- Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990: Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
- Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511: 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
- Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991: 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
- International Baccalaureate: Standard Level grade 6 or Higher Level grade 5 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language