BVM&S Veterinary Medicine (5-year programme) BVM&S at University of Edinburgh

Programme overview

The five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) prepares students for the veterinary profession and leads to eligibility for registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and international accrediting bodies. It is taught full-time at the Easter Bush campus, with three on-site veterinary hospitals. At the end of the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year students may pause to take an intercalated BSc (Hons) Veterinary Science.

What you will study

Years 1-2 form the foundation phase (the normal function of the animal body, with clinical and professional skills from the first year) and Years 3-5 the clinical phase (species-based medicine, pathology, pharmacology, veterinary public health and final-year clinical rotations). Courses include The Animal Body, Animal Life and Food Safety, Professional and Clinical Skills, Clinical Foundation Course, Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Public Health. Students complete 10 weeks of animal husbandry and 20 weeks of clinical Extra Mural Studies placements.

Career pathways

Veterinary practice (small animal, mixed, equine, farm/production animal, exotic animal and wildlife), plus research, industry, government service, academia, military support and conservation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer (SQA Highers): AAAAB by end of S5 and BB at Advanced Higher. Required Highers: Chemistry; Biology or Human Biology; Mathematics, Applications of Mathematics or Physics. Advanced Higher Chemistry at B and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics at B (Advanced Higher Biology recommended). National 5 English at B. Typical offer (A levels): AAA in one set of exams, including Chemistry at A and Biology at A (BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology at D accepted in place of Biology); General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted; GCSE English at B or 6. All grades must be obtained at first attempt; resit applicants are only considered in very exceptional circumstances. Interview required; detailed practical work experience and a Work Experience Summary form required; fitness to practise and health questionnaire apply. International applicants: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in each component (or equivalent test). UCAS deadline for 2027 entry: 15 October 2026 (6pm GMT).

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 5 years

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