Veterinary Medicine (5-year programme) BVM&S Level: Undergraduate Subject: Veterinary Medicine Year of entry: 2027 (show 2026 entry) Key facts UCAS Code D100 Award BVM&S Duration of study 5 years Delivery Full-time Study location Easter Bush campus Start date September 2027 School Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Accreditation Available Placement Available Open days and events Overview About the degree programme The five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) programme will prepare you for the veterinary profession.Graduating from this programme will make you eligible for registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), as well as international accrediting bodies. Subject to successful registration, you will be able to practice veterinary medicine in the UK and many countries overseas.There is the opportunity at the end of your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year to temporarily pause your undergraduate studies for a year and pursue an intercalated BSc (Hons) Veterinary Science degree. Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme takes 5 years to complete.Years 1 to 2: FoundationYou will learn about the normal function of the animal body from the cells to entire organisms.Clinical and professional skills are taught from the first year.Extra Mural Studies (EMS) is a key component of the degree, and you must complete 10 weeks of Animal Husbandry placements by the end of the second year.Years 3 to 5: ClinicalYou will focus on different species and learn about disease and treatment, pathology, pharmacology and veterinary public health.You must complete 20 weeks of clinical EMS placements by the end of final year.The final year comprises clinical rotations in our on-site hospital facilities, giving you real-life exposure to the work you will be undertaking following graduation.Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Degree (5 year) - The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Programme rankings 1st in UK for agriculture, food and veterinary science research together with SRUC (REF 2021)2nd in UK for veterinary science (Guardian League Tables 2025)2nd in UK and 5th in the world for veterinary science (QS World Rankings 2025)95% student satisfaction score for 'Teaching on my course' (NSS Results 2024/25) Programme benefits Our purpose-built campus is one of the largest concentrations of animal expertise in Europe, and students benefit from access to our three on-site veterinary hospitalsYou will gain transferable skills in effective communication, team building and an understanding of business managementVeterinary training provides a strong foundation for careers in biomedical research, including both veterinary and human medicine.Students benefit from a close-knit community and our combination of traditional and cutting-edge veterinary teaching. I knew that the programme was one of the best in the world and would set me up for a successful career. The facilities are world-class - that includes a beautiful teaching building and state-of-the-art hospitals. Anna Mathers 5th Year BVM&S Veterinary Medicine Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsGraduate applicantsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country or region United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for BVMS Veterinary Medicine View the tuition fees for one academic year of BVMS Veterinary Medicine. Additional costs Additional costs include:compulsory specialised equipment and protective clothing (approximately £150)locker deposits (£15)travel costs for getting to the Easter Bush Campus (around £560 a year on public transport from the city centre)We subsidise these travel costs proportionally, in line with your year of study.You will be eligible for free bus travel if you are aged under 22 and residing in Scotland.While you are completing Extra Mural Study (EMS) placements totaling 30 weeks, you may incur additional accommodation and travel costs. You may be able to access the limited grant funding available from the University, but this is unlikely to cover the full costs of EMS.International students may have to pay a healthcare surcharge of around £776 per person, per year of the visa as part of their immigration application. This fee may be subject to change.Student Immigration Service - Immigration Health Surcharge Paying a fee deposit All international and graduate students who have been offered a place on this programme and who have made us their Firm choice via UCAS are required to pay a fee deposit equal to approximately 10% of the first year’s fees. For 2026 entry, the deposit was £4,000 for international and graduate students. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 each month on living costs, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Featured funding Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies UK Graduate/International Scholarship The School offers two scholarships for overseas students or UK graduates beginning their studies on the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S). Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies UK Graduate/International Scholarship School Prizes During your studies, you will have the chance to be eligible for awards or prizes for academic excellence. Prizes in the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Programme details What you will study Veterinary medicine is first and foremost a scientific discipline, but wherever possible the science will be presented in the context of its clinical relevance, so you have a clear understanding of where it all leads.We offer an integrated programme of study and you will be taught about large animals, small companion animals, exotics and wildlife. This style of degree:broadens your understanding of different speciesdiversifies your career prospectsprovides you with a foundation from which to specialise or work in mixed practice.Our programme offers a range of teaching and learning methods designed to equip you with the confidence and skills for a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine. You will be taught by prominent veterinary scientists in an environment of ongoing veterinary research.Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Degree (5 year) - The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesOption of an intercalated degree or postgraduate studyIf you have a special interest, you can temporarily pause your undergraduate studies for one year and pursue an intercalated BSc (Hons) Veterinary Science degree.You can take one year of advanced study in a subject such as:biochemistryinfectious diseasesneurosciencezoologyYou are likely to complete an intercalated degree in another part of the University of Edinburgh, but permission may be granted to attend another UK university or veterinary college. You will then return to complete your BVM&S.Exceptional candidates may have the opportunity to study a one-year research MSc or an intercalated three-year PhD.After Year 3 of the BVM&S (or if you already hold a BSc), you can enrol on one of our taught MSc programmes in:Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal WelfareEquine ScienceOne Health Year 1 The Animal Body 1 and 2Animal Life and Food Safety 1Professional and Clinical Skills 1 Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 2 The Animal Body 3 and 4Animal Life and Food Safety 2Professional and Clinical Skills 2Student research component (foundation skills) Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 3 Clinical Foundation CourseIntegrated Clinical Course: Cat and DogProfessional and Clinical Skills 3Veterinary Pathology Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 Integrated Clinical Courses in Farm Animal, Equine, and ExoticsProfessional and Clinical Skills 4Veterinary Public Health Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 5 Final year rotations- core and selectedStudent research component Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 5 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Placements The Roslin Institute and the Moredun Institute offer placements to BVM&S students.You can also complete short laboratory-based research placements. These usually take place over the summer after your second year.Final year placementsFinal year students complete core and elective clinical rotations.Core rotations are based within the clinical services provided by the School.Elective rotations are chosen by you and are usually aligned to your career choice or particular interests.The School has partners who offer elective clinical rotations which can be applied to. Partners are based locally, nationally and internationally. Rotations have a prescribed timescale and some have funding support available.Examples of placements close to campus:St David Poultry Team - leading poultry vetsUniversity of Edinburgh Bioresearch and Veterinary Services - exploring the health, welfare and treatment of animals within a research organisationEdinburgh ZooExamples of placements a little further afield:a clinical rotation in Wiltshire exploring pig health, welfare and managementa three-week rotation in Scotland with the Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services SchemeExamples of international placements:Colorado State Universitythe American Fondouk Working Equid Clinic in Fes, MoroccoExtra Mural Studies (EMS)Throughout your studies, you will also gain practical experience by completing mandatory Extra Mural Studies (EMS). Teaching and assessment Teaching You will be taught through a combination of:lecturessmall-group teaching tutorialspractical workcase-based learningOur virtual learning environments will support your studies. These include:a virtual farma virtual post-mortem rooma virtual hospitala virtual pharmacy Assessment You will be assessed by:examscourseworkpractical and clinical work Sample timetable An average day is a mix of lectures and practical classes.Lectures cover all aspects of anatomy and often feature case examples to help understand how tissue and organ function is affected by disease or injury.Practical classes follow on the same topic to put the learning into practice.Live animals feature in classes from Year 1 with our teaching horses, cows, sheep and exotic animals living on-site and staff pets used in companion animal classes. Support for your studies As well as a strong commitment to teaching and learning, the school recognises the need to provide robust student support services.We offer students:student advisers – first point of contact for guidance, advice and supportprofessional mentors – an academic member of staff to follow you through the programmestudent support advisory group – a group of academic staff with specific responsibilities relating to student supportacademic skills development and support – support to adapt to university teaching methodsWe also work closely with central support services to cater for lots of different support you may need.The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – Student Support TeamSupport for your studies Our academic staff Our staff include some of the most distinguished veterinary professionals and academics in the world.Clinical staff within our hospitals have a teaching responsibility so we can offer our students an exceptional learning experience that’s rooted in a real-world clinical context. Where you will study Study location The Easter Bush Campus is a purpose-built home for veterinary teaching, research and practice. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, the Campus lies seven miles south of the city centre. It is easily accessible by bus and has ample free car parking facilities.The University of Edinburgh and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are committed to sustainability, and we are proud to call Easter Bush a sustainable campus. We have:electric car charging pointshedgehog tunnelsrecycling initiativesan apiary for beesallotmentsshower facilities for bike commuters and bike safety checksa solar farm Academic facilities The Easter Bush Campus is home to:state-of-the-art veterinary teaching facilitiesHospital for Small Animals, referral services and first opinion practiceequine hospital, referral services and ambulatory practicefarm animal hospital, referral services and ambulatory practiceExotic Animals and Wildlife Servicesheep farmThe Roslin InstituteGlobal Academy of Agriculture and Food SystemsJeanne Marchig International Centre of Animal Welfare EducationNearby is Langhill, our school's 250-hectare livestock farm, where you will learn animal handling and farm animal medicine, and the campus is within easy reach of a pig unit.We also have links with Edinburgh Zoo and African wildlife projects.As a University of Edinburgh student, you will have access to facilities across all University sites, for example:laboratorieslibrariesstudy spaces (some study spaces are open 24 hours)computing facilities Virtual tour Take a closer look at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and explore our facilities and campus.Virtual Tours - The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Career paths and further study Accreditation This programme is accredited and recognised by:Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC)South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)You will be entitled to practise as a veterinarian in the UK on completion of the BVM&S degree and registration for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will recognise your degree as equivalent to those awarded by veterinary colleges in the United States following a successful pass in the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is the equivalent of the North American Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), with the same standing worldwide.Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC)The reciprocal arrangement between the RCVS and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC) allows BVM&S graduates to register to practice in Australia and New Zealand without requiring any further qualifications.Local licensing requirements may vary, may incur additional costs and can be subject to change over the duration of your studies. Career paths Clinical careersThis programme will train and prepare you for a career as a veterinary practitioner. This might be in general practice or a particular field, such as:small animal practicemixed practiceequine practicefarm/production animal practiceexotic animal practicewildlife disease preventionwildlife conservationendangered species conservationmilitary supportlivestock husbandry education in the developing worldindustryresearchgovernment serviceacademiaResearch careersWhile many of our graduates enter the veterinary profession, there are others who wish to pursue a career in:researchgovernmentprivate enterpriseacademiaBachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery career prospects Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study After you complete this degree programme, you may want to go on to further study at Edinburgh or a different university.Postgraduate taught programmes at the vet schoolPostgraduate research programmes at the vet schoolContinuing Professional Development courses offered by the vet school Graduate profiles Andy HopkerAndy graduated from the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in 2003. Over the course of his career, he has:worked in mixed practice for ten years in the UK private practicevolunteered in India working with NGOsworked as a clinician and lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Farm Animal Practicerun an education programme for small farmers in rural Indiaworked as an assessor for the RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner Certificate in CattleAndy Hopker - The University of Edinburgh Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline, unless you are a North American graduate applicant.Read our Admissions PolicyRead our latest Admissions Guide Guidance on applying through UCASNorth American graduate applicantsYou are a graduate applicant if you already have a degree or you are about to graduate with one.If you are a North American graduate applicant, you need to apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) on the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges website.Guidance about applying through VMCASIf you are a North American high school student, or a graduate applicant from another country, you must apply through UCAS.Deferred entryYou cannot apply for deferred entry for this programme, unless you are doing National Service. In this case, we can normally consider a deferral of one year only. If you are already enrolled on a programmeYou cannot apply for this programme if you have started another programme. What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need: your academic qualificationsyour predicted grades (if relevant)a personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)evidence of practical work experiencean academic referenceGuidelines for referees Academic transcriptsIf you are applying with a first degree or international qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcript showing subjects and grades achieved to date.You should submit your transcript to the Veterinary Admissions Team by 22 October 2026.English language testsWe require all applicants to demonstrate the level of English language competency required to succeed in their studies. If you are using an English language test that is not part of your school studies to meet our English language requirements, you must provide these results by 31 July 2027 for the 5-year BVM&S programme (September start).Work Experience Summary formYou need to provide information about relevant practical experience in your UCAS application.In our decision-making process, we can only consider practical experience you have completed. You should submit a Work Experience Summary (WES) form to the Veterinary Admissions Team by 22 October 2026. Applications without a WES will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in the selection process.Complete your Work Experience Summary form How we select There are usually 75 places for UK applicants and 35 for international and graduate applicants each year.Competition for places is therefore extremely intense. The majority of applications are from candidates of high academic calibre. Unfortunately, meeting the academic entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.Each application is considered individually. Academic qualifications play an important part in the selection process, but close attention is also given to non-academic factors, including work experience, motivation, interests and attainments.An interview forms part of the selection procedure for all offered places. Interviews If you meet our entry requirements and present a competitive application, you will be selected to attend an interview between December and March. Interviews cover suitability for, and interest in, veterinary medicine and career exploration to date. We make offers on the basis of performance at interview.We interview around 600 applicants for this programme each year.BVM&S Interview information and dates When to apply UCAS deadline 2027 entry UCAS deadline: 15 October 2026 (6:00 pm GMT) VMCAS deadline2027 entry VMCAS deadline: 15 September 2026 (11:59 pm EST)This is the deadline for North American graduate applicants through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Learn about fitness to practise and complete a health questionnaireYou need to show evidence that you are fit enough to participate in the practical applications and physical activities of this programme. All holders of Unconditional Firm offers are required to complete a health questionnaire prior to entry to the programme regardless of whether a disability or health condition was declared on application or not, and enrolment is subject to Health Clearance.No health condition automatically precludes a student from studying veterinary medicine, and we consider any disability or health condition on an individual basis.You will be asked to complete a Confidential Health Questionnaire form, which will be assessed by the University’s Occupational Health Unit. Your form will not be seen by the vet school.Find out more about the health questionnairePay a fee depositIf you are an international or graduate student and have made us your Firm choice via UCAS you must pay a deposit to secure your place. Find out more in Fees and funding Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS, unless you are a North American graduate applicant.Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigrationIf you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visaAgents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh What our students say Hear what our students say about life at the University of Edinburgh. Read our student blogHear more from our students by reading our blogs.Stories from Vet School Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Dick Vet Student Union (DVSU)The vet school is host to a variety of clubs and societies, and has its own Students’ Union, the DVSU. The School hosts several events throughout the year where students and staff come together to celebrate.These range from the annual Pre-Burns Night supper to the Halloween party. These events are just one example of the many ways the School includes all its students and makes them feel more like a family.Dick Vet Student Union The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities you can use, including: sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events Entry requirements source data Source data of all entry requirements for this programme
