BVMS FAQs
Academic FAQs
What are your minimum academic entry requirements?
For Scottish Highers / A Levels / International Baccalaureate / Graduate entry, please see details of our minimum entry requirements.
For International entry requirements, please see details of our minimum entry requirements here: International Entry Requirements
If your qualifications are not listed, please email the Admissions Team with a detailed account of your qualifications obtained or still to complete: vet-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk.
I’ve done an access or foundation course at a different institution, can I apply?
No, I’m afraid we do not consider applications from applicants who have studied an access or foundation course at a different institution. To be considered, you would need to meet our year 1 minimum entry requirements or apply via our graduate route.
Do you have any preference over my other subject choices?
Apart from the key subjects that we ask for, we have no preference over other subject choices, and all are considered equal (except where specified).
However, there are some subjects that are too similar for us to be able to count as separate qualifications. For example:
- Human Biology and Biology
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics
If multiple of these are taken at the same time, then we would only count them as one qualification. For example: An applicant taking A-Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry would be seen to have two A-Levels rather than three.
For those taking Scottish Qualifications: Higher Application of Maths will be considered in lieu of having Higher Mathematics or Physics. Higher Human Biology will be considered in lieu of having Higher Biology.
Do you accept 'crash' Highers?
We do allow for 'crash' Highers in the required subjects to be taken in S6 if they haven't been taken in S5. Applicants must still achieve the required 5 Higher grades in one-sitting in S5. The 'crash' higher is not in lieu of meeting the Advanced Higher requirements in S6, and applicants must achieve a grade B or above in that higher.
Do you accept A-Level, Highers or Advanced Higher resits?
No, we do not normally accept re-sits or additional time to sit qualifications. The required grades and subjects must be obtained at one sitting and at the first attempt.
Mitigating factors should be taken into account at the time of the exams rather than retrospectively by the veterinary school. We will honour grades obtained from successful appeal/re-mark procedures by the applicant’s school (subject to them meeting our minimum entry requirements).
Resits would only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Applicants with exceptional circumstances should contact the Admissions Team prior to submitting an application.
Do you accept a combination of qualifications/curriculums?
No, we do not accept a mix of qualifications undertaken at the same level. This applies to all UK applicants.
For example, we could accept an applicant who had undertaken GCSE's and then progressed into the International Bacc. Similarly, we could accept an applicant who had done National 5's and then progressed into A-Levels.
However, we could not accept an applicant who had undertaken GCSE's and then progressed into a mixed curriculum across both A-Levels and also the International Bacc. All subjects must belong to the same curriculum and undertaken in the same exam diet.
Do you accept GCSE or Nat 5 resits?
Yes, we will allow for GCSE or Nat 5 resits.
I’m studying A-Levels. Do I need GCSE English?
All students studying A-Levels in the UK or International A-Levels are required to have GCSE English at Grade B/6 or above OR equivalent. If providing an equivalent, this must be an official qualification. We ask for GCSE level English as we need evidence that an applicant will be able to meet the rigorous academic nature of the course regarding essay and exam writing.
We will accept either GCSE English literature or GCSE English language. IGCSE in either English literature or English language is also acceptable (B/6 or above).
We will not accept yearly school reports as evidence. IELTS or any other English language proficiency test does not count as meeting the GCSE English requirement or vice versa.
If you are a graduate applicant with a degree from a majority English speaking country, then you will not need to meet the GCSE English requirement.
Does the Undergraduate Veterinary School take extenuating circumstances into consideration?
We appreciate that a candidate's exam sitting could have been adversely affected by extenuating circumstances, but any special consideration must be applied by the relevant Examination Board, via the candidate’s school or university. Mitigating factors should be taken into account at the time of the exams rather than retrospectively by the Veterinary School. We will honour grades obtained from successful appeal/re-mark procedures by the applicant’s school (subject to them meeting our minimum entry requirements).
Applicants should notify the Admissions Team by email of their intention to appeal their exam grades. Applicants should also notify the Admissions Team of the outcome of their appeal as soon as possible. If the appeal has not taken place in time for the appropriate administration to take place before the start of the academic year, a deferred offer may be granted for the following year providing the conditions set are achieved.
Please note that submitting evidence does not automatically guarantee extenuating circumstances will be granted.
Can I apply as a graduate?
Graduate applicants are considered for entry to the Undergraduate Veterinary Medicine & Surgery course. We do not have a quota for graduate places and graduate applicants are considered in the same way as all applications for entry in the current year. Graduate entry is for year 1 only.
Applications to Veterinary Medicine & Surgery will be considered from graduates provided they have a minimum of 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant science degree, obtained within seven years of the entry date. For those who have taken a Masters degree, we require a minimum of Merit or equivalent.
Applicants whose degree was obtained more than seven years from the date of entry, or graduated in a non-science degree will be required to have A-level/Scottish Higher Chemistry and A-level/AS-level/Scottish Higher Biology to be sat within seven years of entry.
Graduates with a minimum of 2.1 Honours degree obtained more than seven years ago plus a Masters or PhD in a relevant field (obtained within seven years of the entry date) may compensate for not having Higher/A-level Chemistry and Biology.
If you have achieved your undergraduate degree from outside the UK or are unsure if your degree has enough Chemistry and Biology to meet our requirements, then please get in touch with our Admissions Team. Please send official academic transcripts and degree certificates to be reviewed: vet-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
Graduate applicants must also complete the Ethical Reasoning Test and may be invited for interview. Please note, if currently studying we do require you to submit predicted grades for your honours degree, masters etc but need for you to upload a transcript onto your online portal set up once your UCAS application has been received.
How do I know if I am eligible for an adjusted/contextual offer?
We operate a system of contextualised admissions for applicants. This means we consider all circumstances faced by individual applicants, which may have prevented them meeting our standard entry requirements and make adjusted offers of entry accordingly.
Please click the link to see if you meet the widening participation criteria: widening participation criteria.
Applicants taking part in REACH do not automatically qualify for an adjusted/contextualised offer. They must also meet one of the widening participation criteria outlined in the link above.
Graduate applicants are not eligible for consideration for contextualised admissions as they have already achieved a Higher Education qualification.
Ethical Reasoning Test (ERT) FAQs
What is the Ethical Reasoning Test?
All those applying for admission to enter undergraduate Veterinary Medicine & Surgery who meet our academic and work experience requirements will be expected to sit the Ethical Reasoning Test. This is very similar to a situational judgement test and composed of 3 separate scenarios. We ask that you read each one and note 5 actions you think should be considered if you were faced with these scenarios.
The test is timed, and applicants have 45 minutes to complete. Requests for extra time can be made to the Veterinary Admissions Team: vet-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
Is the Ethical Reasoning Test required?
The Ethical Reasoning Test is a mandatory component of our selection process. We will not consider any applicant who has not completed the test. No exceptions will be made.
When can I sit the Ethical Reasoning Test?
If you are applying in October 2025, for September 2026 entry, the test will be circulated between October – December 2025 and marked shortly afterwards. Applicants who meet the minimum required score will be invited to interview.
Will you consider any other entrance test instead of the ERT?
To ensure fairness, all BVMS applicants must complete the Ethical Reasoning Test. No other medical entrance test will be accepted.
Applications FAQs
How many places are available each year and how many applications do you receive?
Entry to this programme is highly competitive, attracting large numbers of applications from highly qualified and motivated applicants. Additionally, we are required to manage the number of students admitted to our programme in line with targets set by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, and accrediting bodies and these are set annually.
We receive in the region of 1200 – 1400 applications per year. We invite in the region of 600 – 700 applicants to attend interview, with approximately 135 places available.
Can I apply if I’m under 18 years old?
An applicant is welcome to apply at any age providing they meet our minimum entry requirements. Given the rigorous nature of the programme and the application process we would advise any applicant to consider their experience and maturity prior to applying.
International applicants who are under 18 years old would need a signed parental consent prior to commencing studies.
Can I apply for BVMS if I am currently an undergraduate on a different course?
It is not possible to directly transfer onto the BVMS programme at the University of Glasgow from another degree.
However, applicants who have commenced the first year of a degree programme other than Veterinary Medicine & Surgery can apply through UCAS and have their application considered for entry to Year 1, providing they meet our standard entry requirements, with required grades/qualifications obtained within seven years of the proposed entry date.
Applicants who have commenced Year 2 or more of their degree studies will need to complete their undergraduate degree and apply via our graduate route.
How will my application be assessed?
Initial Screening: All aspects of the application form (academic attainment, personal statement, work experience and reference) are considered in the screening process. In November, the Ethical Reasoning results are reviewed, and the results will be considered as the last element of the screening process. The range of ERT scores considered varies each year as the performance of each admissions cohort varies.
Please note, any application that does not have predicted grades, a reference, personal statement will be automatically rejected. Due to the number of applications, we are unable to contact referees, colleges, schools or universities on an applicant's behalf. It is up to the applicant to ensure that all information is correct at point of submission.
Interview: Candidates who are being considered further are normally interviewed between November and February. They will be able to request a zoom interview if required.
The interview consists of two parts each lasting approximately 15-minutes. In the first part of the interview applicants will be asked about their motivation to join the veterinary profession, their understanding of the profession, resilience, and how they manage a work/life balance. The second part of the interview will concentrate on what an applicant has learned from their work experience, including observation skills, animal welfare, topical biomedical issues, communication skills and the ability to think on their feet. Please note, that offers of interview are not sent in any order.
Decision: After interviews have taken place, interview results are processed in January-February. Offers are then made to selected applicants by the end of March, through UCAS track.
Can I apply through UCAS clearing?
No, due to the number of applications received and the detailed application process, the BVMS programme does not enter clearing. If spaces become available after results day, we will always refer to wait listed candidates who have been through the interview process and narrowly missed out on an offer and who are not holding a place at another institution.
Can I send you a direct application and not go through UCAS?
All applications must be submitted via UCAS by the October deadline. This is usually the 15th but may change. To keep up to date for your admissions cycle, please see UCAS’ Key Dates Timeline. Any application sent to us directly will automatically be rejected.
The only exceptions to this are applications received via our US FEEPASS partnerships and the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) from candidates currently undertaking degree studies in the United States and Canada at the time of application.
Can I defer my application?
We do not consider deferred applications through UCAS or VMCAS. We may however consider a request for deferral if an offer holder experiences a change of circumstances. This is considered on a case-by-case basis, and any request should be made to vet-admissions@glasgow.ac.uk
Will taking a gap year disadvantage my application?
We consider applicants who have taken one or more gap year before applying, providing they meet our standard requirements with qualifications achieved within seven years from the proposed date of entry. It is important to spend gap years wisely. We strongly encourage applicants spend their time out in a manner which will be of educational benefit. Gaining work experience or becoming involved in a voluntary project relating to the Veterinary profession may be useful in developing skills and confidence.
Is work experience essential?
It is recommended that applicants to the veterinary programme have a minimum of one week’s work experience in a veterinary practice. We recognise that obtaining work shadowing in a clinical setting is becoming increasingly difficult and opportunities differ between individual candidates, however applicants may still be able to secure alternative forms of shadowing or voluntary work which involves caring for animals or interacting with different people and this will help develop the skills needed for entry to the veterinary profession.
Applicants are expected to conduct their own online research into areas where they have been unable to gain practical experience. This can include completion of virtual work experience to boost their knowledge and understanding of the veterinary profession.
Can I submit multiple references or personal statements?
To ensure fairness, we do not allow applicants to provide additional references or personal statements. We will only consider those that has been submitted as part of the application.
Can I submit an application and then make changes to it afterwards?
You can make some changes (e.g. add/remove overall qualifications, change qualifications titles etc) after you've applied to your application yourself via UCAS.
Any other changes will need to be approved by the Veterinary Admissions Team. To ensure fairness, any application that has missing information or has not been completed in full at point of submission will automatically be rejected. It is up to the applicant to ensure that all information is correct at point of submission.
I've been rejected, what do I do?
Unsuccessful applicants can apply for the BVMS course in future years. All applicants must meet our minimum academic entry requirements for the current admissions cycle (with qualifications obtained within seven years of the proposed entry date). The school will consider a re-application as a “fresh application.” Applicants must re-sit the Ethical Reasoning Test and if successful will be invited back to interview.
Applicants can undertake a degree and then reapply as a graduate if they do not meet our minimum high school entry requirements. This is a lengthy and costly process, so applicants should consider their options carefully.
How do I find out my fee status if I am unsure?
For information regarding how your fee status is determined, please see: Fee Status.
Applications will be assessed in full before we can decide on your fee status. If your application is successful, we will advise you of your fee status and the fees that you will be liable for in your Offer Letter.
If you disagree with your fee status, you will need to contact our Central Admissions team via the Fee Status Enquiry form. The form should be returned to the Recruitment and International Office for determination of your fee status and we uphold the decision made by them in relation to this.
Please note, you will hold this status during the whole BVMS course; fee status cannot be amended after you matriculate onto a degree programme. Your status must be determined before your unconditional offer is made. Once your status is set and you accept the offer it becomes locked for the duration of your study.
Other FAQs
Can I visit the Garscube Campus for a tour of the Veterinary Facilities?
Yes, we encourage applicants to visit on one of the Open Days. You will be able to meet with current students and staff from the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine at these events. Admissions presentations and veterinary campus tours may also be available.
Applicants who are successful following interview are invited to attend our Offer Holders' Day usually held in March/April.
Where applicants/offer holders are unable to attend Open Days, we are able to provide tours of campus with our Veterinary Student Ambassadors on selected days. If you cannot make one of our Open Days and wish to see the facilities, then please contact us at Vet-Admissions@glasgow.ac.uk to arrange a tour.
What facilities are available to veterinary students?
In addition to university facilities and support, the Mary Stewart Building is the student hub at the Garscube Campus, offering excellent facilities specifically designed for our veterinary students. Facilities include group tutorial and seminar rooms, dedicated lecture theatres, locker facilities, James Herriot Veterinary Library, Clinical Skills area and hands-on access to the Small Animal Hospital, Weipers Equine Centre & Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, all located on Campus. WE have our own farm just 4 miles from campus and
We are also a short walking distance to the Garscube Sports Complex, a facility for club sport, hobbies and teambuilding opportunities. Located nearby is the Wolfson Hall student accommodation, which is popular with veterinary students for a short commute to lectures.
Can I apply for University Accommodation?
Yes, all incoming first-year students are guaranteed university accommodation. The accommodation system opens in April, and you can apply immediately after firming your offer. Our Veterinary students also run their own accommodation page, where current and graduating students can advertise available rooms and properties.
Can I apply if I’m under 18 years old?
Applicants of any age are welcome to apply, provided they meet our minimum entry requirements. Due to the demanding nature of the course and the application process, we recommend that applicants carefully consider their experience and maturity before applying.
International applicants under 18 years old must have signed parental consent before starting their studies.
Can I apply for the BVMS course if I am currently an undergraduate on a different course?
It is not possible to directly transfer onto the BVMS at the University of Glasgow from another degree.
Applicants who have started the first year of a degree programme other than veterinary medicine can apply through UCAS and have their application considered for entry to Year 1, providing they meet our standard entry requirements, with required grades/qualifications.
Applicants who have commenced Year 2 or more of their degree studies will need to complete their undergraduate degree and apply via our graduate route.
How will my application be assessed?
The Admissions Committee have an extremely difficult task when selecting candidates for interview, and it is equally difficult, when the applicant pool is so competitive, to be able to give you constructive feedback and for that reason we are unable to provide detailed feedback to any individual applicant, however, we can provide below a summary of our admissions process:
- Applications are screened in line with our published entry requirements
- Candidates complete the on-line ethical reasoning test and are then selected for interview based on their test score. Offers are then made to the required number of applicants based on interview performance.
- Additionally, we require to manage the number of students admitted to our programme in line with targets set by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and our accrediting bodies.
The School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine will not respond to enquiries from individuals other than the applicant as the information held is considered personal and confidential. The Admissions Committee review all our applications, and their decision is final and cannot be revisited.
How do I find out my fee status if I am unsure?
For information on how your fee status is determined, please refer for guid at Fee Status
Your application will be thoroughly assessed before we can determine your fee status. If your application is successful, we will inform you of your fee status and the applicable fees in your Offer Letter. Please note that the Veterinary Medicine Admissions team does not make decisions regarding residential category/fee status.
If you disagree with your fee status, you should contact our Central Admissions team using the Fee Status Enquiry form. This form should be submitted to the Recruitment and International Office for a final determination. We will uphold the decision made by them.
Please be aware that your fee status will remain the same throughout the entire BVMS course and cannot be changed after you matriculate into the degree program. Your fee status must be determined before an unconditional offer is made. Once set and accepted, it will be locked for the duration of your studies.