BVMS Work Experience and Gap Year

 Work Experience 

It is recommended that applicants to the veterinary programme have a minimum of one week’s work experience in a veterinary practice. We are aware that opportunities may differ between individual candidates and applicants will be expected to take every opportunity available to them to gain relevant practical experience of livestock husbandry and handling animals. Applicants are also advised 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.  

We look for knowledge of the veterinary profession, and for experience of and contact with a variety of animals, e.g. 

  1. Attendance with a veterinary surgeon(s) (companion animal and farm animal).
  2. Experience of working on a dairy farm.
  1. Assisting on a sheep farm at lambing time.
  2. Experience working with horses, e.g. at riding stables.
  1. Experience of working in a boarding kennel or cattery.
  2. Visit to an abattoir (not essential).
  1. Any additional relevant experience, e.g. zoo, wildlife park or laboratory etc. 

Please note: the above are suggestions and ideas for work experience. This is not a checklist and achieving all these placements is not a requirement. 

Please ensure you complete a work experience form once you have made a UCAS application to Veterinary Medicine. 

Veterinary Medicine Work Experience form

The form should be completed and uploaded as a pdf on your Applicant Self Service portal by 22 October and we ask that you only upload one sheet as a pdf and do not duplicate or resubmit this. 

Full details regarding your Applicant Self Service portal will be emailed to you upon receipt of your UCAS application. Additional details are available at: 

Applicant Self Service

Gap Year  

If you're considering taking a gap year, we highly recommend that you use this time in ways that will enhance your education. Engaging in work experience or participating in voluntary projects related to animal care or research can be valuable for skill development.