🇬🇧 Public University · Bristol, England

Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Bristol

Bristol runs a 5-year BVSc that is hands-on from the start and is triple-accredited (RCVS, EAEVE, AVMA). Uniquely among major UK vet schools, Bristol does not interview — selection for the standard course is based on academics plus a Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire.

🎯 Prepare admission 📋 How to apply
5 years Degree length
~150 Places/year
£9,790/yr Home fees (2026)
£41,900/yr International fees
RCVS · EAEVE · AVMA Triple accreditation

About the school

The University of Bristol's BVSc is a five-year veterinary degree accredited by the RCVS, the European EAEVE and the American AVMA, supporting graduates who want to work internationally. The curriculum uses case-based, small-group learning with hands-on animal work from early in the course.

A distinctive feature: for the standard 5-year BVSc, Bristol does not interview applicants and does not routinely read the UCAS personal statement. Instead, applicants who meet the academic bar complete a Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), which is scored for personal and professional attributes.

Verified at bristol.ac.uk (BVSc course page, admissions FAQs) and UCAS/Uniguide, June 2026. Fees are 2026-entry first-year figures, subject to annual revision.

Campus & Facilities

The early years are based mainly at the University's Clifton precinct in Bristol city, with at least one day a week at the clinical campus. Clinical training is at the Langford campus in North Somerset (~14 miles south of the city), which houses the veterinary teaching hospital, a teaching farm and an on-site abattoir.

Academic requirements

  • A-level standard offer: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. A pass in the science practical endorsement is required where assessed separately.
  • Graduate route: a 2:1 degree plus BBB at A-level including Chemistry and one of Biology/Physics/Maths/Further Maths.
  • GCSE: standard literacy (grade 4/C in English) and numeracy (grade 4/C in Maths).
  • No UCAT/BMAT/ESAT required.

Work experience

Bristol Veterinary School states it has no work-experience requirement for the BVSc (work experience is helpful and encouraged, but not mandatory). Always confirm the current Admissions Statement at bristol.ac.uk.

Admission

Places 150

No interview for the standard BVSc — applicants meeting the academic bar complete and are scored on the SAQ.
  1. UCAS application

    Apply via UCAS by the 15 October veterinary medicine deadline. Select course A100 (BVSc). Do not miss this date — there is no second round for vet.

  2. Academic eligibility check

    Bristol reviews your predicted or achieved grades. Applicants meeting the academic bar (AAA including Chemistry + one of Bio/Physics/Maths) are invited to complete the SAQ.

  3. Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

    Complete the SAQ — a written questionnaire scored for personal and professional attributes. Bristol does not routinely read the UCAS personal statement for the BVSc.

  4. Conditional or unconditional offer

    Decisions are based on academic profile plus SAQ score. Most offers are conditional on AAA at A-level. No interview is conducted for the standard BVSc.

AAA at A-level including Chemistry + one of Biology/Physics/Maths/Further Maths; GCSE grade 4+ in English and Maths; complete the SAQ. No interview and no formal work-experience requirement.

Interview & exam format

No interview for the standard BVSc. Selection is based on academic profile plus a scored Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). (The separate widening-participation Gateway route does use MMI interviews.)

Tuition fees

Student profile Annual fees 5-year total
🇬🇧 Home (UK) £9.790 £48.950
🌍 International £41.900 £209.500

⚠️ Fees reviewed annually; international fees rise each year in line with expected inflation. Verify at bristol.ac.uk.

Scholarships & financial aid

UK Tuition Fee & Maintenance Loans

Home (UK) students are eligible for government tuition fee loans (up to £9,790/yr) and maintenance loans via Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland. Repayment is income-contingent.

University of Bristol Bursary

Bristol offers means-tested bursaries for UK students from lower-income households. Amounts and eligibility thresholds: verify at bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/.

International Scholarships & Awards

Bristol offers a range of scholarships for international students, including Think Big Scholarships. Amounts and eligibility: verify at bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/.

Home students access UK tuition-fee and maintenance loans via Student Finance. Bristol offers bursaries and scholarships including support for lower-income and international students. Verify current schemes and amounts at bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/.

Cost of living

University halls £591 –£1500 / mo
Shared private house £780 –£900 / mo
Private studio/flat £1170 –£1250 / mo
Total monthly budget £1100 –£1500 / mo

Application timeline

  1. 15 October 2026
    UCAS veterinary deadline

    All UK veterinary applications must be submitted via UCAS by 18:00 UK time on 15 October. Missing this date means waiting another year.

  2. November–December 2026 (est.)
    SAQ issued

    Eligible applicants receive the Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire. Complete it carefully — this replaces the interview for the standard BVSc.

  3. January–April 2027 (est.)
    Decisions sent

    Bristol sends conditional offers (typically AAA at A-level) or rejections based on academic profile and SAQ score.

  4. August 2027
    A-level results day

    Conditional offers are confirmed or declined based on your A-level results. Clear any conditions promptly.

FAQ

Does Bristol interview for the BVSc?
No. The standard 5-year BVSc selects on academic profile plus a scored Supplementary Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), with no interview. (The separate widening-participation Gateway route does use MMI interviews.)
Is work experience required?
Bristol states there is no work-experience requirement for the BVSc. Experience is still valuable and will strengthen your understanding of the profession, but it is not assessed in the application.
Will my personal statement be read?
Not routinely — Bristol uses the SAQ to assess personal suitability. You should still complete your personal statement fully, as other universities on your UCAS form will read it.
Where will I study?
Early years are mainly in Bristol city (Clifton campus), with at least one day per week at the clinical campus. Clinical years are based at Langford campus in North Somerset (~14 miles south of Bristol).
What are the A-level requirements for the Bristol BVSc?
The standard offer is AAA, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. You also need GCSE grade 4+ in English and Maths. No UCAT, BMAT or ESAT is required.

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