🇬🇧 UK public · Guildford · ABB entry offer · 30 min from London

Surrey Vet School

Everything you need to apply to the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine (BVMSci) — entry requirements, MMI format, the lowest A-level offer among UK vet schools, proximity to London, and timeline. All data verified.

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RCVS Accredited
ABB Standard A-level offer
30 miles To London Waterloo
~150 Places/year
5 years BVMSci · Year 3 research

About the school

The University of Surrey Vet School opened in 2015 (the first new UK vet school in 50 years), with a purpose-built Manor Park campus in Guildford — 30 miles southwest of London (direct train 35–40 minutes to Waterloo).

Surrey offers the lowest A-level entry offer of established UK vet schools (ABB standard, BBB widening participation), as part of a deliberate widening access strategy. The 5-year BVMSci includes a Year 3 research project and RCVS accreditation.

Academic requirements and interview information verified against surrey.ac.uk (April 2026). International fees from published 2024-25 prospectus — verify at surrey.ac.uk/international. Surrey received RCVS approval in 2014 as the School of Veterinary Medicine. All figures subject to annual revision.

Campus & Facilities

Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine is fully embedded in the Guildford campus, one of the UK's best-ranked modern universities. Clinical facilities on campus include:

  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital — small animal clinic open to the public, staffed by students and resident clinicians
  • Clinical skills and simulation labs
  • Anatomy suite and imaging facilities
  • Close links with local farm practices in Surrey and the South East

Guildford is 40 minutes by train from London Waterloo — combining a campus university experience with easy access to London. Surrey is RCVS-accredited and awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education.

Academic requirements

  • A-levels: AAA — Biology and Chemistry required; third subject open.
  • GCSE: Grade B (6) or above in Mathematics, English Language, and a science subject.
  • No UCAT/BMAT required.
  • International Baccalaureate: 36 points, 6,6,6 at Higher Level (Biology + Chemistry compulsory).

Source: surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/veterinary-medicine — verified April 2026. Check surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate for the latest entry requirements.

Work experience

Surrey requires a minimum of 70 hours of relevant work experience across at least two different animal species. The school values quality of reflection over quantity:

  • Companion animal veterinary practice
  • Farm (cattle, sheep, or pigs) or equine experience
  • Exotic animal, wildlife, or zoo experience welcomed
  • Research or laboratory placements valued

Surrey also welcomes experience outside formal vet practice — animal charities, rescue centres, zoos, and animal-assisted therapy settings all count.

Source: surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/veterinary-biosciences/applying — verified April 2026.

Admission

Places 150

MMI (Multiple Mini Interview): station-based interview. ABB offer (vs AAA at most schools) is intentional — Surrey believes grades alone don't determine vet success.
  1. Work experience

    Varied animal experience expected — clinical, farm, or other animal-related settings.

  2. UCAS (15 October)

    Personal statement. ABB standard offer means more candidates may meet the academic threshold.

  3. Shortlisting

    Invited to MMI at Manor Park campus, Guildford.

  4. MMI interview

    Station-based. Tests motivation, ethical reasoning, communication, clinical curiosity.

  5. Offer (ABB)

    ABB standard; BBB widening participation.

ABB at A-level (Chemistry + one science; Biology preferred). BBB for widening participation. Work experience expected.

Interview & exam format

Surrey uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with approximately 6 stations. Typical station types:

  • Ethical dilemmas — e.g. cost-limited treatment, wildlife vs. companion animal priorities
  • Communication task — explain a concept or situation to a non-specialist
  • Motivation and career insight — why vet, what you know about the profession
  • Scientific stimulus — respond to a short text or data set
  • Teamwork/leadership — a collaborative or conflict-resolution scenario

Surrey's MMI has a reputation for being warm and professionally oriented. Interviewers are genuinely interested in your experience and personality, not just academic grades.

Source: surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/veterinary-biosciences/applying — verified April 2026.

Tuition fees

Student profile Annual fees 5-year total
🇬🇧 UK domestic £9.250 £46.250
🌍 International £36.800 £184.000

⚠️ International fees subject to annual revision — verify at surrey.ac.uk/veterinary-medicine

Scholarships & financial aid

NHS Learning Support Fund

UK students: £5,000/year from year 1.

Surrey widening access support

Surrey has bursary support for students from under-represented backgrounds. Check surrey.ac.uk/fees.

Surrey offers:

  • Surrey Bursary — up to £1,000/yr for UK students from lower-income households (means-tested).
  • Surrey Excellence Scholarship — £1,000 one-off payment for A-level students achieving 3 A* grades.
  • Maintenance Loan from Student Finance (non-London rates; Guildford is commuter-belt).

Source: surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding — verify at surrey.ac.uk/fees before applying — April 2026.

Cost of living

Room in shared house — Guildford £800 –£1100 / mo
Accommodation (Guildford) £700 –£1100 / mo
Food & groceries £220 –£310 / mo
Total estimated monthly £950 –£1500 / mo
Transport (train to London) £100 –£200 / mo

Application timeline

  1. April–Sept
    Work experience

    Varied species. Reflect on what you observed and learned.

  2. 15 October
    UCAS deadline

    ABB offer means a wider range of candidates may apply.

  3. Nov–Jan
    Shortlisting

    Surrey invites candidates to Guildford for MMI.

  4. Jan–March
    MMI at Manor Park

    Station-based interview.

  5. August
    A-level results

    ABB standard.

FAQ

Why does Surrey have lower entry grades (ABB)?
This is a deliberate widening participation choice. Surrey believes academic grades are not the only predictor of vet success, and wants to open the profession to a broader range of students.
When was Surrey Vet School founded?
Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine welcomed its first cohort in 2014, making it one of the newer UK vet schools. It was created in response to a UK government review identifying a shortage of vets.
How close is Surrey to London?
Manor Park campus is in Guildford, 30 miles southwest of London. Direct train to London Waterloo takes 35–40 minutes — close enough to enjoy London while living somewhere quieter and cheaper.
Is Surrey Vet School RCVS accredited?
Yes — Surrey has full RCVS accreditation and has received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education. Graduates are automatically eligible to register with the RCVS as Members (MRCVS).
What is the Year 3 research project?
Students complete an individual research project in year 3, exploring a veterinary or biomedical topic. Develops scientific thinking and is good preparation for evidence-based practice.
Does Surrey require UCAT or BMAT?
No — Surrey does not require UCAT or BMAT. Selection is based on UCAS application, grades, and MMI interview.
Is Surrey RCVS accredited?
Yes. Surrey received full RCVS accreditation.

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