What qualification are need to become a zoo vet?

How to become a vet

There are currently seven vet schools in the UK. You can only apply to four in one year; your application has to be made through UCAS. All veterinary science degrees are five years except Cambridge (which is six). Some schools offer the option of extending the course to do a BSc in the middle of the degree.

Vet school website links:

Nottingham vet school

Bristol vet school

London (RVC)

Cambridge vet school

Liverpool vet school

Edinburgh vet school

Glasgow vet school

Requirements

GCSEs (generally):

• Minimum of 5 grade As to include chemistry, Biology and physics (or the science double award).
• Grade A at AS level physics can compensate for achieving grade B at GCSE.
• Minimum of grade B in maths and English language

A levels:

• Minimum of grades AAB, in chemistry, Biology (or human biology) and a third subject (excluding only general studies) at A level (A2).
• Chemistry and biology must be passed at grade A.
• Taking a fourth A level will NOT increase your chances of being offered a place.

See individual vet school websites for most recent requirements and other qualifications.

Work experience:

Most veterinary schools require at least 6 weeks' work experience. It is best to get this in as many different establishments as possible such as: small animal practice, large animal practice, equine practice, zoological collection, veterinary laboratory, abattoir, cattery, kennels, horse stables, farm work. It is also a good idea to get a reference at the time from all places you do work experience and keep a diary of what you do and any interesting cases you see.

BMAT:

BMAT is the Biomedical Admissions Test. It normally takes place on or around the 1st November. You can take the test at your school most of the time, if not there are open centres around the country where you can take the examination. At present (2007 entry) it is only Cambridge University and RVC that require this examination however this changes frequently. See the website below for more details on the examination.

http://www.bmat.org.uk/index.html

Tuition fees:

Most vet schools are currently charging £3000 for tuition fees, this is means tested according to your parent's income and some or all of this is paid for by the government. You can also get a student loan usually up to about £5500 to help with your accommodation costs, books etc so do not let the costs put you off - Help is available.

Information from the paignton zoo wedsite