Diversity in Veterinary Medicine

You may be eligible to be assessed at lower academic requirements than the main applicant pool. 

The minimum entry requirement is the level of academic ability that is required to cope with the degree content and is set below the standard entry requirements, which are a reflection of the competitiveness of applications to veterinary medicine.

If you are assigned a PLUS FLAG, you are usually guaranteed an interview provided you achieve, or are predicted to achieve:

• the academic minimum entry requirements
• demonstrate an understanding of the profession 

If you are assigned a FLAG, you will be considered at the standard requirement, but will receive additional consideration during the selection process.

Check if you might be assigned a flag for a widening access offer.

If you are applying as a graduate, ie. you already have a degree, you do not qualify for any additional consideration unless you are care experienced of an asylum seeker/refugee.  

We work with the University of Edinburgh and national partners to support a variety of pathways into veterinary medicine. 

Access programmes

• SWAP Access to Medical Studies is accepted for consideration for entry. Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) is an alternative route to university for adult learners and mature students.

SWAP East

SWAP West

Hear from our SWAP Access veterinary students

• Royal Veterinary College Veterinary Gateway is accepted for consideration for entry. This course is aimed at those who want to study veterinary medicine but who might not otherwise meet entry requirements. 

RVC Veterinary Gateway

School pupil pathways

• Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS) provides guidance and support for school pupils across southeast Scotland who are considering veterinary medicine.

LEAPS

• Reach Edinburgh provides specialist support for S4-S6 pupils in southeast Scotland considering law, medicine or veterinary medicine.

Reach Edinburgh

We recognise the barriers rural locations can present, particularly access to subjects at SQA Advanced Higher and work experience opportunities. Our processes aim to ensure applicants from remote areas are not disadvantaged.