Frequently Asked Questions

In order to be considered you must take your exams in one sitting and at the first attempt.

No, you do not need to have an English language test result before applying. You can fulfil English language requirements after you receive an offer.

Regrettably, you will not be considered if you have not achieved the required grades, as the programme is very competitive.

Your school must inform the exam board as soon as possible. We are unable to consider extenuating circumstances put forward after exam results are registered.

Not necessarily. The process is competitive and we rely on application and interview strength to select students.

Contact us to discuss this.

Yes - you can do so here:

Admissions Policy 

No, we do not consider late applications.

No. 

No, not until you have been made offers and decided which (if any) you wish to accept.

Not usually. We do not accept changes to personal statements or references after the deadline. However, if you believe there is a factual error in your personal data, please email us.

UCAS allows you four vet and one non-vet choice. We recommend you use all of your choices.

It is usually not possible to defer an offer unless there are extenuating circumstances. We would ask you contact us with any requests as soon as possible to be considered for a deferral.   

No, you just need to complete your WES form prior to the deadline of 22 October (UCAS candidates only).

Work Experience Summary Form

You are still eligible, but we look for significant career exploration, so you should provide strong evidence you’ve researched the career and understand what it entails.

We are looking for brief details on the type and duration of work experience in your personal statement. This would then be supported by your WES form. Please bear in mind other institutions may have other requirements.

We understand it is not always easy to get experience in certain areas. We do not expect an applicant to have experience of all the types listed on our website, and look at applications holistically.

We look for evidence of career exploration, non-academic achievements and interests such as social involvement, school responsibilities, leadership, cultural, sporting, musical, vocational and voluntary experience.

No, but you should select those that demonstrate high skill, attainment and variety. We look for well-rounded individuals. As well as aligned experience, we look for evidence that you can wind down and relax outside of your work or studies. However, if you run out of space in your personal statement, y​​​​​our referee can also add more information in their reference for you. 

If they are in a position to do so, they may mention your other achievements.

No, we look for evidence of what you feel you’ve gained from your achievements and your commitment to them, rather than specific achievements.

No, you need only apply to one. We will automatically consider you for both.

No - you can apply while still studying. If you haven't completed all the prerequisite subjects by the application deadline, you can indicate your plans to complete them before the BVM&S programme starts. Any offer would be conditional on meeting the entry requirements after your final exams.

Yes - you can chat with a current student through the University's UniBuddy system.

Chat with a current vet student

Incoming students are paired with a student buddy once they have firmly accepted an offer at Edinburgh.

No - EMS can only be completed whilst on course.

If you have a special interest, you can choose to complete a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Science after your second or subsequent years. The programme consists of a year of advanced study in one of the following: biochemistry, neuroscience, microbiology & infectious diseases and zoology. You may, with permission, attend intercalated degree courses at other UK Veterinary establishments and/or in other parts of the University. For exceptional candidates, there is also the alternative possibility of a one-year MSc by research after the third year, and even the possibility of doing an intercalated three-year PhD. You can also enrol on one of our prestigious taught MSc programmes which include Animal Welfare and Behaviour, Infectious Diseases, Conservation Medicine, Equine Science. 

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has Full Accreditation from the AVMA.

The degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) is the equivalent to the North American Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and has the same standing worldwide.

Like graduates from North American Vet Schools, graduates from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are required to take the multiple-choice North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) in order to practice in the United States or Canada.

Students can sit the NAVLE in the UK or in North America before graduating.

The NAVLE is administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). Please consult ICVA materials for information on test locations, costs, etc., bearing in mind that these may change during the course of your veterinary studies.

Unfortunately we are not able to offer one-to-one virtual calls at this time but hope to start them again soon.

If you need to contact the Admissions team, please email vetug@ed.ac.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.