BVSc Gateway to Veterinary Science (D108)
2025 entry
Course summary
Gateway to Veterinary Science is aimed at students who have the potential to become vets but do not meet the standard academic entry criteria to apply directly to our five-year undergraduate Veterinary Science course. Our Gateway courses are a widening participation initiative for UK students who fulfil specific criteria and wish to apply for a clinical programme in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science.
During the Gateway year students will learn alongside each other, benefiting from shared interprofessional insight and the unique community of Bristol's medical, dental and veterinary schools. Students will be taught by academic teachers who are scientists and clinicians.
The Gateway course builds on core basic sciences underpinning clinical subjects (chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology). It encourages reflection and places emphasis on personal and professional development; strengthens practical, statistics, research and library skills; and considers attributes and behaviours that enable a successful transition to university study. Successful completion of the Gateway year allows automatic progression onto the five-year BVSc Veterinary Science.
Eligibility
This course is open to applicants from specific schools and colleges in the UK only, those who have spent three months or more in care and/or those who have been eligible for free school meals during their secondary education. Further information and lists of eligible schools and colleges are available on the Gateway courses eligibility webpage.
We no longer accept the BTEC Animal Management qualification for this course.
See further key information about our veterinary courses on the Bristol Veterinary School website.
Course structure
Studies will include:
- Basic cell biology, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the healthy human/animal
- Fundamental principles of chemistry
- Numeracy skills and statistics relevant to health sciences programmes
- Clinical professional attributes
- Placements and animal handling practicals.
Successful students will then join the five-year BVSc Veterinary Science course.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Gateway to Veterinary Science can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement