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Veterinary Medicine - Further Information

Which subjects should I take at A level?

Chemistry at A level is mandatory. You will also require two other subjects at GCE A level normally from Biology/Human Biology, Physics and Mathematics. A minimum of 3 A levels (or equivalent examinations) are necessary. Most successful candidates have 3 A levels from Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

Can my third A level be a non-science subject?

You may offer a third non-science/mathematics subject at A level. However, we need to be certain that you have a sufficiently strong background knowledge to enable you to thrive on the course, which is heavily science based. No non-scientific subject is particularly favoured, although those that encourage strong written skills may be helpful.  

What grades do I need to achieve at GCE A level?

A typical A level offer for Robinson is A*AA; the individual subject in which the A* is to be achieved is unlikely to be specified but would be expected to be a science or maths subject.

I am doing another type of examination - will you accept it instead of A levels?

We do accept a range of different qualifications including Scottish Highers and the International Baccalaureate. For information on grades required for alternative examinations, please look at the Undergraduate Prospectus. If further information is required, please contact the Admissions Office at Robinson College.

What do I need to know about the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)?

From 2024 onwards, applicants for Veterinary Medicine will be required to take the ESAT.

What should I expect studying Veterinary Medicine at Robinson?

The Veterinary Medicine course at Cambridge lasts six years.  The first three years are pre-clinical and lead to a BA degree for all students.  The clinical course, which runs throughout the final three years, takes place at the Veterinary School and the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital.  These lie on the western outskirts of Cambridge and are easily accessible from Robinson College.

The first two years of the veterinary course comprise Part I of the Veterinary Sciences Tripos (VST).  Lectures and practical classes are organised by the University, and provide a core scientific education relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine.  Supervisions (weekly meetings with a specialist teacher in groups of up to four) are arranged by the College.  At Robinson, whenever possible we choose highly experienced supervisors with clinical veterinary experience who can help set the pre-clinical course in context. 

During the third year (Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos), students have a wide choice of subjects which they can study in depth. They also have an opportunity to undertake original research in their subject.

The fourth and fifth years comprise lectures, practicals and clinical rotations.  The sixth year is lecture-free and consists of small group teaching and direct case responsibility during clinical rotations in the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital. There are also opportunities during the clinical course to undertake more in-depth specialisation in a chosen area. 

Finally, students must spend 12 weeks in the first two years and 26 weeks during the clinical course on extramural placements during vacations, gaining practical experience in animal handling and husbandry and in veterinary practice.

Updated February 2024