To read Veterinary Medicine at Robinson, you will need to have outstanding academic qualities and a real desire to learn in a scientific environment.  In addition, you must be able to convince the College that you can acquire the necessary clinical skills, and have a genuine enthusiasm for working with animals and people in an applied scientific career.  Although highly desirable, it is not essential to have had work experience in a veterinary practice or with farm animals prior to applying. However it is vital that you have a realistic understanding of what the course entails and are sure that a career as a veterinary surgeon is the right choice for you.

Robinson normally takes four veterinary students each year.  As with medical students, vets traditionally form a close-knit group.  Whilst this is true of Robinson vets, they also participate in a variety of College and University activities, frequently with distinction and play a full part in College life.  We encourage a friendly atmosphere amongst the pre-clinical and clinical veterinary students at Robinson and organize various dinners, talks and other activities throughout the year.

Subject Requirements

Essential: A Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics / IB Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics. 

Highly Desirable: You will stand a better chance of securing an offer if you have three science/mathematics A Level subjects or their equivalents. If you hold or are studying for overseas or other qualifications, please refer to University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions Prospectus. If you require further clarification on entry requirements please contact the Admissions Office at Robinson College.

Written Work

No formal written work is required.

Admission Assessments

Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT): pre-registration required

Director(s) of Studies

Professor Paul Schofield (Pre-clinical)
Dr Nick Bexfield (Clinical)

Other Fellows in Veterinary Medicine

Dr Christine Latham, MA VetMB CertVR MRCVS - Professional Skills

Dr. Teresa Tiffert – Physiology

Veterinary Medicine - Further information

Department of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine (Information from the Cambridge Admissions website)

Further guidance about studying to become a vet and the veterinary profession may be found at the website of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF (Tel: 0207 2222001) 

Last updated April 2024