Veterinary Biosciences BSc/MSci
Veterinary biosciences is a biological sciences programme designed to provide you with a strong understanding of the key elements that underpin all modern biological sciences, with a major focus on the biology of health and disease in animals.
The programme is delivered by leading expert scientists and veterinary clinicians with a strong focus on research-led teaching. Glasgow is ranked 1st in the UK for Animal Science (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
- September start
- Session dates
- Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons): D300 4 year degree
- Veterinary Biosciences MSci: 5 year degree
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc.
Why study Veterinary Biosciences?
- This degree encompasses a broad range of topics related to animals and the science behind the veterinary care of domestic and companion animals and wildlife species. This will include comparative anatomy, physiology, farm and companion animal management, infection and immunity, oncology, hormones and behaviour and animal welfare and conservation.
- The programme is largely based within the Garscube campus. As such you will have access to our working farm, with opportunities to gain experience of large and small animal handling, as well as our world-leading small animal and equine hospitals.
- The Veterinary Biosciences programme offers residential national and international field courses and non-residential field trips.
- There is a variety of field work, summer research projects and volunteering possibilities available within and beyond the University of Glasgow and many vibrant student societies available on campus.
- This degree programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
Programme structure
In this programme you will learn about the science that underpins the biology of animal health and disease. Alongside specialist subject knowledge you will develop a range of core transferable skills. These skills include effective communication, collaboration and reflective learning. You will also acquire scientific research skills including laboratory-based practical skills, statistics and data handling. In addition, you will have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in the final year of the programme.
Year 1
In year 1 you will study a range of subjects including animal anatomy & physiology, chemistry and biology.
Year 2
You will study the principles of animal management, physiology and molecular sciences and receive training in basic research skills.
Year 3
You will study aspects of the physiology of behaviour and the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of disease and develop an appreciation of current challenges in these fields. You will also acquire skills in research and diagnostic technologies.
Year 4
In the final year of the programme you will develop advanced professional and quantitative skills and study population medicine, epidemiology and animal welfare & conservation. The second semester features a full-time 12-week research project at the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine or another approved institution within the UK or overseas.
MSci
You can take Veterinary Biosciences as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between year 3 and the final year of the degree. This is normally spent conducting research in industry or a research institute in the UK or overseas.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Special Glasgow feature
The Veterinary Biosciences programme at Glasgow is run in collaboration with associated research institutes across both Gilmorehill and Garscube campuses. The School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine has its own working farm, the Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health & Food Safety large animal facility, Weipers Centre Equine Hospital and Small Animal Hospital, all for potential use in teaching and practical sessions.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Veterinary Biosciences
SQA Higher Entry Requirements
- ABBB at S5 will be considered. Typically S6 entrants will have AAAAA Higher or AAAA Higher + B Advanced Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry.
SQA Higher Adjusted Entry Requirements* (by end of S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
- Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level Standard Entry Requirements
- AAB – BBB
- Additional requirements: A-level Chemistry or Biology.
IB Standard Entry Requirements
- 34 (6,5,5 HL)
- Additional requirements: HL Chemistry or Biology.
Advanced Entry into Level 2
- Advanced Higher AA, A-levels A*AA
- Additional requirements: Chemistry and Biology at A.
- Biology based HNC/HND or other institutional study considered on a case by case basis.
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
Career prospects
The specialist, applied and hands-on nature of this programme prepares you for a varied and fulfilling range of careers in veterinary biosciences. Our students have progressed to graduate degrees in specialist areas of biomedical sciences, as well as directly into careers in animal nutrition, animal care, conservation and welfare, public health, veterinary diagnostic and scientific research, veterinary physiotherapy, secondary school teaching, the pharmaceutical industry, and epidemiological and disease risk assessment.
The School of Veterinary Medicine runs a requisite widening participation programme for the recruitment and support of under-represented groups of students; see: Access Glasgow.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MSci
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc
At the discretion of the programme leader, direct entry into year 2 of the programme may be possible dependent on your qualifications.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
Sanctuary Scholarships
Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Animal Science]
