Will Warman BA, VetMB, MRCVS

Contents What’s out there? Courses Careers What is required? Grade and subject requirements Work Experience Personal Statement Why do this?

What’s out there: Direct Courses Bristol Cambridge Edinburgh Glasgow Liverpool Nottingham (first intake 2006) Royal Veterinary College Surrey (first intake 2014) Possibly new Vet Schools in Aberystwyth and Leeds USA / EU / Wider World

What’s out there: Graduate Courses Most universities will offer a graduate course Often with the option to shorten the degree by 1 year if the previous degree is in a relevant field No age limit, but few places Requirement to fund tuition fees varies between universities. Some have bio-veterinary science courses that can be a lead in to the Vet degree Usually ask for a 2:1 or 1 in first degree

What’s out there: Careers Small animal / farm animal / equine first opinion practice Referral practice Research / Industry Conservation Teaching Government ?

What is required? Grade requirements: Vary between vet schools They will need to be good Usually at least 1 A* and 2 As but could be higher Depends on individual university Subject requirements: Sciences and maths are best 3-4 A2’s of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths Exceptions may be made If in doubt, ASK.

What is required? Work Experience Varies in importance between vet schools Generally 4-12 weeks On farms, stables and in vet practices Offers a chance to decide if this is the right career Quality over Quantity Variety is good, a strong relationship is better Interviews may focus on what has been seen and learnt while gaining this experience and the science behind it

What is required? Personal Statement: The only bit of the UCAS form where you can stand out from the crowd. DO NOT LIE Draft, draft and re-draft Get input from lots and lots of people Keep it relevant: Don’t waffle Try to find connections between subjects and work experience.

Interview All universities interview for Vet Med Different formats Most cover science, veterinary issues as well as the person – their character and motivations The tutors want to know if you are suitable to be a vet and that you are committed to the course Be yourself Read around current affairs Be prepared to talk about work experience

What to expect at Vet School Hard work Lots of it! A challenge You will learn to be a surgeon, anaesthetist, nurse, pharmacist, medic, government official etc etc The requirement to develop as a person Must be good at the science aspect but also at practical skills and at communication FUN!

Why do this? Variety Continuous learning Challenge yourself everyday Be there for someone at their most difficult times Work with animals Work with people

Life after Vet School Job prospects Currently good with the majority of new grads finding employment within 6 months of qualifying Be aware – new universities = fewer vacancies Average starting salary £23,000 Continued learning Responsibility

Life after Vet School Student debt Most students will graduate with £60,000 - £80,000 of student loan (tuition and maintenance loan combined) Start paying back once earning >£21,000 Written off after 30 years Most people graduating vet school are unlikely to ever pay this off – so don’t worry about it! Make the minimum payments possible Student loan is not viewed as bad debt It does not affect your credit rating or ability to get a bank loan or mortgage

Any questions?