Wondering if anyone here has gone on to qualify as a vet later on in life? Would be really interesting to speak to them. I'm working towards a completely unrelated degree at the minute and was seriously considering training as a vet nurse, but as I'm relatively young I thought I might see what is required to get a place on a veterinary science degree.

http://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/training-to-become-a-veterinary-surgeon/ have a look on here Josh > I

Thanks Chris,

I've had a look and had an idea about what sort of degree you'd need to do, I should have been more specific that I wanted help with regards to funding, too and the sort of grades they require.

I looked into it after doing a Genetics BSc.  They wanted a 2.1 or higher, don't think they were too bothered about previous qualifications if it was a biology or chemistry degree, but if not I think you need the full whammy of science A levels with A grades (I could be wrong on that though because it didn't apply to me).  Funding is where it all went horribly wrong - £12,000 per year as a post graduate!!!! This was for a 5 year degree at Liverpool, starting 2005.  Student loans are not an option if it's your second degree, and at the time the economy was better so a loan was a (painful) possibility, but repayments would start immediately unlike a student loan and these would be unmanageable for a fulltime student.  Sorry if this isn't good news :-(

Yes- I am being faced with £18,000 per year fees. I think one of my vets trained after doing a teaching degree so I may give them a call.

I worked at a big veterinary teaching hospital in Germany as a summer job in the dim and distant past. My uncle was a vet there and introduced me to an English colleague of his. She told me she'd ended up studying veterinary medicine in Germany because the only science A level she did was Biology; all the others were arts. She'd got a first in Zoology as her from Cambridge, but no university in the UK would offer her a place. Rather than go back to doing A levels, it was easier for her (she said) to take an intensive language school course and learn German to study there. I don't know if it's still that bad, and this is totally off topic, but I think expecting 14-16 year olds to effectively limit their career choices as they do their GCSEs and A levels is madness.

Good luck in your endeavours...look forward to hearing how you get on!

The problem is that when I was choosing my A-Levels, 7 years of uni sounded like hell. I had great science grades at GCSE, but thought they'd be too much hard work. Now I'm a bit older (and hopefuly wiser) and I've spent time in (part time) jobs that I hate, I realise that 5-7 years at uni is nothing compared to a lifetime in a job that I'd love. One of my big passions is also writing so I don't think my journalism degree would go to waste because I could definitely combine the two!

Go for it Josh. I am always telling my kids that the ONE thing I'd change if I could time travel would be to become a vet. Now I'm far too old to start.

Check out Nottingham Vet School as it is apparently the only UK one (also the newest) that not only go on academic grades but also take practical experience into account when you apply.

well, Josh, all the very best in pursuing your dream--I would imagine there are bursaries and grants kicking about, and there are lots of options to look at--studying here or abroad, EU funding streams that universities regularly apply for, sponsorship that you may be able to secure and of course, the usual part time job (with your writing?) to help keep it all going. My younger son is doing a 7 year programme of study (architecture), also not cheap and his parents are not able to help as much as they'd like following redundancy. In spite of all the obstacles he is doing really well academically and it seems to be working out ok for him financially with reasonably paid summer internships etc. So however daunting it may seem, doors open if you're prepared to really go for it. You might have some clients in the making on here, too :-)

Josh, it will be difficult but don't let that stop you.  In other countries, it's quite normal for people to have several different careers - whereas I think we in the UK are still largely in the mindset of expecting people to go and study one thing, which leads onto what they then do, for the rest of their life.  It's not very realistic and it's very restrictive.

Also, if you are a mature student (which to universities means anything over the age of about 20!), they often have different requirements and they see your life experience as being a bonus and in your favour. 

> if you are a mature student (which to universities means anything over the age of about 20!), they often have different requirements

I know of someone who came out of the RAF and became a vet. I don't think he had a degree.

In further reference to Rabid's and Daisy's post I am currently studying for a masters degree(different subject) but I don't have a degree.  The uni required either a bachelors degree or 5 years in employment to be a suitable alternative background for a mature student. So it is definitely worth talking to uni's about their entry requirements for mature students. I know you don't have the 5 years yet but you might be able to come to an agreement with the uni(s) your interested in.

My GCSE's were picked to steer me to a career in law.  After work experience (by god I was bored) I realised it was not for me.  I went to college and did engineering and started one career.  After ill health put that to an end I now find myself in a completely different industry with a very different daily routine although still in engineering.  So I have worked my way through three industries since I picked my GCSE's and changing my mind not to persue law was the best thing I ever did.  I would be so unhappy stuck with my first choice so follow your heart and do what makes you happy.  You're expecting a long life and you spend so much time at work it is madness not to change to something you enjoy if you are given that opportunity so grab it and hold on.

Just an update for anyone who is wondering.. I've spoken to the University of Liverpool who have said the best option funding wise is to leave my current degree now, and that way I'd be a 'normal' student with 'normal' fees.

I have to apply before the 1st July (This Sunday!! eek!) and also get myself a work experience placement secured before the 17th of July.

Go for it - no doubt at all.  It's clearly what you really want to do.  If you try and fail at least you will know.  Otherwise, before you know it you will be 60 years old and saying - gosh I wish I'd done that with my life.   Apart from base jumpers, few people wish they had taken less risks in life . . .

It's definitely a bit of a short window to make it all happen - but just think of it as a good test to see how you respond under pressure!!

Really good luck

Unfortunately it isn't looking like I'll be able to do it :( They called back and actually as a mature student Applications close this Sunday and I'd need to have a weeks work experience booked before then and completed before the 17th.

I can't cancel my other degree without knowing I have a place and as there are only five places it doesn't look likely :( I am gutted

Josh - fortune favours the brave.  It shouldn't be that hard to book a weeks work experience and do it before 17th.  I am sure pretty much any vet would be prepared to help you.

Can't you tell a little white lie about cancelling the other degreee (ie; say that you have cancelled it)?  I would suggest you go to the Vet college in person and see if you can use your charms to get to speak to someone about it. 

Final thought - cancel your degree.  Apply by Sunday.  Then if you don't get a place you can resume your old degree at some point in the future.

If you really, really want it treat it as a challenge.  5 places left looks like good odds to me - go and see them & convince them how passionate you are about becoming a vet.  You would be amazed at how much discretion the admission people have (I know - I used to work at Imperial . . .)

Don't give up . . . unless of course you think you might not have the determination and courage after all.

MY A LEVELS are poor and I left my equine.science.degree as it was crap degree but I am going back to college to do my access to science pathway with hope to apply at nott vet school as a mature student. Not sure if this will ever become a.reality as my a levels are so poor. Gcse b grades but I have lots of work experience. What gsce and a level results did you have? I think I need to speak to someone at nott, I have my interview with college tutors next month. Already had my assessment and I left my brain elsewhere! My mind froze lol and long multiplication was like a foriegn language. Think I did ok though

Josh - fortune favours the brave.  It shouldn't be that hard to book a weeks work experience and do it before 17th.  I am sure pretty much any vet would be prepared to help you.

I'd have thought so many vets would be sympathetic to my situation but apparently not. Most of them only have placements for trainee vet nurses. The major problem I have with applying now is that you can only apply once. There aren't five places left, there are only five places on this particular foundation course in total.

The admissions people have said that the vast majority of applicants have over 10 weeks experience in a vets. So I feel perhaps continuing with my current degree, doing as much work experience as I possibly can in the mean time and applying for 2013. I can cancel my degree right up until before I graduate so I have plenty of time to continue.

> Don't give up . . . unless of course you think you might not have the determination and courage after all.

Hang on - you are possibly encouraging Josh to totally mess his life up here by chucking in his current degree :(

One thing they will be looking at in applicants is determination etc and this does seem a fairly spur of the minute thing with Josh. Why hasn't he done all the work experience etc etc already ?? If he is expecting them to accept him as a mature student without the normal entry requirements, he must show them that this is not just a flash in the pan decision etc. Getting into vet school is VERY difficult and shouldn't be rushed into on a whim. Most 18 year old applicants will have LOTS of relevant work experience, not just a week in a vets.

Work Experience

Nothing ventured nothing gained I would think that is achievable a week is 5 days.............so a week to organise then start Monday the 8th it then takes you to the 12th; start on Saturday 6th and you are almost a fortnight away from your deadline date. I imagine it does not say what sort of work experience just work experience. Sit on your phone tomorrow and speak to vets or the PDSA??? Anyone.

I aways thought I should have chosen education rather than work when I left school but got lulled by the "money" now at 49 I am starting an access to HE Health Science/Nursing.  I am looking at going into occupational therapy as I would like to be involved in the holistic treatment of people and have had good experiences with OT's not sure yet but definitely caring in some way. It will be tough as it is a fulltime course for a year. I will have to change my work and maybe go down in hours; however I will at least have opened my mind to something else...after 28 years with the same company. I am not going to waste time saying shoulda/woulda/coulda - done this years ago the fact is I am doing it now.  Then next Sept I will be starting a University course for 2 years doing my degree. Times may be tough however I am hoping and planning on enjoying it.

So my advice for what it is worth is GO for it try or regret it. But if you regret it don't waste time worrying move onward and upward. 

Reading that back I sound like an idiot however I am going to be a happy idiot. Especially as just got phone call back from a local hospice here I have volunteered to be a driver - not an occupational therapy assistant however a foot inside a door.

Hang on - you are possibly encouraging Josh to totally mess his life up here by chucking in his current degree

One thing they will be looking at in applicants is determination etc and this does seem a fairly spur of the minute thing with Josh. Why hasn't he done all the work experience etc etc already ?? If he is expecting them to accept him as a mature student without the normal entry requirements, he must show them that this is not just a flash in the pan decision etc. Getting into vet school is VERY difficult and shouldn't be rushed into on a whim. Most 18 year old applicants will have LOTS of relevant work experience, not just a week in a vets.

I agree with you. It does seem fairly spur-of-the-moment. I think to be honest it is only recently I have had the confidence to pursue this career. Combined with the fact somebody mentioned to me that they now have 'year 0' foundation courses to access veterinary sciences. However I was shocked when the admissions teacher told me that the majority of applicants are those who have done sciences at A-Level, and not had the confidence to pursue Vet Science straight away, instead sometimes doing something else (she said they had two journalism students who are now going into their second year of vet science.) or those who have the A-levels but have been doing work for a little while.

If you had known me other than on the forum you'd know it has been a lifelong ambition but when it comes down to it- an ambition/dream does NOT entitle me to suddenly change my degree and expect to get a place on a foundation course. It is 1,000s of other peoples dreams, too. 1,000s of people who HAVE done the work experience and DO have the A-levels, too.

My A-levels are in English, ICT and Media so not at all related although I do have GCSE A*s, As and Bs in Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Didn't mean to sound harsh, but my daughter wanted to be a vet. We even paid for her to attend a weekend course on how to apply/get the experience etc. She had to give up on her dream because, after AS results, she wasn't going to get an A grade in her A level Chemistry. There are huge numbers of people wanting to be a vet. Most have very high academic qualifications, so they can take their pick of those who also have proven commitment spending years getting experience. Given where you are now, you would be much better finishing your degree - if that is possible - maybe then getting a job. Save as much money as possible while getting lots of different work experience. Also do much more research into the different ways of getting onto the course. What really doesn't look good on CVs is someone who starts something and doesn't finish it, flitting from one thing to another :) :)

Good luck :)

My daughter (has just sat her GCSE's) wants to be a Vet too. She is extremely bright, but I do worry that she will be under so much pressure when it comes to her A Levels. Even then, if she gets the right grades, there are no guarantees of a place. I am worried it could all lead to disappointment, but then I want her to pursue it, if it is what she really wants to do. It would also be very handy having a daughter that was a vet!

>  I am worried it could all lead to disappointment

My daughter was very disappointed, but she soon got over it :) She still got good grades at A level and so a place at a good university and now has a very good job.

I always told my children to aim as high as they possibly could. Then, even if they didn't quite make it, they would still do well :) A bit of disappointment in life doesn't do any harm :) Hopefully it just spurs one on to do better next time :)

Glad all worked out well for your daughter in the end and you are quite right in what you say :-)
My daughter is considering zoology or marine biology as a back up, but I just wonder if these type of degrees actually lead to a decent job, or certainly, if they lead to jobs that are not nigh impossible to get hold of :-(

> or certainly, if they lead to jobs that are not nigh impossible to get hold of

I think it is always best to do a degree in what you will enjoy/are in interested in :) My daughter did a degree in psychology (which she had also done at A level), but while at university she worked very hard organising events raising money for RAG charities. This got her a place on a graduate training scheme with a top insurance company where they were looking at more than just a good degree :) :) So even if your daughter does a degree in marine biology and can't get a job in the field, if she can show that she is also a well-rounded person, she will stand a good chance of getting a job in some other area :) :) Flexibility is the key in today's graduate market :) :)

Yes, totally agree with you and it sounds like your daughter has done brilliantly :-) :-)
The problem is that my daughter is adamant that she only wants to work with animals and in all honesty, other than veterinary, most other animal related jobs will be poorly paid and not match the level of her intelligence. However, she is only 16, so I am sure she will consider other options if need be, once she is more mature ;-)
Thanks for your advice :-)

Josh, whereabouts are you based?  Maybe some people on here have contacts with vets in your area and could put a word in for you getting some work experience with them?

cavlover - Ecological consultancy is another option for zoology/marine biology graduates that pays a decent amount that is wildlife related, although not hands on work with animals. Working as an academic researcher for a university is probably one of the better routes for doing something that's a bit closer to being hands on but still has okay job opportunities.
This is based on the fact I graduated with a zoology degree 3 years ago and have seen what myself and uni friends have ended up doing.

Thanks for this brak3n, I will pass on the info to my daughter, very helpful to have first hand knowledge :-)