What A Levels Do You Need to Be a Vet? 2026 UK Expert Guide

I am Dr Rebecca Massie, a practising UK vet and Royal Veterinary College graduate. At Become A Vet I have spent 13 years guiding applicants through every stage of the UK veterinary admissions process, and one of the questions I am asked most often is this: what A levels do you need to be a vet?

Quick Answer: To get into UK vet school in 2026, you almost always need Chemistry as a core A Level, with Biology also required or strongly recommended at the majority of schools. Grade requirements range from AAB at Nottingham, Surrey, Harper and Keele, and UCLan, up to A*A*A at Cambridge. Most schools offer at AAA.

In this guide I will break down the exact A Level subject and grade requirements for every UK vet school, based on the official Veterinary Schools Council guide and each university's own admissions information. I will also cover whether you need Physics or Maths, what to do if your grades are lower than expected, and how to use your A Level choices strategically.

What A Level Subjects Do You Need to Be a Vet in the UK?

Chemistry is the closest thing to a universal requirement across all UK vet schools. The Veterinary Schools Council confirms that some schools require Chemistry and Biology, while others require Chemistry alongside one or two additional science subjects such as Biology, Maths or Physics. Biology is required or very strongly recommended at the majority of schools, but it is important to check each university individually as requirements do vary.

Your third A Level gives you flexibility at most schools. The majority of vet schools will accept a wide range of third subjects. Non-science choices such as History, Geography, or a Modern Language are accepted at many schools, as long as you meet their grade requirements overall. UK vet schools value well-rounded applicants.

Is Biology Always Required for Veterinary Medicine at A Level?

Biology is required at most UK vet schools, but not universally. Liverpool, for example, requires Biology at A Level but allows Chemistry to be taken at AS Level (grade B minimum) if a second science is studied at A Level instead. Glasgow requires Chemistry and Biology, but also accepts Physics or Mathematics alongside Chemistry in place of Biology for Scottish Highers applicants. Always check individual school requirements carefully rather than assuming Biology is compulsory everywhere.

Is Chemistry Required for Veterinary Medicine at A Level?

Yes. Chemistry is the most consistently required A Level subject across all UK vet schools. It is directly relevant to pharmacology, biochemistry, and the scientific principles underlying veterinary medicine. I always advise applicants to take Chemistry at A Level as their starting point when planning their subject choices.

Do You Need Physics or Maths A Level to Be a Vet?

Neither Physics nor Maths is compulsory at any UK vet school as a standalone requirement. However, some schools (including Glasgow and Edinburgh for Scottish applicants) require Physics or Mathematics alongside Chemistry. For A Level applicants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Physics and Maths are not required but are accepted as valid third subjects. Choosing the subject you will achieve the highest grade in is always the right decision.

Key Takeaway: Chemistry is the one subject required everywhere. Biology is required at most schools. Always check each university's individual UCAS entry requirements before finalising your A Level choices.

What A Level Grades Do You Need for Each UK Vet School in 2026?

Grade requirements vary considerably between schools. The information below is based on the VSC Admissions Guide 2026 and individual university websites. Always verify requirements directly on each university's UCAS profile before applying, as requirements can change each admissions cycle.

Royal Veterinary College: AAA including Biology and Chemistry plus one other academic subject. Importantly, A* grades are not required and an A* prediction gives no advantage over an A prediction in the RVC's selection process.

University of Cambridge: A*A*A — this is the highest offer among UK vet schools. Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics are expected, with Biology highly recommended. Cambridge applicants must also register for and sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT).

University of Bristol: AAA including Chemistry and Biology plus one other subject.

University of Edinburgh (Royal Dick): AAA including Chemistry and Biology (Human Biology also accepted). If Physics has not been studied to A Level, a good GCSE pass is required.

University of Glasgow: AAA including Chemistry and Biology plus one other subject. GCSE English at grade B (grade 5 or 6) is also required.

University of Liverpool: AAA including Biology plus either Chemistry at A Level or Chemistry at AS Level (grade B minimum) with a second academic science at A Level.

University of Nottingham: AAB — grade A in Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry, grade B in a third subject. A pass in science practicals is required where separately assessed.

University of Surrey: AAB including Chemistry and Biology.

Harper and Keele Veterinary School: AAB including Chemistry and Biology.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan): AAB including Chemistry and Biology.

Aberystwyth University (BVSc): AAA including Biology and Chemistry plus one other subject, managed through RVC admissions. The third subject should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry.

SRUC (Scotland's Rural College): SRUC is a Scottish institution and primarily considers Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers rather than A Levels. Scottish applicants should check SRUC's entry requirements directly.

Always verify these requirements directly on each university's UCAS entry requirements page, as grades and subject requirements are reviewed each admissions cycle. For detailed profiles of every UK vet school, see our full UK vet schools guide.

Key Takeaway: Most UK vet schools offer at AAA. Nottingham, Surrey, Harper and Keele, and UCLan offer at AAB, making them important options if your predicted grades are slightly lower. Cambridge is the only school requiring A*A*A.

How to Use Your A Level Choices Strategically for Vet School

When I mentor applicants who are torn between subjects for their third A Level, I always give the same advice: choose the subject you are most likely to excel in. The RVC explicitly states that no third subject gives any advantage over another in their selection process, and science and non-science subjects are treated equally. A high grade in History will serve you far better than a middling grade in Physics.

Your A Level predicted grades feed directly into which schools will shortlist you for interview. Being predicted AAA opens doors to the RVC, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Aberystwyth. Being predicted AAB gives you strong options at Nottingham, Surrey, Harper and Keele, and UCLan.

What Are Gateway and Widening Participation Routes into Vet School?

If your grades fall below standard entry requirements, several UK vet schools offer Gateway or Widening Participation routes. These have lower grade requirements and are designed for applicants meeting specific contextual criteria, such as attending a state school or coming from a lower-income household. Schools offering gateway routes include the RVC, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nottingham, and Surrey.

Our dedicated guide to veterinary gateway courses in the UK explains the eligibility criteria and application process in full.

Key Takeaway: Choose your third A Level based on where you will achieve the highest grade. No third subject is preferred over another at most UK vet schools.

What GCSEs Do You Need Alongside Your A Levels for Vet School?

A Levels are not the only academic requirement. Most UK vet schools specify minimum GCSE grades alongside A Level requirements. The RVC, for example, requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 7 including Biology and Chemistry, plus grade 6 in English Language and Maths. Liverpool requires a minimum of seven GCSEs at grades AAABBBB or above including Maths, English, and Physics or Dual Science.

For a full breakdown of what GCSEs you need to get into vet school, read our dedicated GCSE requirements guide.

Key Takeaway: Your GCSE profile matters alongside your A Levels. Check each school's GCSE requirements individually as they vary significantly.

Does Work Experience Matter as Much as A Level Grades for Vet School?

Yes, and this is something many applicants underestimate when they are focused on their A Level studies. Your academic grades get you shortlisted for interview. Your work experience, personal statement, and interview performance are what secure the offer.

In my 13 years mentoring applicants at Become A Vet, I have seen highly academic students miss out on offers because their work experience was thin or unreflective, and I have seen applicants with AAB grades receive offers from top schools because their application and interview performance were outstanding. Grades are the floor, not the ceiling.

Read our full guide on how to get veterinary work experience in the UK to make sure this part of your application is as strong as your academic profile.

Key Takeaway: A Level grades open the door. Work experience, your personal statement, and your interview performance are what get you through it.

How Become A Vet Can Help You Secure Your Vet School Offer in 2026

When students ask me for the best way to strengthen their vet school application beyond their A Levels, I tell them to look beyond generic online resources. In my professional experience, a single-focus approach to preparation, whether that is obsessing over grades alone or practising interview questions without expert feedback, fails to address the full complexity of veterinary admissions.

This is precisely why we developed Become A Vet tutoring to provide a complete guided solution. Every tutor on our team is a practising UK vet or current veterinary student with direct, current knowledge of the admissions process. We support you across your personal statement, interview preparation, and application strategy from the very beginning.

If you are ready to build a complete, competitive application, explore our veterinary application packages to find the right level of support for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Levels for Vet School

Can you be a vet without Chemistry A Level?

In almost all cases, no. Chemistry is the most consistently required A Level subject across all UK vet schools. Liverpool does allow Chemistry to be taken at AS Level (grade B) if a second science is studied at A Level, but this is the exception. Without Chemistry at A Level, your options will be very limited and I strongly advise taking it.

What are the lowest A Level grades for UK vet school in 2026?

The lowest standard entry A Level offer is AAB, which is the requirement at Nottingham, Surrey, Harper and Keele, and UCLan. Most other schools require AAA. Cambridge is the most demanding at A*A*A. Gateway and widening participation routes may have lower requirements subject to eligibility criteria.

Does the RVC require A* grades at A Level?

No. The RVC's standard offer is AAA and they explicitly state that A* grades are not required, and that predictions for A* give no advantage over an A prediction during their selection process. This is an important point that many applicants do not realise.

What A levels do you need to be a vet in Scotland?

Scottish applicants typically apply via Highers and Advanced Highers rather than A Levels. Glasgow requires Highers Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics, plus Advanced Highers in Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Edinburgh requires similar combinations. Always check the individual UCAS entry requirements for each Scottish school as they differ in detail.

What happens if I miss my A Level grades for vet school?

Missing your A Level grades does not necessarily end your veterinary ambitions. Options include re-sitting A Level exams, applying to schools with lower grade requirements such as Nottingham, Surrey, Harper and Keele, or UCLan, exploring Gateway routes at multiple schools, or taking a gap year to strengthen your work experience and personal statement. Contact us at Become A Vet for personalised guidance if you find yourself in this position.

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Disclaimer: A Level entry requirements for veterinary medicine are reviewed annually by each university. Always verify requirements directly on the UCAS website and each university's official admissions page before submitting your application. The information above is based on the VSC Admissions Guide 2026 and individual university websites.

Written by Dr Rebecca Massie MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College graduate and founder of Become A Vet. Dr Massie has 13 years of experience mentoring UK veterinary applicants.