What GCSEs Do You Need to Be a Vet?

Published

17 December 2024

Read time

9 minutes

Contents

If you dream of becoming a vet, you might be wondering which GCSEs you need to set yourself on the right path. In this article, you’ll learn the essential GCSE subjects you’ll need to study, explore optional choices that can strengthen your application, and outline the next steps after GCSEs. You will also discover the importance of work experience and learn about an alternative route to a career in animal care—veterinary nursing. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help you achieve your goal of working with animals.

As someone who seriously considered becoming a vet, and did several weeks of work experience in two different veterinary practices after my GCSE exams, I’ll give you all the guidance you need to help you decide if becoming a vet is right for you.

Core GCSEs for Vets

There are specific GCSE subjects that are non-negotiable for pursuing a career as a vet. These subjects build the foundation for your future studies and are required by most universities offering Veterinary Science courses. High grades are essential, so focus your revision on the following core areas:

Sciences

Science is at the heart of veterinary medicine. Most universities require a grade 7 or above in Biology and Chemistry. These subjects provide you with a deep understanding of animal biology, the chemistry of medicines, and scientific processes—essential knowledge for a veterinary degree.

Biology covers topics like animal anatomy and physiology, whilst Chemistry is essential for understanding pharmacology and the chemical reactions in living organisms.

Maths

Maths is another important GCSE for aspiring vets. Whether calculating medication dosages or interpreting data, strong numeracy skills are vital. Most universities expect at least a grade 6 in Maths, though some may require higher grades.

English

Good communication is essential in veterinary medicine. From explaining complex treatment plans to clients to writing detailed medical reports, you will need clear and concise communication skills. Universities typically require a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language.

Optional GCSEs for Aspiring Vets

While not mandatory, certain optional GCSE subjects can make your application more competitive and may help you to develop transferable skills for your future career as a vet.

Psychology

Psychology can give you insights into behaviour—both human and animal. Understanding behavioural patterns can be particularly useful when handling nervous animals or advising pet owners.

Geography

Geography can provide a broader understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental issues. This knowledge is valuable when studying animal habitats or working with wildlife. This can be particularly useful for vets interested in wildlife conservation or those who would like to work in a zoo.

What would an actual vet say?

We asked two professional vets (including one very recent graduate) what their experience was when they were choosing their GCSEs. This is what they had to say:

“As a Veterinary Surgeon who graduated from the Edinburgh Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2023, my route to qualifying followed GCSEs, A levels, and a wide variety of work experience placements. During my GCSE exams, I focused on performing well across all subjects, with a particular emphasis on mathematics and the three sciences, as these would be essential subjects for my A level studies. Alongside the core GCSE subjects, I chose to take Art, History, and Further Mathematics, as I was passionate about demonstrating my varied interests beyond just the science background required for Veterinary Medicine.”

-Lauren Widders, MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon at Vets4Pets, Southport

“When choosing my GCSE subjects, I already knew I wanted to work in the veterinary industry so I knew I would need strong grades at GCSE and A level in sciences and maths, especially chemistry and biology. Obviously science and maths are compulsory but selecting my GCSE subjects did enable me to choose subjects I enjoyed the most and knew I could potentially achieve high grades in. Don't worry if not all your subjects are directly relevant to veterinary courses; they will all showcase your range of skills in some way. You should of course look further ahead and make sure your set of GCSE subjects enables you to get on to your desired A level courses, and in turn your potential university course.”

-Holly Wood, RVN BSc (Hons), Registered Veterinary Nurse and University of Bristol alumni

Beyond GCSEs – What’s Next?

After GCSEs, the next step is to choose relevant A-levels. Most universities require Biology and Chemistry at A-level, with some also asking for Maths or Physics. Veterinary medicine is highly competitive, so achieving top grades in these subjects is crucial. You can find a list of the most up-to-date 2025 entry requirements for all UK veterinary schools in this booklet, produced by the Veterinary Schools Council.

In addition to A-levels, you will need to apply to a veterinary school at a university. Most universities will ask applicants to sit their own entrance tests or fill in their own applicant questionnaires to learn more about potential students’ aptitude for Veterinary Science. After completing a veterinary degree, further practical training and internships will prepare you for professional practice.

For more details on A-level choices for Veterinary Science, check out our article on What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?

The Importance of Work Experience

Academic qualifications are important, but work experience is also highly valued in veterinary medicine. Spending time in animal shelters, farms, or veterinary practices demonstrates your commitment to the profession and provides valuable insights into the realities of working with animals.

Universities often require applicants to have completed a specific number of weeks of relevant work experience. Aim to start gaining this experience early, ideally during Year 10 or 11, to strengthen your application.

We asked our experts for their thoughts and experiences regarding work experience:

“In addition to my focus in school, it was essential that I pursued a broad range of work experience from a young age, involving animal husbandry and veterinary practices, to demonstrate both my passion and work ethic. I made sure to gain exposure to a wide variety of species, including farm animals, horses, small animals, and even spent some time in an aquarium. A key aspect of my work experience was lambing, which is highly regarded by universities when applying for Veterinary Medicine.”

-Lauren Widders, MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon at Vets4Pets, Southport

“Veterinary courses have a very high expectation of work experience needed for entry, so around the time you choose your GCSEs you should start seeking out some animal-related work experience. It is best to start as early as possible with this as universities will have a set number of hours you must have undertaken by the time you apply, so starting early will make this easier. Universities also like to see a range of types of work experience, e.g. in a small animal practice, a farm animal practice, or a rescue centre or kennels. It's also of course a great way to find out what aspects of veterinary work you enjoy the most.”

-Holly Wood, RVN BSc (Hons), Registered Veterinary Nurse and University of Bristol alumni

How to become a vet in the UK

Veterinary Nursing

If your GCSE grades do not meet the high entry requirements for veterinary medicine, you might consider becoming a veterinary nurse. Veterinary nurses are very important as they work alongside vets, assisting with procedures, caring for animals, and providing support to pet owners.

The pathway to becoming a veterinary nurse is typically more accessible, requiring fewer GCSEs, often including Maths, English, and at least one Science subject. This career can also serve as a stepping stone if you later decide to pursue veterinary medicine.

You could also consider applying for a course such as this Veterinary Bioscience course, which requires a minimum of at least four GSCEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Maths and a Science, and BBB at A-Level. This course first takes students through a Foundation Year Programme that offers them a route to undergraduate Veterinary Medicine study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need GCSE Maths To Be a Vet?

Yes, GCSE Maths is a mandatory requirement for most veterinary courses. Universities expect at least a grade 6, as maths skills are essential for calculations, problem-solving, and data analysis in veterinary medicine.

Can You Become a Vet Without GCSEs?

It is unlikely. Universities require specific GCSEs, particularly in Maths, English, and Sciences, as part of their entry requirements. If you do not have these qualifications, you may need to retake them or pursue alternative pathways, such as veterinary nursing.

Do I Need GCSE Triple Science to Be a Vet?

While Triple Science is not mandatory, it can be advantageous. Universities typically require high grades in Biology and Chemistry, and Triple Science ensures you have a strong foundation in these subjects. Dual Science can also meet the requirements if your grades are high enough.

Kickstart Your Career With Save My Exams

At Save My Exams, we are here to help you achieve the top GCSE grades you need to succeed in your veterinary career. Our comprehensive resources, including revision notes, past papers, exam questions, and flashcards, are designed to make studying easier and more effective.

Whether you need extra support in Biology, Chemistry, or Maths, Save My Exams provides all the tools to help you excel. Start your journey towards becoming a vet today by exploring our GCSE resources and setting yourself up for success.

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