Why choose Zoology before a veterinary degree?
- It’s a shorter degree (three years), giving you time to explore whether veterinary medicine is definitely right for you.
- It covers relevant scientific areas like anatomy, physiology, and animal behaviour, which is ideal preparation for further study.
- It can act as a bridge between your A- levels and veterinary school if your results weren’t quite high enough to get you there straight away.
- Some UK vet schools offer accelerated graduate-entry veterinary programmes (usually four years) for those with relevant degrees like Zoology.
- You’ll build practical lab and field skills and develop your academic profile. Both help with competitive vet school applications.
- And even if you decide not to follow the veterinary route, you’ll still graduate with a degree that leads to many other careers. Think conservation, ecology, research, environmental science, animal care, and education. See our [What can I do with a Zoology degree?] FAQ for more.
If you're considering this route, make sure to check individual vet schools’ entry requirements. Many still require A -level Chemistry and Biology, and work experience with animals is usually essential.
How to progress from Zoology to Veterinary Medicine
If you’re planning to use Zoology as a stepping stone into a veterinary career, here’s what to expect:
- Check entry requirements early
Most UK veterinary schools require A -level Chemistry and Biology (or equivalent).
Some may also ask for relevant work experience, such as time spent with vets, farms, kennels, or animal shelters.
- Graduate-entry options
After your Zoology degree, you can apply for graduate-entry veterinary medicine programmes. These typically take four years instead of five.
Universities such as Cambridge, Nottingham, Bristol, Surrey, and the Royal Veterinary College offer these routes (requirements vary).
- Build a strong application
Emphasise animal experience, research skills, and academic performance from your Zoology studies.
Admissions tutors look for evidence of commitment to animal care and an understanding of the realities of veterinary work.
What are the alternatives?
If you discover that veterinary medicine isn’t the right fit, your Zoology degree still offers excellent career options, including:
- Wildlife and conservation roles - such as ecological consultancy, biodiversity monitoring, or park management.
- Animal care and welfare - in zoos, rescue centres, or NGOs.
- Research and academia - focusing on animal behaviour, physiology, or genetics.
- Environmental policy and sustainability - within government or industry.
- Education and communication - teaching, public engagement, or science media.
See our What can I do with a Zoology degree? FAQ for more.
