Undergraduate degreeA 2:2 first degree in an animal science or science subject. Alternatively, we will consider a 2:1 first degree in a BSc non-animal science or a BSc non-science subject (or international equivalent).
International and EU equivalentsWe accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
Work experienceAnimal handling experience
You'll be required to have a good working knowledge of the care, management and handling of dogs and horses. This should amount to at least six weeks of animal handling and general care experience - three with dogs and three with horses. Shadowing of a veterinary physiotherapist is not required at this stage. Additionally, a minimum of five working days in a veterinary practice is required, ideally with a mix of large and small animals. This does not have to be in one block. Owning your own animals will not be sufficient. If you are unsure, please contact us to check whether your animal handling experience is adequate.
We take into consideration previous work experience, but we do ask that your work experience has ideally taken place in the last 12 months.
Read our guidance for pre-course work experience (.docx)
We have produced a template form with all the details we need about your pre-course work experience. This should be completed by the person supervising you. This form will only be for new experience completed after your original application for the course, which becomes a condition of offer if successful at interview.
Professional qualificationWe welcome applications from qualified veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and human physiotherapists. We do however require the qualification to be to at least bachelor degree level.
IELTS7.5 (7.0 in each element)
English language requirementsAs well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.
Additional informationPlease note that we can only consider international students for this course who have an immigration status which allows them to study in the UK without a student route visa e.g. settled status.
Please note, due to the placement requirements of this course, it is not available to those who require immigration sponsorship from the University of Nottingham or a visitor visa to study or work in the UK.
If you would like to ask questions about your situation, you can contact the Visa and Immigration team at the University.
If you hold immigration permission under the EU Settlement Scheme, you are permitted to study this course. Read more information about the EU Settlement Scheme.
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course.
Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language.
Our Centre for English Language Education
is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of
English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required
level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that
you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI
to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE
webpages for guidance
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period
where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying
full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time
courses. The Standard Visitor visa
route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and
Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
