A year zero foundation programme, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications, which leads to access onto a Veterinary Science BVSc programme.
Introduction
The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero foundation programme for Home students that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Veterinary Science) course is for students seeking entry to undertake the Veterinary Science BVSc (D100) programme.
Students seeking entry to Veterinary Science will study at Carmel College, St Helens. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.
This programme is specifically targeted at Home mature and non-traditional students, who typically have taken a break from studies.
Please note that we will not consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of programmes, as this does not demonstrate a clear commitment.
For further information on how to apply to this programme please contact: shs@liverpool.ac.uk.
What you'll learn
Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population
To fulfil the “Day One Competences” – a list of key skills set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
The knowledge, expertise and attitudes required for a career in clinical or academic veterinary practice, business or scientific research
Skills to become lifelong learners, committed to professional development
Ability to meet the needs of the profession as set out in the Vet Futures report
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
In all modules at year zero, the study skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level are developed. Students are also introduced to a variety of learning methods, such as formal taught sessions, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, as well as a variety of assessment tasks, such as written assignments, in class data handling, written and practical examinations to provide a good grounding for vocational programmes.
There are some shared modules for all students, and then route specific modules to ensure the students are prepared for their chosen undergraduate programmes.
Compulsory modules
BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL001)
Credits: 22.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This first semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and aims to facilitate knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of the mammalian body at a cellular level which is required before students study HEAL002 Biology for Health Sciences 2 in semester 2. It is designed for all routes through the programme to include Allied Health Professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental therapy and Veterinary Science.
It can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using small group e-lectures and e-tutorials based upon DoFE guidelines at the time of delivery. Support tutorials will be offered alongside laboratory teaching sessions onsite to promote development of practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and independent learning strategies.
The module is assessed by continuous coursework based on the practical laboratory skills and an end of semester multiple choice examination to assess knowledge of structure and function of mammalian cells.
BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002)
Credits: 22.5 /
Semester: semester 2
This second semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and is designed to build on the knowledge and understanding of mammalian cells developed in the semester 1 HEAL001 Biology module. It is delivered to all students on the programme to include Allied Health professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Veterinary Science routes. The module introduces the student to more complex physiological processes in mammals and to some aspects of gross mammalian anatomy. The module can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach with some face to face and small group e-lectures, as well as on-site tutorials to include laboratory work which develops practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and promotes independent learning strategies. The mode of delivery will depend upon DoFE guidance. The module is assessed by coursework and an end of semester written examination to assess knowledge of the systems explored.
CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 1 (HEAL008)
Credits: 22.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This first semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten different professional routes leading to a clinical career. HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 1 is designed specifically for students on the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes and facilitates their knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts associated with the subject. It prepares students for HEAL009 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 2 delivered in semester 2, further study on their chosen professional degree and supports application in their clinical practice eg when prescribing medicines. The material can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using lectures/e-lectures, tutorial/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory to develop practical skills . The delivery mode is subject to change and DoFE guidance.
The module has two elements of assessment: on-going coursework comprised of a series of reports based upon onsite laboratory tasks, and an end of semester unseen written examination.
CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 2 (HEAL009)
Credits: 22.5 /
Semester: semester 2
This second semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a clinical career. The module builds on HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine and Dentistry 1 delivered in semester 1 and explores more complex chemical interactions. It is designed specifically for the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes.
The module facilitates knowledge and understanding of the foundations of Chemistry and expands on the chemical concepts previously introduced, as well as introducing new more complex aspects associated with the subject. The material can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach through lectures/e-lectures, tutorials/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory. The mode of delivery will follow DoFE guidelines in place at the start of the academic year.
This module has two elements of assessment: on-going Coursework comprising a series of practical experiments written up as lab reports presented in a log book, and an end of semester unseen written examination .
FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE (HEAL012)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
This module is delivered as part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme which has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a clinical career. It runs across both semester one and semester two and is designed for students taking the Veterinary Science route. It equips students with the necessary study skills, communication skills, reflective skills and facilitates knowledge and understanding of the veterinary care environment to prepare them for future clinical practice.
It can be delivered face to face or using a blended approach through interactive on-site lectures/e-lectures, tutorials/e-tutorials and small group work using a suitable platform such as Zoom.
Students will also attend a practical veterinary placement during semester 2 which will be recorded and assessed through an online virtual platform.
The module has two elements of assessment: Coursework to incorporate two reflective reports and a Presentation.
MATHS FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE (HEAL011)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
This module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme which leads to a healthcare vocational degree and a professional career.
This semester 1 module is designed for students taking the Veterinary Science route through the programme and aims to facilitate student knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical concepts that underpin HEAL001 Biology 1, HEAL008 Chemistry 1 and HEAL009 Chemistry 2 modules in the programme. It also supports student learning throughout their degree and into veterinary practice where maths are used on a daily basis in the care of animals.
It can be delivered face to face or through a 50/50 blended approach through on-site small group sessions and e-tutorials using a suitable platform such as Zoom. This will depend upon DoFE guidance at the time of delivery.
It is assessed through Coursework consisting of mathematical problems based on the course topics and an end of semester unseen Written Exam. The exam can be managed either on site or remotely using the University of Liverpool electronic platforms.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
There is a combination of problem-based learning, didactic teaching and small-group practical classes allowing students to develop lifelong learning techniques.
The School of Health Sciences draws on over 100 years of teaching delivered by dedicated staff with real-world, practical experience. We are a hub for an extensive network of professionals, academics and researchers, so you can be confident that a degree from us will prepare you for a lifelong career in healthcare services.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Enjoy both city and rural lifestyles on our programme. We’re distinct in the UK in that we have two farms, alongside three first-opinion practices and two referral hospitals on campus meaning you can get real experience of all aspects of veterinary practice: equine, large animal, and small animal. You’ll also benefit from our close associations with Chester Zoo.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Studying this degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in animal sciences and the vast majority of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduation.
Most newly qualified vets choose to work in private veterinary practices but many graduates find work in:
Laboratories
Animal charities
The public health sector
Research
Higher degrees like PhDs, or further studies in particular veterinary specialities.
You can explore the following postgraduate opportunities here at Liverpool:
Veterinary Science MSc
Veterinary Science PhD/MPhil/DVSc
Bovine Reproduction DBR
RCVS/Certificate in Advance Veterinary Practice.
100% of veterinary science students at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Foundation year fee
£7,500
Year in industry fee
£1,850
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students.
This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.
Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.
The UK full-time tuition fee and foundation year fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
GCSE Grade 6 (B) to include Maths, English Language or Literature single Science to include Biology and /or Chemistry or (dual combined science).
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Students currently studying BTEC level 3 will not be considered; BTEC level 2 will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE
International Baccalaureate
Applicants currently studying for International Baccalaureate will not be considered
Irish Leaving Certificate
Applicants currently studying for Irish Leaving Certificate will not be considered
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Applicants currently studying for Scottish Highers will not be considered
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Applicants currently studying for Welsh Baccalaureate will not be considered
Graduate application
Applicants with a previous degree but do not meet criteria for direct entry to the degree programme will be considered if they are returning to education following a break.
Access
Applicants currently studying for an Access Diploma will not be considered. Mature students who have recently studied an access course (that is not eligible for direct entry) or have work- related qualifications will be considered.
Declaration of criminal background
Applicants may be expected to complete either a Declaration of Criminal Background or have a full Disclosure Barring Service check as part of their application.
Disability information
Additional support is given to students who have declared a disability on their UCAS application.
Work Experience Requirements
Evidence of knowledge and insight into the profession with emphasis on learning from work experience/observation is required. NB: Further details on specific work based experience requirements is available on the relevant degree programme pages.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
