University of Central Lancashire UCLAN 2026

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers a five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) degree at its Preston campus in the North West of England. As one of the UK’s newest veterinary schools, UCLan provides a modern, hands-on learning experience supported by cutting-edge facilities and an inclusive, student-centred approach.

The BVMS course combines clinical placements from Year 1 with small-group, interactive teaching that replaces traditional lectures. Students learn using innovative digital tools such as Anatomage virtual dissection tables and simulation suites.

The School works closely with Myerscough College and a network of local practices, farms, and charities to give students extensive real-world experience.

What makes UCLAN unique?

UCLan stands out for being one of the only UK veterinary schools to offer clinical placements from Year 1. Its small-group, team-based approach ensures every student receives close academic and pastoral support.

The curriculum emphasises digital learning and practical experience rather than lectures, using tools like virtual dissection tables and high-fidelity simulation suites. Students also benefit from an excellent wellbeing programme, contextual admissions to widen access, and state-of-the-art facilities purpose-built for modern veterinary training.

The UCLan BVMS follows an integrated, clinically driven curriculum that builds scientific understanding alongside professional, ethical, and communication skills. You will gain practical experience from the start of the course, developing clinical competence and confidence across a range of species.

Year 1

Students begin with anatomy, physiology, animal handling, welfare, and One Health. Weekly practicals, dissections, and clinical skills sessions are supported by coaching and reflection time.

Year 2

The second year deepens your knowledge of normal structure and function across species and strengthens core skills through laboratory work, team-based learning, and supervised animal handling.

Year 3

Students transition to the clinical phase, exploring pathology, diagnostics, and therapeutics across companion, farm, and equine animals. Ethical reasoning and decision-making are developed through real-life case discussions.

Year 4

This year combines teaching with intramural rotations, allowing you to observe consultations, assist with surgical and medical cases, and link your clinical knowledge to practice.

Year 5

The final year focuses on professional readiness. You will complete rotations, consolidate your clinical and communication skills, and prepare for registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The BVMS course lasts five years and is delivered full-time on campus. UCLan provides modern learning spaces including digital anatomy labs, simulation suites, and dedicated animal handling facilities.

Included course costs:

• Student membership of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for the full duration
• Access to digital textbooks and journals through the 24-hour library
• Apple iPad loan and essential accessories
• Branded navy anatomy lab coat, hard riding hat, and name badge

Additional optional costs:
Branded white lab coat (£17.40), boiler suit (£30-35), scrub tops (£25-30), waterproofs (£25-50), and steel-toe wellies (£20). Travel to placements and accommodation costs for AHEMS/EMS are not included.

Scholarships and bursaries:
UCLan offers several awards including the Vets4Pets EMS Bursary (£407 per week), Medivet Hardship Fund, and VetPartners Sponsorship Scheme for widening-participation students.

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Whilst we encourage vocational work experience, we also recognise that it is not possible for everyone. A lack of vocational work experience will not be a barrier to your application to veterinary medicine.

The personal statement is reviewed alongside academic achievement, references, and contextual information. It helps assess motivation, communication, and understanding of the profession. However, offers are primarily determined by interview performance once academic and contextual thresholds are met.

UCLan uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format to evaluate a range of skills and attributes.

Approximately 57% of applicants are invited to interview. Final offers depend largely on MMI score, with academic results forming the conditional component of any offer.