Discover the best UK universities for Veterinary Science in 2026. Find courses known for hands-on experience, excellent research, and strong graduate prospects.

Best Universities for Veterinary Science: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026

How to use this table:
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
Rank University Academic Social
1 Gold University of Edinburgh 93 83
2 Silver University of Glasgow 89 78
3 Bronze University of Liverpool 87 80
4 Royal Veterinary College (UCL) 92 74
5 University of Nottingham 86 77
6 University of Bristol 88 75
7 University of Cambridge 91 70
8 University of Surrey 84 72
9 University of Nottingham Trent 82 74
10 University of Aberystwyth 80 71

1. University of Edinburgh Gold

Academic: 93
Social: 83

2. University of Glasgow Silver

Academic: 89
Social: 78

3. University of Liverpool Bronze

Academic: 87
Social: 80

4. Royal Veterinary College (UCL)

Academic: 92
Social: 74

5. University of Nottingham

Academic: 86
Social: 77

6. University of Bristol

Academic: 88
Social: 75

7. University of Cambridge

Academic: 91
Social: 70

8. University of Surrey

Academic: 84
Social: 72

9. University of Nottingham Trent

Academic: 82
Social: 74

10. University of Aberystwyth

Academic: 80
Social: 71

How We Ranked These Universities

Our Veterinary Science rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.

  • Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
  • Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
  • Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
  • Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
✅ Verified by Unifresher Editorial Team | Last updated:

Top-Ranked Veterinary Science Universities Explained

University of Edinburgh

Renowned for cutting-edge research, clinical training, and top graduate employability.

Royal Veterinary College (RVC)

Leads in veterinary medicine innovation with excellent facilities and industry links.

University of Glasgow

Offers a balanced mix of practical experience and academic excellence.

University of Bristol

Known for strong clinical placements and supportive learning environment.

University of Nottingham

Combines research-led teaching with great student satisfaction scores.

Career Prospects After a Veterinary Science Degree

Graduates often work as veterinary surgeons, animal health advisors, or in research. Related courses include Biomedical Science and Biotechnology.

Veterinary Science Course Requirements & Entry Standards

Entry is highly competitive, often requiring AAA at A-level including Biology and Chemistry, with UCAS points typically above 140.

Cheapest Cities to Study Veterinary Science in the UK

Glasgow and Nottingham offer good value alongside strong veterinary programs.

Best Veterinary Science Unis for Nightlife & Social Life

Nottingham and Edinburgh provide vibrant student social scenes to balance study.

Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support

Universities provide dedicated mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources for demanding veterinary courses.

Not Sure About Veterinary Science? Consider These Alternatives

Explore Biomedical Science, Animal Science, or Biotechnology.

Summary: Which Veterinary Science Uni is Right for You?

Look for universities offering strong clinical training, supportive tutors, and a vibrant student community.

Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Veterinary Science

Top UK universities for Veterinary Science include the University of Edinburgh, Royal Veterinary College (UCL), and University of Glasgow, known for excellent facilities and student satisfaction.

The University of Edinburgh often ranks highest for Veterinary Science, with world-class research and clinical training opportunities.

Yes, it opens doors to rewarding careers in animal care, research, and public health, with strong job prospects and graduate satisfaction in the UK.

Typical requirements include Biology and Chemistry at A-level. Some universities may also expect Maths or Physics. Always check individual course pages for exact criteria.

Graduates can work as vets, animal behaviourists, researchers, public health advisors, or in pharmaceutical and food safety sectors.

Demand remains strong, especially for qualified vets in both clinical and research roles, with positive employment rates across the UK.

Starting salaries typically range from £24,000 to £32,000, increasing with experience and specialisation.

The course is demanding with a heavy workload, including practical clinical skills and extensive knowledge in sciences.

Many work in veterinary practices, research institutions, animal welfare organisations, or government agencies.

Absolutely, it is highly respected due to its rigorous training and vital role in animal and public health.

Unifresher team

Unifresher Team

Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.

Student Panel

Student Writers

Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel

We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.

How are the Unifresher Awards judged?+

Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:

  • Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
  • Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
  • Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
  • Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
  • Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.

This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.

✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking

  • Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
  • Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
  • Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
  • Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
  • Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
  • Updated for 2025: Last checked
By students, for students.
See full methodology →

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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