This page will document a number of the questions we are frequently asked. We are awaiting enquiries from students looking at options.

3rd Year Questions

'I really want to be a Vet but my friends and family are all telling me that I need to take the 3 separate Sciences at GCSE rather than Dual Award, so I'm really confused!'

• The school investigated this very carefully when it decided to offer the 2 routes- it was felt students would have more flexibility without compromising their academic potential. Either route offers enough Science for our good students to take A Level Sciences and achieve a high grade. Some very good schools only offer Dual Award and would not do so if it hindered their potential Medics or Vets at all!
  
• Dual Award gives the chance to cover the necessary sciences as well as taking another GCSE option, which of course could help increase your employability! At A Level, currently, you will most likely need to study Chemistry and Biology as well as Maths (Scottish Unis are keen on this) or Physics plus an AS of your choice.
  
• Taking 3 Sciences separately will allow greater depth of study but the AS/ A2 courses are pitched at students who arrive from either of the GCSE routes.
  
• You will find some Science teachers recommend the separate Sciences while others will recommend the Dual Award's flexibility!
  
• To be certain, contact a couple of the 6 Vet Schools- use the UCAS website course search- and ask them their view. We can help you do that, if necessary. Veterinary Science is very competitive but there is no reason why you should not make it.
  
• What is vital for Veterinary Science is:
  1... Work Experience- you need lots of it and it must be varied. Keep a detailed and tidy record of everything you do and try to collect references from everywhere, e.g. the owner of a stables etc... Also D o E, CSV, Drama, Team sport etc are all very helpful for your Uni application.
  2... Excellent grades- you will need 3 As at A2 level and a stack of A* s at GCSE.

5th Year Questions

'I cannot find a website which shows a list of all universities offering medicine courses. I also need to know what grades are needed at GCSE and A level to study medicine at various universities. Thanks in advance.'

• Here goes! CHMS or UCAS via a Course Search for Medicine will find all the Medical Schools.
  
• Grades: hard to find in one place though the BMJ website would possibly show it somewhere. Best to check individual websites of the schools as each asks for different things and their own sites should offer the most up-to-date info.
  
• Woody's Webwatch has a list of suitable Medical websites in the relevant section of its PROFESSIONS part. Sites like Netdoctor offer you a free daily email digest of Medical News. Good luck!

Please note we cannot be gurus on every subject or profession. The answers are based on our experience and you are advised to follow up any reply/ suggestion with the official body tied to your intended career or a University admissions officer for your subject!