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Veterinary Medicine

Girton has one of the largest cohorts of veterinary students ensuring a varied and mutually supportive community

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Why choose Veterinary Medicine at Girton?

Girton has always taken a large cohort of veterinary students with, on average, eight to nine students embarking on the Veterinary Medicine course at Girton each year. This ensures an enthusiastic, varied and mutually supportive veterinary community within College. Informal veterinary “get-togethers” occur throughout the year and include the popular Michaelmas Term Vets’ Supper Party. Girton is also conveniently placed for easy access to the Veterinary School.

The teaching Fellowship contains fully qualified veterinary surgeons with clinical experience and specialist skills in equine medicine, small animal surgery, anatomic pathology, farm animal medicine and in Diagnostic Imaging. Students also benefit from interaction with the medical students and those studying natural sciences and frequently work together, and engage in activities such as the Science Communication Prize.

  • No. of students admitted per year: 8-10
  • Subject requirements: Chemistry and one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics
  • Minimum offer level:
    • A level: A*AA
    • IB: 41–42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
  • Admissions assessment: All Cambridge applicants are required to take an assessment prior to interview. Applicants must register in advance and further information about the assessment can be found here.
  • Written work: Not required
  • Interview arrangements: Usually two interviews. In one interview, the applicant’s suitability for the profession is assessed; the other interview concentrates on testing the applicant’s ability in and enthusiasm for science.

The six year Veterinary Medicine course at Cambridge provides a unique training in basic medical sciences followed by a clinical course which applies students’ scientific knowledge practically as they study and work in the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital. The small group sizes provide unparalleled opportunities for direct contact with clinical teachers and opportunities to develop personal interests in any aspect of clinical veterinary science or research.

The views of current Girton veterinary students:

‘Very friendly, great facilities. An all round great College!’ – Girton Third Year Vet

‘It is a real privilege to have supervisions on a weekly basis with qualified vets, who can exemplify the clinical relevance of preclinical studies.’ – Girton Second Year Vet

Due to the nature of the Veterinary course at Cambridge with its excellent science base, opportunities following graduation are many and varied. Most graduates enter clinical practice initially. Many progress to pursue diverse and rewarding careers within the clinical sector, with some individuals choosing to move into other areas of veterinary work including industry, journalism, basic and applied research, veterinary pathology and policy making.

Fellows and teaching staff