At Sidney Sussex College we aim to support all of our students throughout their pre-clinical and clinical years, fostering a close community that is dedicated to providing our students with everything that they need to succeed.
Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2024
Please note, all undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
Studying Veterinary Sciences at Cambridge places you in a world renowned department with some of the best facilities available to learn and develop your skills before entering practice. Sidney Sussex seeks to support the academic training and personal growth of students with the potential to become excellent clinicians and scientists. The Sidney Sussex Medical and Veterinary Society provides a supportive social environment and opportunities for networking and academic enrichment.
Undergraduate Study
We provide close, personal support for rigorous academic study through supervisions given by academics expert in teaching, as well as biomedical research and clinical practice.
- Written work
We will not ask you to submit any written work as part of your application.
- Admissions assessments
- All applicants for Veterinary Medicine for 2025 entry are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) at an authorised assessment centre. You must register for this test by 16 September 2024.
- Free practice materials, as well as information about the test format and the specification, will be available via the link above in May 2024.
- Interviews
- All undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
- Two interviews; both will have a focus on Veterinary Medicine and involve working through some practical problems.
- Subject requirements
- Find our standard entry requirements for Veterinary Medicine on the University website.
- At Sidney, applicants not taking Biology at A-level/IB Higher Level may be asked to undertake additional reading prior to commencing their studies. Please note that most applicants to Cambridge are taking three science / mathematics A-levels.
- Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
- Work experience
While we greatly support the notion of work experience with animals in general and in the veterinary world in particular, both in order for candidates to be sure of their desire to work in this challenging field and to demonstrate their motivation, we do appreciate the difficulties of obtaining such placements. We are aware that it is possible to demonstrate awareness of the challenges of veterinary work and the motivation required for it in other ways.
If you can arrange work experience, we suggest that a total two weeks of experience shadowing a vet or vets in any clinical setting is sufficient. You will probably be asked about your work experience at interview, and the focus will be on how observant, questioning, interactive and thoughtful you have been about the veterinary practice you have seen.
- Beyond the syllabus
Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!
Typical undergraduate intake each year
2 - 3
Typical A-level offer
A*AA
Typical IB offer
41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level
Postgraduate Study
At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.
- Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.
To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.
- Useful links
Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Opportunities to work, travel and study
The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:
- Professional and research internships
- Study awards
- Vacation travel
- Arts and music
- Sport
While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.
Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.
