A guide to health, medicine and veterinary courses

What can you study?

Universities offer numerous specialisations to suit different interests and career paths within health studies. Common specialisations include:

Health Sciences:

• Public Health
• Nursing and Midwifery
  
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Nutrition and Dietetics
  
• Healthcare Management
• Epidemiology

Medicine:

• Medicine
• Surgery
  
• Psychiatry
  
• Pediatrics
  
• Internal Medicine
  
• Medicine
• Cardiology
  
• Emergency Medicine
  
• Medical Science
  
• Tropical Medicine

Veterinary Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Veterinary Nursing
• Equine Science

Why Choose to Study a University Degree in These Fields?

Studying health, medicine, or veterinary science offers both professional rewards and personal fulfilment. Key reasons to pursue a degree in these areas include:

• Meaningful work – You directly improve or save lives.
  
• High demand and job security – Globally, there is a consistent need for healthcare professionals and veterinarians.
  
• Global opportunities – Skills are transferable across countries and health systems.
  
• Scientific and intellectual challenge – These disciplines offer continuous learning and complex problem-solving.
  
• Leadership and impact – Graduates can influence public health policy, advance medical research, or innovate in healthcare systems.

Practical Learning and Research Opportunities

Practical training is a cornerstone of all programs in this field, ensuring students gain real-world clinical and research experience:

• Clinical placements and rotations – In hospitals, GP clinics, rehabilitation centres, or veterinary practices.
  
• Simulated training – Using advanced mannequins, case-based learning, and virtual labs.
  
• Research projects – In medical or veterinary labs, covering topics like disease control, pharmaceuticals, or biomechanics.
  
• Community health work – Especially in public health or global health degrees.
  
• Animal handling and farm placements – For veterinary students.
  

Many universities collaborate with health organisations, hospitals, and veterinary clinics to deliver experiential learning.

Courses available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels

Undergraduate courses:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MBChB/MD) – 5 to 6 years.
  
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science/Medicine (BVSc/DVM) – 5 to 6 years.
  
• Bachelor of Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Nutrition, or Biomedical Sciences – Typically 3 to 4 years.
  

Postgraduate courses:

• Graduate-entry Medicine or Veterinary Medicine – 4 years (for those with a relevant prior degree).
  
• Master’s in Public Health (MPH), Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Health Management – 1 to 2 years.
  
• PhD or Doctor of Philosophy – 3 to 6 years, for academic and research careers.
  
• Specialist medical or veterinary training (residencies, fellowships) – Additional 3 to 7 years depending on the specialty.

Academic entry requirements

Entry into these programs is often competitive and academically demanding. Typical requirements include:

Undergraduate:

• High school qualifications with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, and sometimes Mathematics or Physics.
  
• Entrance exams such as:
  • UCAT, BMAT (UK medical schools)
    
  • MCAT (USA/Canada)
    
  • GAMSAT (Australia)

• Interview and personal statement outlining motivation and experience.
  
• English proficiency for international students (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

Postgraduate:

• A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., Biomedical Science, Biology, Health Sciences).
  
• Minimum GPA or degree classification.
  
• For some programs (e.g., MPH), relevant work or volunteer experience is preferred.
  
• Research proposal (for PhD programs).

Tuition fees for Health, Medicine, and Veterinary Programs

These programs are among the most expensive due to their length, complexity, and resource intensity. Typical costs:

UK:

• Medicine/Veterinary: ~£9,250/year (home) or £30,000–£50,000/year (international).
  
• Other health degrees: ~£9,250/year (home); £15,000–£25,000 (international).
  
• Postgraduate (MPH, MSc): £12,000–£30,000.

USA:

• Medicine: $35,000–$65,000/year.
  
• Veterinary Medicine: $25,000–$55,000/year.
  
• Nursing/Public Health: $15,000–$40,000/year.

Canada:

• Medicine: CAD 20,000–40,000/year (domestic); CAD 60,000+/year (international).
  
• Other health sciences: CAD 15,000–30,000/year.

Australia:

• Medicine: AUD 60,000+/year (international).
  
• Veterinary: AUD 50,000–70,000/year.
  
• Nursing/Public Health: AUD 25,000–40,000/year.

Scholarships, government funding, and tuition assistance programs are often available – especially in high-need areas like rural health, nursing, and public health.

In conclusion

Health, medicine, and veterinary science are vital and rewarding fields that attract those with a strong sense of purpose, compassion, and curiosity.

University degrees in these areas not only lead to respected careers but also equip graduates to make significant contributions to the wellbeing of people, animals, and communities.

With strong global demand and constant innovation, these disciplines offer stability, intellectual fulfillment, and the chance to make a real difference.