Is there any tertiary institution offering a diploma in veterinary medicine?
I sat for A’ level and scored five points (6FFO/D) in biology, agriculture, geography and fine art (BAG/Art). My dream was to become a veterinary doctor. Am I going to achieve this dream? If not, which other courses can I take because my parents could not let me re-sit S6?
James

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) requires that for a student to be admitted to any university for a bachelor’s degree programme, they must have passed A’ level with at least two principal passes. A principal pass starts from E (two points) to A (six points).

This means that to join university through the direct entry scheme, one must have scored at least E in two subjects. It is unfortunate that you did not.

According to Phenny Birungi, the NCHE assistant executive director, having a D in one subject, which is fine art, and F and O in the rest, means you are unfit for admission to any university degree programme. Prof. David Kabasa, the dean of Makerere University’s faculty of veterinary medicine, says you are ineligible for admission to your dream course — veterinary medicine.

This is because you failed biology, which is regarded as one of the essential subjects for veterinary medicine.

Kabasa says you ought to examine what led you to fail the other subjects. If you think you can repeat A’ level and pass, it would be a good option.

However, if your parents insist that you should not repeat the class, it should not mean that you are completely doomed.

Birungi says with one principal pass, one is eligible for diploma or certificate courses in a university or other tertiary institutions.
Thus, you can apply for a diploma in industrial and fine arts at Makerere or other universities.

Arupapai and Bukalasa Agricultural Colleges offer a two year diploma programme in animal husbandry. To qualify for admission, you need two principal passes in biology, chemistry or agriculture. Since you scored one principal pass in fine art, you do not qualify to apply for a diploma programme.

Consider joining a tertiary institution for a certificate course and upgrade to a diploma level. After the diploma, you could apply to upgrade either through the diploma holders’ admission scheme or the mature age entry scheme.

Compiled by Francis Kagolo
education@newvision.coug
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