Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (Foundation Year) BVMS

Program Overview

This 6-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery foundation program, starting in September 2024, provides a pathway for students without a science background to pursue veterinary studies. It covers core science modules and emphasizes personal development and application preparation. Successful graduates can progress to the 5-year BVMS program, leading to UK veterinary surgeon registration. The program prioritizes widening participation and offers a reduced entry tariff for individuals facing academic challenges.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is a foundation entry to Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, designed for students who don't have a science background or the usual academic requirements. It provides the opportunity to progress to the 5-year BVMS and other BSc (Hons) programs. The course is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds typically under-represented in veterinary medicine.

Outline:

The program is a full-time, 6-year course delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. It starts in September 2024.

Modules:

• Year 0:
• Applied Animal Husbandry Behaviour and Welfare:
This module introduces major themes in applied ethology, evolution and domestication, behavioral needs, and animal housing and husbandry systems.
• Biological, Chemical and Physical Systems for Veterinary Medicine: This module covers biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, gene regulation and cell signalling, cell cycle and metabolism, and applied medical physics.
• Experimental design, analysis and research: This module focuses on scientific empiricism, veterinary medical research, and research skills development.

Teaching:

• Students are embedded with the veterinary school and have access to newly developing teaching facilities.
• They are taught by the same academic team responsible for veterinary admissions and teaching.
• The program focuses on personal development, academic skills, and support with application preparation.

Careers:

• Graduates of the BVMS course will be able to work as UK registered veterinary surgeons, subject to successful licensing by the RCVS.
• The course also offers progression into other science and animal management careers.
• It opens the door to apply for a range of health and science-related courses.

Other:

• The program is highly competitive, and progression to Year 1 of the BVMS course requires meeting qualifying grade criteria in Year 0, applying for BVMS Year 1 in the first semester of Year 0, completing the interview selection event, receiving an offer to join the BVMS 5-year program, meeting any conditional requirements of the offer, and joining the BVMS 5-year program at the start of the next academic year.
• Widening participation is at the core of the school's mission, and a reduced entry tariff is offered for those whose life experiences may have resulted in academic challenges.
• The program is based in the School of Veterinary Medicine.
• The University of Central Lancashire and the RCVS are working together to ensure that the new degree meets accreditation standards.
• The Privy Council will take advice from the RCVS on recognition order for the degree.
• The RCVS may set examinations for students attending a non-approved UK veterinary degree course.
• Students who pass the RCVS-controlled examinations would then be able to register with the RCVS and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK.

UK

First year: £9,250 Full-time: £11,100 per year

International

First year: £25,000 Full-time: £37,000 per year