Study Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, BVMS

Program Overview

The BVMS program at UCLan prepares students to become UK registered veterinary surgeons. It is designed to meet the requirements of the RCVS and includes immersive learning, clinical placements, and support for student well-being. Graduates are eligible for a range of veterinary careers, including private practice, research, and further academic study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (BVMS) program at UCLan is designed to meet the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). It aims to prepare students for a variety of veterinary careers, focusing on training them to become veterinary surgeons. The program emphasizes a collaborative and professional approach, equipping students with the skills to prevent and treat animal health and welfare problems. The BVMS program is a multi-disciplinary subject encompassing:

• Science: Students will gain a strong foundation in scientific principles relevant to veterinary medicine.
• Clinical Skills: The program emphasizes the development of practical clinical skills essential for veterinary practice.
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare: Students will learn about animal behavior, welfare considerations, and ethical dilemmas in veterinary practice.
• Disease Management and Epidemiology: The program covers the principles of disease management, prevention, and epidemiology.
• Human-Animal Relationships: Students will explore the complex interactions between humans and animals, including the One Health approach.

Outline:

The BVMS program is a 5-year, full-time program delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. It is structured as follows:

Year 1:

• Veterinary Core 1: This module provides a holistic understanding of animal function and interaction with the environment.
It explores the human-animal relationship and develops a professional ethic. (Module code: VM1038)

Year 2:

• Veterinary Core 2: Building upon Year 1, this module deepens knowledge of animal function and interaction with the world.
It includes practical skills in animal handling, clinical examination, and medicine administration. It also incorporates a One Health approach to animal-related social issues. (Module code: VM2014)

Year 3:

• BVMS Year 3: Veterinary Clinical Integration: This module advances prior knowledge by enhancing clinical communication, honing patient history-taking, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical skills using various models.
It broadens understanding of pathology and clinical applications, assesses evidence-based veterinary medicine, and explores the One Health perspective and biostatistics. It also covers research methodologies and critical analysis. (Module code: VM3015)

Year 4:

• Veterinary Clinical Consolidation: This module develops a deep knowledge of the application of previous modules in the clinical context.
It includes a range of pathological presentations and associated diseases across domestic and exotic species. Students develop a range of practical and clinical skills and supporting professional practices. (Module code: VM3012)

Year 5:

• Veterinary Clinical Application: This module prepares students for their first day as a graduate vet.
It brings together all previous learning from earlier years in a practical, real-life clinical environment. Students receive on-the-job practical training and assessment across all common species. They meet the criteria described in the RVCS Day 1 Competencies following completion of the module. Students also expand their understanding and skills in specific clinical and non-clinical areas through elective study.

Teaching:

The BVMS program at UCLan utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Immersive and Practically-Focused Curriculum: The program emphasizes hands-on learning with clinical placements starting from Year 1.
• Dedicated Student Well-being Program: Students receive support through a dedicated program focusing on general well-being and professional skills development.
• Contextual Admissions: The program offers a reduced entry tariff for students whose life experiences may have resulted in academic challenges.
• Digital Technologies: The program incorporates digital technologies to deliver innovative face-to-face teaching, moving away from traditional lectures.
• Team-Based Learning: The program utilizes team-based learning approaches to foster collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Careers:

Graduates of the BVMS program are eligible to work as UK registered veterinary surgeons, subject to successful licensing by the RCVS. The program prepares students for a range of careers, including:

• Veterinary Surgeon: The primary career path for BVMS graduates is to work as a veterinary surgeon in various settings, such as private practice, animal shelters, research institutions, and government agencies.
• Science and Research Careers: The program provides a strong foundation in science, enabling graduates to pursue careers in research, laboratory work, or related fields.
• Further Academic Study: The BVMS program can serve as a foundation for further academic study, such as postgraduate degrees in veterinary specialization or research.

Other:

• Facilities: Students have access to a wide range of animal handling, husbandry, and clinical facilities, including partnerships with Myerscough College & University Centre and local and regional organizations.
UCLan is one of the first UK universities to use Anatomage tables in veterinary medicine teaching.
• Placement Opportunities: The program offers placements in Year 1, providing students with real-world skills and experience.
• Accreditation: The BVMS program is working towards accreditation by the RCVS, ensuring graduates are eligible for registration.
• Partner College: UCLan partners with Myerscough College & University Centre, a land-based, science, engineering, and sports-specialist institution.

2024/25 UK Full-time £9,250 per year International Full-time £37,000 per year