Program Overview
The BVSc in Veterinary Science from Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College is a 5-year program designed to train future veterinarians in both clinical and scientific aspects. Offered jointly by two renowned institutions, it emphasizes rural and Welsh veterinary practice, preparing students for diverse roles in the field. The program includes research projects, clinical rotations, and hands-on experiences to develop comprehensive veterinary skills, ultimately leading to eligibility for registration as a veterinarian in the UK.
Program Outline
Aberystwyth University - Veterinary Science (BVSc) YD105 NQUG
Degree Overview:
This jointly hosted Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree offers a unique opportunity to train at two world-leading scientific and educational institutions: the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Aberystwyth University. This exciting new course combines the scientific and clinical expertise from both organisations to help students gain wide-ranging veterinary training, and it will be especially appealing to those interested in veterinary careers within Wales or in rural mixed practice.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills in the clinical sciences necessary to become a registrable veterinarian.
Program Description:
The program is a 5-year degree, accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). It is designed to meet the standards required for the RCVS to grant full accreditation in 2026 when the first cohort of students graduate. The program is delivered in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the UK’s largest and longest established independent veterinary school. The RVC is ranked as the world’s number one veterinary school in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2019.
Outline:
Year 1 & 2:
- Location: Aberystwyth University
- Focus: Biology underpinning veterinary sciences, basic farm animal, horse and companion animal handling and examination skills, communication, problem solving and team working skills.
- Modules:
- Animal Husbandry: VE10430 (30 credits)
- Form and Function (Year 1): VE11350 (50 credits)
- Principles of Science: VE10320 (20 credits)
- Principles of Veterinary Practice & Evidence Based Medicine: VE10120 (20 credits)
- Form and Function (Year 2): VE22340 (40 credits)
- Population Medicine & Veterinary Public Health: VE21520 (20 credits)
- Principles of Science (year 2): VE20340 (40 credits)
- Principles of Veterinary Practice & Evidence Based Medicine (year 2): VE20120 (20 credits)
Year 3, 4 & 5:
- Location: RVC’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire
- Focus: Advanced knowledge and practical skills in the clinical sciences.
- Modules:
- Clinical Rotations: Students will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments, including the RVC’s clinical facilities, affiliated veterinary practices, and a specific rotation at Aberystwyth University focused on production animal issues relevant to Wales.
- Research Project: Students will undertake a research project of their choice.
Teaching:
- Teaching Staff: The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
- Teaching Methods:
- Lectures: Delivered by world-class researchers and clinicians who are passionate about their field.
- Seminars: Provide opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis.
- Workshops: Offer hands-on experience and practical skills development.
- Clinical Rotations: Provide practical clinical experience in a variety of settings.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Clinical practices
- Veterinary and biomedical research
- Veterinary public health and food security
- Conservation medicine
- Government and veterinary-related industries
- Opportunities: Graduates will be well-suited to continue their career in Welsh practices and other veterinary institutions and employers.
- Outcomes: Graduates will be eligible to join the RCVS Register as Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and practise veterinary surgery in the UK.
Other:
- Animal Husbandry Extra-Mural Studies (AHEMS): Students must complete 12 weeks of AHEMS placements before entry to the third year of the course. Six weeks of these placements will be performed in Wales.
- Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS): Students will undertake ClinEMS placements, totalling 26 weeks of placements. Thirteen weeks of these placements will be performed in Wales.
- Intramural Clinical Rotations: In the final two years of the course, students will gain clinical experience within the RVC hospitals and in clinical enterprises in which the RVC is a collaborating partner.
