Program Overview
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) program at the University of Liverpool is a five-year, internationally accredited program that provides world-leading training in veterinary medicine. It emphasizes practical, compassionate, and resilient veterinary surgeons equipped with the skills and qualities required for 21st-century practice. The program offers in-depth clinical and research-based training with a dedicated and motivated teaching staff. Graduates are qualified to practice as veterinary surgeons worldwide.
Program Outline
Veterinary Science BVSc - University of Liverpool
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) program at the University of Liverpool offers world-leading scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. It is internationally accredited, qualifying graduates to practice as veterinary surgeons in the UK (RCVS), Ireland and Europe (EAEVE), Australia and New Zealand (AVBC), South Africa (SAVC), North America (AVMA), and many other countries worldwide.
Objectives:
The program aims to create practical, compassionate, and resilient veterinary surgeons equipped with the skills and qualities required for 21st-century practice.
Program Description:
- The BVSc program is a five-year, full-time program.
- The first three years are based at the central Liverpool campus, offering a vibrant university experience.
- Years 4 and 5 are based at the Leahurst site, located on the Wirral peninsula with North Wales nearby.
- The program provides in-depth clinical and research-based training with a dedicated and motivated teaching staff.
- The university provides all teaching across the five years, utilizing its two farms (beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and sheep), teaching horses, and teaching clinics.
- Students have access to over 10,000 small animal cases and over 5,000 equine and large animal cases annually.
Outline:
Curriculum:
- The program utilizes an integrated spiral curriculum, revisiting subjects year-on-year with increasing focus on clinical application as the course progresses.
- The curriculum covers animal handling, the science of normal structure and function, animal welfare and husbandry, disease incidence and distribution, pathology, parasitology, veterinary research, clinical science, and professional skills.
Course Schedule:
Year 1:
- Animal husbandry and welfare
- Infectious diseases
- Normal structure and function
- Professional, clinical, and study skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 2:
- Animal husbandry
- Infectious diseases
- Normal structure and function
- Professional, clinical, and research skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 3:
- Management of disease, pathology, and parasitology
- Professional (including business), clinical, and research skills
- Public health and epidemiology
Year 4:
- Clinical rotations
- Management of disease
Year 5:
- Clinical rotations
- Electives
Modules:
- Animal Handling and Essential Techniques: Students learn practical skills like physical examination, injection technique, and lab analysis.
- Clinical Science: This course focuses on the application of scientific knowledge to clinical practice.
- Professional Skills: Students develop communication, business, and ethical skills relevant to veterinary practice.
- Research Skills: Students learn about research methodologies and conduct research projects.
- Public Health and Epidemiology: This module explores the role of veterinarians in public health and disease prevention.
- Clinical Rotations: Students gain practical experience in various veterinary fields, including production animal, equine, small animal, and exotic medicine.
- Electives: Students can choose to study a specific area of veterinary science in greater depth.
Assessment:
- The program utilizes a combination of problem-based learning, didactic teaching, and small-group practical classes.
- Assessment methods include exams, coursework, presentations, and practical assessments.
Teaching:
- The program emphasizes research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment.
- The teaching staff utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, and online learning resources.
- The program incorporates the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on developing digital fluency, confidence, and global citizenship in students.
Careers:
- The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in animal sciences.
- The majority of veterinary students find employment within six months of graduation.
- Common career paths include:
- Private veterinary practices
- Laboratories
- Animal charities
- Public health sector
- Research
- Students can choose to study a language as part of or alongside their degree.
- The program allows for intercalation, enabling students to earn an additional undergraduate or master's degree.
- The program offers a "Year in China" option at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in Suzhou.
- The program has strong links with Chester Zoo.
- The University of Liverpool Veterinary Society is the largest student society, with various special interest sub-societies.
- The program provides access to a Virtual Learning Environment, residential schools, and clinical placements.
Tuition fees: UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £42,700 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
