Why choose Veterinary Medicine at The University of Edinburgh?
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, established in 1823, was the first veterinary school in Scotland and the second to be established in the UK.
We were ranked top in the UK for Veterinary Science by the Guardian University Guide 2006.
We were awarded the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment, and our research was rated at levels of international excellence (5) in the last national assessment excercise.
We were awarded unconditional accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which permits our graduates to practice in North America.
We are investing in a new £37 million purpose-built Vet School, which has been designed to support top-class veterinary education in the 21st century, and will open in 2009.
Our facilities
Most of the preclinical teaching is within the historic buildings of Summerhall, close to Edinburgh’s beautiful city centre. Clinical teaching is done at the Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, where the Hospital for Small Animals (the most up-to-date facility in Europe), the state-of-the-art Large Animal Hospital and the Large and Small Animal Practices are situated. The picturesque Bush Estate is an easy 10km journey from the centre of the city and nestles at the foot of the Pentland Hills. Farm animal teaching is based at Langhill Farm, around 2km from Easter Bush. The School provides veterinary services to Edinburgh Zoo, allowing excellent opportunities for students to become involved in observational studies on animal behaviour. There are also strong links with projects on African wildlife through our Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, and undergraduate students interested in such research are encouraged to participate in these projects. Our own unique Exotics and Wildlife Service, within the Hospital for Small Animals, provides first-hand experience of dealing with pets such as rabbits and tortoises, as well as wildlife native to the UK.
What will I study?
The courses within the five-year BVM&S programme are taken by all students with additional opportunities for elective study in particular areas of interest. The curriculum is aligned to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) Day One Skills.
Year 1: You will study courses which cover normal cellular function and basic cellular pathology, integrated anatomy and physiology and animal husbandry, health and welfare. This will provide an understanding of the structure and function of the animal body, animal management, welfare and husbandry practices.
Year 2: courses continue the theme of integrated anatomy and physiology including clinical examples where appropriate. Animal husbandry, health and welfare continue and you will also study the cellular and tissue changes in disease including inflammation, host immune mechanisms and bacterial, viral, parasitic and mycotic diseases.
Year 3: Integrated anatomy and physiology now links further with study of the pathological basis of disease on a systems basis. In addition, you will study introductory surgery, diagnostic imaging and pharmacology leading on to an integrated clinical module focusing on the diagnosis and management of diseases in the dog and the cat.
Year 4: Integrated clinical modules continue in Year 4 with courses on farm animals, equines and exotics.
Year 5: Under the supervision of international experts in their respective fields, you will undertake clinical rotations which fully integrate you into the veterinary healthcare team for maximum practical experience.
Students keep a personal and professional development portfolio throughout the five years to record transferable skills aspects of the course and experiences during extramural studies. A vertical thread of teaching in animal husbandry, health, welfare and food safety runs through the curriculum.
Extramural studies
The RCVS requires all veterinary students to undertake 38 weeks of extramural studies where you will participate in a wide range of different veterinary-related activities at home and abroad during the vacation periods. You will be allowed to tailor some of your extramural experience to your own particular interests.
Electives
The course includes elective options where a range of opportunities are available. During this time you will have the opportunity to work with international experts and gain in-depth experience in an area of your choice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a clinical or laboratory-based research elective in your first or second summer vacation.
Intercalated degrees
The University of Edinburgh and its associated institutes are at the forefront of animal disease, and pain management research in the UK and abroad. If you have a special interest in mechanisms of animal disease you can suspend your veterinary studies for a year, after completion of your second year, and take a BSc (Vet Sci) honours degree. This course consists of one year of advanced study in one of the following disciplines: Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology & Infection. You may, with permission, attend intercalated degree courses at the other UK veterinary establishments and/or in other parts of the University of Edinburgh. For exceptional candidates, there is also the alternative possibility of a one-year MSc by research after the third year, and even the possibility of doing an intercalated three-year PhD. Students can also enrol in the prestigious taught MSc in Animal Welfare and Behaviour or the new MSc in Equine Science