Wales’ first School of Veterinary Science launched by Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University launched School of Veterinary Science on Friday 28 February 2020 in a launching ceremony at Medrus Conference Centre.

First batch of students will start new five-year degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from September 2021 jointly offered by Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College. Students will spend first two years at Aberystwyth University followed by three years at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire. The programme will provide opportunities for students to study specific areas of veterinary science through the medium of Welsh and English while at Aberystwyth and also cover the full range of veterinary programs.

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science will form part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and will benefit from the new Veterinary Education Centre which is being developed on the Penglais campus. Only a registered veterinary surgeon is allowed diagnose and treat animals. There are over 20,000 RCVS vets in total (2014 data). Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “Today marks an important and exciting new chapter in the history of Aberystwyth University and Wales. Agriculture and its related industries play such an important part in the Welsh economy and it is incumbent on us as universities to provide the people and the skills that will contribute to ensuring they thrive for years to come. The new School of Veterinary Science adds a vitally important new piece to the jigsaw, one that will build resilience in the rural economy through education and research at a time of great potential change and challenges.

Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science

Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science is the first of its kind and the only Veterinary School in Wales. The course has been designed to train students to identify, medically and surgically treat, and prevent diseases of animals, including household pets, farm animals, zoo animals, and horses. Situated on Penglais Campus, the new Veterinary Education Centre will provide clinical skills and companion animal handling training rooms, facilities for teaching anatomy and areas for students to discuss and prepare before classes. Built specifically for the needs of students, this new facility will be operational in 2021 and will be a great new modern addition to Aberystwyth University’s teaching facilities.