BVSci Veterinary Science

Course description

You will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine by studying a wide range of subjects, from anatomy and physiology to animal behaviour and welfare, clinical practice and surgical techniques. The programme will follow RCVS accreditation guidelines so that students will be eligible for RCVS registration upon graduation.

A key aspect of the veterinary medicine course is practical teaching and you will be trained to work with a range of animals, including farm animals, equids, domestic companion animals, exotics and wildlife. The final year will be lecture free and spent putting your learning into practice on Intra Mural Rotations (IMR) where you will spend time working alongside our partners within the veterinary profession.

Alongside your studies it is a RCVS and legal requirement to complete 30 weeks of Extra Mural Study (EMS). This will enable you to gain further practical experience in a wide range of veterinary related work environments. These weeks will help you to develop your skills in the handling of animals, achieve proficiency in routine techniques, and gain first-hand experience within real world scenarios which will help you to develop as professionals.

There are some features of studying on the BVSci programme that are different to a typical degree programme.

Fitness to PracticeProfessionals hold a position of trust and responsibility. The BVSci degree is delivered under the authority of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and can lead to registration to practice in the UK.

Fitness to Practise is about students demonstrating, in both their professional and private life, that they can practise their profession properly, safely and with respect for the trust and responsibility placed upon them.

Students are subject to upholding a Code of Conduct, which is signed annually, and outlines expectations that cover their studies and their private lives. Breach of the Code of Conduct will precipitate disciplinary and potentially internal Fitness to Practice investigations.

Convictions screening - Registration with the Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsMembership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is not automatic following graduation from a recognised veterinary programme. However, application for registration with a recognised degree means that applicants do not have to take further examinations.

Application to enrol with the RCVS after successful graduation will involve a declaration of any cautions, convictions or adverse findings which may affect registration.

Any applicant to the BVSci should familiarise themselves with the RCVS protocols if they have any concerns (What am I required to disclose to the RCVS? - Professionals). Importantly, as Veterinary Surgeons are members of a Regulated profession the legal framework regarding convictions differs significantly from the general population. An ‘adverse finding’ includes any finding within veterinary school or university Fitness to Practise procedures. To clarify, the RCVS only requires disclosure where a panel finds that the case against the student is proven and their fitness to practise is impaired. They do not need to know about cases that do not reach a fitness to practise panel or those that are dismissed by a panel.

We are committed to encouraging a more diverse cohort of students to take up veterinary degrees. Therefore, the School does not wish to deter those applicants with criminal convictions from applying. The School seeks to balance equally its commitments towards applicants, including those with criminal convictions, with its obligations to provide a safe and secure environment for the wider communities of the Universities as well as recognition of the requirements for fulfilling the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) registration process. Once an applicant has an unconditional firm place for the BVSci course they will be required to complete a Criminal Convictions and Conduct Questionnaire.

Please note, the purpose of this form is simply to ensure we are aware of any potential Fitness to Practice issues prior to enrolment onto the programme. This will allow us to have any confidential discussions with you and will enable you and us to make an informed decision regarding your suitability for our programme.

If any applicant wishes to discuss any unspent convictions before submitting an application, they should contact the Admissions Team (SVMadmissions@sruc.ac.uk).

Extra Mural StudiesIt is both an RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and legal requirement that all UK veterinary students undertake a total of 30 weeks of Extra-mural studies (EMS). The majority of these placements will be unpaid and undertaken during holiday periods.

The two phases of EMS can be split into Animal Husbandry EMS (AHEMS) and Clinical EMS (CEMS). These placements will enhance your practical and professional skills outside of the curriculum and give you opportunities to experience a range of workplaces.

Students are responsible for meeting the costs of EMS (see fees and funding tab on this page for more information).

• Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS):

  Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) is undertaken during the first two years of the BVSci (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) programme. You will need to complete 10 weeks of AHEMS before progressing into the third year of the programme. Working in environments outside of the vet school with different species industries and businesses is designed to develop your knowledge, critical thinking, understanding and importantly at this early stage, your practical and communication skills.

  The RCVS requires that during AHEMS a minimum of 1 week is spent in each of the main species' areas (small animal, equine and production animal).

  Prior to starting AHEMS the RCVS requires that the school trains you in key animal handling skills and assesses you as being ‘safe’ to proceed with placements in that species. This training will be delivered in the Animal Systems and Husbandry and Essentials of Professional and Clinical Practice modules. The assessment will form a key part of these courses and contribute to your year one assessment mark.

• Clinical EMS (CEMS):

  Clinical EMS (CEMS) is undertaken during years 3 to 5 of the BVSci programme. It is a requirement of the RCVS that all students complete 20 weeks of placements within the wider profession. CEMS will give you the opportunity to see a wider range of practice across all practice, industry and business types. These placements will support and develop the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout the degree programme as opportunities in addition to Intra-mural Rotations (IMR).

  You will be expected to arrange your own placements however the EMS team will be on hand to assist you if needed. This is an opportunity to really direct your own learning by identifying both areas of interest or areas where you feel you need to develop further skills.

  The RCVS guidelines for AHEMS and CEMS can be found here.