Subject area: Veterinary Medicine
Why choose Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh?
We are consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools in the world. We are 2nd in the UK in both the Guardian University Guide (2024) and QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024).
You will study a wide range of animals, from large and small companion animals and exotics to a variety of wildlife species. Our purpose-built campus is home to one of the largest concentration of animal science expertise in Europe, and students benefit from access to our three on-site veterinary hospitals.
Our school prides itself on the excellent teaching and continuing support for students. This is reflected in our continued success in the National Student Survey (NSS) results, where we hold a 95% score for the "Teaching on my course" category.
I knew that the programme was one of the best in the world and would set me up for a successful career. The facilities are world class - that includes a beautiful teaching building and state of the art hospitals.
Introducing Veterinary Medicine
With 200 years of experience in teaching veterinary medicine, we are able to mix the very best traditions with forward-thinking teaching on our state-of-the-art campus. Our outstanding hospitals and teaching facilities provide an excellent environment in which to develop your practical and clinical skills.
We offer many opportunities to take part in biological research as part of our vibrant research community. You will learn valuable communication, team-building and management skills. You will keep a personal and professional development portfolio to record elements of study in your professional and clinical skills course.
In addition to clinical training, our programmes provide an excellent foundation for a career in fields such as academia, research or industry.
Accreditation
We are accredited by:
- The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC)
- The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
- The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)
This level of accreditation makes it possible for our graduates to practise veterinary medicine around the globe.
Intercalated degrees
If you have a special interest in animal disease, you can choose to take BSc (Hons) Veterinary Science after Year 2 of the five-year programme (Year 1 of the four-year programme).
You can also take one year of advanced study in a subject such as:
- biochemistry
- infectious diseases
- neuroscience
- zoology
With permission, you may attend intercalated degree courses at other UK universities or veterinary colleges, or in other parts of the University of Edinburgh. You will then return to the Veterinary Medicine programme to complete your BVM&S.
Exceptional candidates will have the opportunity to study a one-year research MSc or an intercalated three-year PhD.
After Year 3 of the BVM&S (or if you already hold a BSc), you can enrol on one of our prestigious, taught MSc programmes in:
- Applied Animal Behaviour & Animal Welfare
- Equine Science
- Animal Bioscience
- One Health
Can I work while I study?
The BVM&S timetable is very demanding. It rarely leaves time for paid employment in the evenings or at weekends during semesters.