Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Veterinary science is the medical and scientific discipline concerned with the health and disease of animals, and its scope is vast: it encompasses companion animals such as dogs and cats, farm livestock, horses, zoo and wildlife species, and the animals used in biomedical research. The profession requires a deep grounding in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine alongside the practical skills and professional judgement to diagnose and treat patients who cannot describe their own symptoms. Veterinary science also has a critical public health dimension, since many infectious diseases affecting humans originate in animals, and food safety depends on the health of the animals that enter the food chain.

At the Royal Veterinary College, the BVetMed (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) degree is one of the world's most prestigious veterinary qualifications. The five-year full-time programme gives students the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to be effective practitioners in a profession where demand for well-qualified staff continues to grow. The RVC's exceptional clinical facilities, including its first-opinion hospital and specialist referral centre, provide unparalleled opportunities for hands-on clinical training under expert supervision from the early years of the degree.

Students develop the diagnostic, surgical, medical, and professional skills that are required for registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on graduation.

Veterinary science graduates join one of the most intellectually demanding and vocationally rewarding professions available. Most newly qualified vets enter general practice with companion animals or farm animals, while others move into equine practice, mixed practice, or specialist referral medicine and surgery. Public health, food safety, the pharmaceutical industry, government veterinary service, zoo medicine, and wildlife conservation are further destinations.

The degree also provides the foundation for postgraduate training and specialist qualification through the European colleges and other international bodies. The typical entry tariff is 168 points.