Course overview
This course comprises basic veterinary sciences and clinical subjects, delivered progressively in a clinically integrated programme, using a problem-oriented approach and providing you with animal experience from day one. The majority of your educational experience is provided in body system-based modules (eg Cardiorespiratory System, Reproductive System) each covering all of the common domestic, wildlife and exotic species. This allows you to gain an overall picture of the body system by integrating more traditional subjects, such as anatomy and physiology, and takes a problem-oriented approach which uses clinical material to inform you of the clinical relevance of basic veterinary sciences.
Each module is delivered once as a veterinary science subject (during year one or two) and again as a clinical subject (during year three or four). Clinical education and experience is delivered in the lecture-free final year through Clinical Practice Modules which provide experience of all domestic species, livestock production systems, wildlife conservation and exotic animal medicine.
Course structure
Our veterinary undergraduate curriculum is taught using a modular system over the first four years with a lecture-free clinical year:
Years one and two develop learning primarily about the "normal" animal using clinical case examples and scenarios. You will also develop animal handling skills, and understanding of animal husbandry, relevant industries and the role of animals in society. Personal and professional skills focuses on learning, communication and the professional role of the veterinary surgeon.
Year three provides you with an opportunity to focus on a research project of your choice. You will also develop further understanding of principles underpinning clinical veterinary sciences. At the end of year three you will graduate with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci) degree.
Years three and four develop learning about animal production, trauma management, disease processes, diagnosis, management and prevention. This part of the course also integrates learning of pathological processes with the food industry, zoonotic disease and public health. Personal and professional skills are expanded to incorporate business skills and entrepreneurship.
Year five consists of a series of Clinical Practice Modules that comprise small-group clinical teaching in a hospital/practical/laboratory situation at our Clinical Associates. Teaching and learning is based upon observation, discussion and practical experience; at each institution students are under the supervision of university academic staff placed at, and working within, the institution.
A total of 12 weeks Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and 26 weeks Clinical EMS is also undertaken. Animal Husbandry and Clinical EMS is organised in accordance with recommendations as defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Extra Mural Studies expose students to the practical, ethical, financial, managerial and inter-personal aspects of professional practice. EMS placements are appropriately supervised and assessed and take place during vacations and during year five.
At the end of year five successful students graduate with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS) degrees.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be delivered using four main teaching methods:
● Signposting lectures cover key topics which will be further developed in self study or practical sessions.
● Practical classes incorporating clinical skills (including live animal examination techniques and palpation, dissection, histology, diagnostic techniques, lab analysis).
● Structured self study times to develop concepts further. These will include specific learning objectives, learning resources and time limits and are reviewed in clinical relevance or plenary sessions.
● Clinical relevance sessions are problem oriented, using clinical material or scenarios and they involve small group, facilitator-led discussion. Clinical relevance sessions are timetabled at key points throughout the week. They develop students' understanding of significance, check knowledge learnt during self study times and identify and resolve learning problems.
Assessment
Our assessment strategy is designed to assess achievement of the wide variety of skill and knowledge-based learning outcomes through different types of assessment. Skills and behaviours are assessed within in-course module examinations through methods including practical tests, vivas, Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPEs), exam condition essays, and short projects.
Knowledge is principally assessed in the June examinations, which are held online. In addition we provide informal assessment opportunities which allow you to evaluate and reflect on the development of your skills and knowledge as you progress through the course.
Entry requirements
A levels: AAB, including grade A in chemistry and biology (or human biology) and grade B in a third subject (excluding general studies and critical thinking) at A2 level; minimum of five grade As at GCSE to include chemistry, biology and physics (or double science), minimum of grade B in maths and English language; grade A at AS level for biology, chemistry and physics can compensate for achieving grade B at GCSE
English language requirements
IELTS 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 109 (no less than 25 in any element)
GCSE/O level English language – minimum grade B
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum grade B
Fluency and competence in English are essential for these courses and will also be assessed first-hand at interview.
Alternative qualifications
Degree: at least 2:1 in a science-related subject and grade B in chemistry and biology at A2 level.
Irish Leaving Certificate: six subjects at Higher Level, five grade As in biology and chemistry; minimum of five grade As in Junior Certificate, grade B in maths and English; physics at grade A at Leaving Certificate can compensate for achieving a grade B in Junior Certificate.
Scottish Advanced Highers: grade A in biology and chemistry, grade B in a third subject; minimum of five grade 1s in Scottish Standards to include chemistry, biology and physics, grade 2 in maths and English; biology, chemistry and physics at grade A at Scottish Highers can compensate for achieving a grade two in Scottish Standards.
Flexible admissions policy
We consider applicants’ circumstances and broader achievements as part of the assessment process, but do not vary the offer from the grades advertised as a result of these.
Notes for applicants
Students with disabilities - the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 requires that veterinary surgeons are able to give at least basic and emergency treatment to all common domestic species. Students with any disability should contact the School for advice before applying.
Criminal Records Bureau - we use the disclosure service of the Criminal Records Bureau to assess the suitability of applicants. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against conviction or other information revealed.
Careers
You will be provided with the knowledge, and the intellectual, practical and professional skills to fulfil the demands required of you to succeed and develop as an accomplished veterinary professional. You will be equipped with a thorough preparation in all aspects of basic, applied and clinical veterinary science, together with an ability for deductive thought, problem solving and research. At the end of year three you will graduate with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci), and at the end of year five you will graduate with both the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS) degrees.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of Veterinary medicine and Science was £25,356.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.
Careers Support and Advice
Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.