What is veterinary medicine?
Making the decision to become a veterinary surgeon will set you on course for one of the most varied and exciting careers available. Many vets are employed in general practice, working closely with pet animals and their owners, while others treat working animals, zoo and wildlife species or work in food production, animal diagnostics or veterinary research. The veterinary profession offers many diverse and stimulating career opportunities combined with the privilege of working with animals.
How will I study?
We provide a course which integrates hands-on clinical practice from day one and is delivered using innovative teaching methods. At Nottingham our veterinary curriculum ensures that you will gain substantial early experience with animals, from the first day of the course, ensuring that you gain practice in animal management and handling together with an understanding of the 'normal' animal.
Our clinically integrated curriculum is delivered using a problem-oriented approach, based around clinical case scenarios. An understanding of research and the in-depth study of a particular subject is also an integral part of the course for all students at Nottingham. You will gain your learning and experience through formal lectures, small-group sessions, practical classes and clinical rotations, supported by computer-aided learning.
As a Nottingham vet student you will spend a lot of time in our purpose-built clinical teaching facilities and being involved with the on-site farming and agricultural activities as well as working with our academics at our local Clinical Associates. This will ensure you are exposed to a significant relevant clinical caseload.
Location and facilities
As a new school, we have state-of-the-art facilities for both research and teaching, including a large lecture theatre and seminar rooms, numerous small-group teaching rooms, anatomy laboratory, surgery suite, teaching laboratories, clinical-skills laboratory and other clinical-skills rooms, together with animal facilities. Additional facilities include stables for student horses, an indoor manege, a student smallholding and small animal and exotics unit, the University Dairy Farm, and sheep and pig facilities. We are based at our 1,000-acre Sutton Bonington Campus.
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 including practical tests, short projects and online exams.
Professional recognition
The BVM BVS will lead to registrable status with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) after graduation (subject to approval). By awarding a veterinary degree, the University is confirming that the graduate is fit to practise to RCVS standards. We select students who demonstrate appropriate attitudes and behaviour from the start.
Application and interview
Once you have submitted your UCAS form you will be asked to complete our online questionnaire. We will then review all academic and other information and suitable applicants will be invited for interviews and assessments. We accept applications for deferred entry.
Applications from international students are usually considered against the same criteria as applications from home students.
Open days
The School holds a number of open days throughout the year – please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet
University-wide open days are held in June and September – for details, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays