Veterinary Science
A Veterinary degree is more than a blend of veterinary medicine
and surgery. You will gain an understanding of biological and
animal science, which will help you throughout your career.
Veterinary Science is such a wide-ranging, forward-looking
science degree, that as well as equipping you for a career as
a veterinary surgeon it will provide you with some of the best
broad-based training available in the biological sciences.
Why study Veterinary Science at Bristol?
The five-year degree in Veterinary Science at Bristol incorporates pre-clinical and para-clinical veterinary science topics and the clinical application of this knowledge.
For the first three years you will be taught primarily at the Veterinary Pre-Clinical School and the School of Medical Sciences, both within the main University complex. This enables you to benefit from the full University experience. The final two years are spent at the School of Veterinary Science, situated at Langford, 14 miles south of the city. You are encouraged to live locally to enable you to concentrate on your clinical work at this point in your studies. Successful completion of this course entitles you to be admitted to Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and practise as a veterinary surgeon within the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Many veterinary graduates continue their training by undertaking postgraduate specialist studies.
The University of Bristol is renowned for high quality research and the Veterinary School is no exception. The quality of our teaching is enhanced because staff are actively engaged in research in many aspects of basic and more applied veterinary science. Many staff members have achieved international recognition and their activities attract financial support from a wide variety of grant-giving bodies.
We have embraced new technology in teaching and learning and Bristol is proud to announce the development of a Clinical Skills Training Facility. This incorporates a variety of veterinary models and manikins, including the ‘haptic cow’, linked with online teaching and self-assessment material which provides students with the opportunity to learn and to practise techniques outside of formal training sessions.
What will I study?
Courses
BVSc Veterinary Science, five years D100
BVSc Veterinary Science with
Pre-Veterinary Year, six years D101
During the first year the subjects studied are Anatomy, Animal Management, Biochemistry and Physiology. You spend one day a week at Langford in this year, the rest of the time in Bristol. In addition to these subjects, you receive instruction in Professional Studies, a theme that runs
throughout the course, covering Welfare & Ethics, Communication Skills, Business Awareness, and Professional Behaviour.
In the second year you complete your study of Anatomy and Physiology. At this time some of the para-clinical subjects are also introduced into the course. These include Animal Husbandry, Parasitology and Pharmacology. One day a week is again spent at Langford.
The third year comprises further consideration of the para-clinical subjects, namely Pathology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Microbiology. In addition, there are courses in Communication Skills and Basic Clinical Science including anaesthesia, principles of disease management and surgery, poultry husbandry/disease and farm animal studies. This year involves spending two days a week at Langford.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes and Directed Self-Education (problem-based learning and individual/ group projects); in this way we aim to promote life-long learning skills.
The fourth and final years are based at Langford, and during this period you will study Reproduction, Pathology, Clinical Science (Farm Animal, Small Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery) and Public Health. The majority of the didactic teaching takes place in year four leaving the final year ‘lecture free’. You will be allocated to clinical rotation groups and carry out clinical work in a variety of disciplines. Whilst on these rotations you learn to perform, under academic supervision, routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Most of the cases seen at Langford are animals referred to the Hospitals from vets in general practice. We are justifiably proud of new small and large animal surgical and advanced imaging facilities within these Hospitals, which were opened in February 2012. However, we also operate three practices (Small Animal Practice; Farm Animal Practice; Equine Practice), which will enable you to work with ‘first opinion’ cases on farms and in the clinic. During the final year you are often expected to demonstrate clinical cases to other members of the year, to more junior years and to staff.
Examinations normally take place both in January (mid-sessional) and in June of each year utilising a mixture of written papers (multiple choice questions, essays and short answers) and oral examinations. Continuous assessment of the Directed Self-Education (problem-based learning) component also contributes towards the end of year result. Objective Structured Practical Veterinary Examinations are also used to assess animal handling skills in year one of the course. If you have a high aggregate score of marks over the course you may be awarded a BVSc with Merit or Distinction.
What support is available?
A parenting scheme, organised by our second year students, supports new undergraduates both before arrival in Bristol and during your first year. All students are allocated a personal tutor, based within Bristol for the first two years of the course and then at Langford for the final three years. The personal tutor scheme within the Veterinary School has a mainly pastoral role but also covers academic issues and personal professional development. The system is overseen by the Pre-Clinical and Clinical Deans. Bristol is also proud of its ‘open door policy’, allowing students easy access to academic staff for feedback and guidance.
Students elect Year Representatives who are members of many Veterinary School committees, enabling feedback on academic and pastoral issues. The Veterinary Student Society, Centaur, provides additional support for students throughout their course and the annually elected President represents the student body at national level.
What’s life like as a student?
Veterinary students at Bristol are an extremely active group, running sports teams and organising many activities which often involve all five years of the course. The Veterinary Student Society, Centaur, organises social events each year, including a barn dance, a soirée and the Vet Ball; the Pre-Clinical and Clinical pantomimes are particular highlights! Students also take part in the national Association of Veterinary Students weekend which involves undergraduates from all veterinary schools in the UK.
What are my career prospects?
Most veterinary graduates go straight into general practice. Some go into research at either universities or research institutes or go into industry, animal charities (eg RSPCA) or Government bodies (eg DEFRA). The prospects for employment are very good, with graduates increasingly tending to specialise in particular areas of farm or companion animal practice and continue their professional development by studying for postgraduate certificates and diplomas awarded by the RCVS and at European level.
Is there any advice you can give me on making my application?
Bristol Veterinary School hosts a VetQuest weekend in March each year which is open to students in year 12 or first year of college, wishing to learn more about the course, admissions processes and career opportunities. You will find details on the school’s website. Other veterinary schools are likely to hold similar events and there are also national conferences (Vetsix in December and Vetsim in July) held annually at the University of Nottingham. The Embryo Veterinary School is an independent commercial body which also offers courses for prospective veterinary students.
Application to any UK veterinary school will require evidence of your work experience in animal and veterinary-related areas. Veterinary Science degrees are long and highly academic, and at Bristol we use work experience as evidence that you understand the profession you are intending to enter and to demonstrate your commitment. This information is used, alongside your all-round academic ability,
We do not currently require students to take the BMAT examination for entry to Veterinary School. Please check the 2013 online prospectus for up-to-date entry requirements.
Can I intercalate?
We offer the opportunity to intercalate and study a subject in-depth for one year, leading to a BSc (Honours) degree. This may lead to a career in research, although you will also undoubtedly benefit from the experience in general practice. Some students study in Bristol, eg Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Zoology. Others have studied Veterinary Pathology at the RVC in London, and Veterinary Infection and Disease Control at the University of Liverpool. Sponsorship may be available for intercalation but this cannot be guaranteed.
Can I specialise?
Specialisation does not form part of the undergraduate course at any UK veterinary school. You will have an opportunity to undertake elective periods of study in your final year, involving specific topics in Clinical Science, eg diagnostic imaging, orthopaedics, farm animals, equine studies or a research project. However, all veterinary graduates are required by the RCVS to be ‘omnicompetent’ and have the day-one skills to deal with all animal species. Specialisation comes after a period in practice and takes the form of postgraduate certificates and diplomas at National and European levels.
How are Extramural studies run at Bristol?
Extramural studies are a statutory requirement of the RCVS but Bristol is particularly proud of its very well supervised and supported scheme. You will attend work experience at a variety of farms and other animal establishments during the vacations in your first and second years, and then from your third year you will spend a considerable amount of each vacation ‘seeing practice’ with veterinary surgeons. We work with you to arrange placements, and our online system enables you and your supervisors in veterinary practice to monitor your progress in day-one skills.
Typical offer for BVSc Veterinary Science Please visit bristol.ac.uk/ug13-vetscience for pre-year and other qualifications A-levels Typical offer A*AA-AAA (contextual
offer AAB†) to include Chemistry, Biology and
one other academic subject (contact University for clarification)
AS-levels No specific subjects required IB Diploma 38-37 points (contextual offer 35†); 6,
6, 6 at Higher level to include Chemistry and Biology
Access Pass Access to HE Diploma (Science
or Medicine) with at least 21 credits at Distinction and 18 credits at Merit. HE Diplomas in other subjects may be considered. Please contact University for clarification
IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each part GCSE Wide spread required at good grades to
include Mathematics, English Language and two sciences. A minimum of 6A*/A grades would normally be expected, including Mathematics if Mathematics or Physics not offered at A- or AS-level
Selection UCAS form and interview Part-time study No
Deferred applications Welcomed
† The University assesses applications on
their individual merit and in accordance with a set of clearly defined principles as described at bristol.ac.uk/ug-admissions-principles. Admissions statements for all courses are available from bristol.ac.uk/ug-admissions-statements. A contextual offer (UK only) might be given when the educational context of the applicant is taken into account. The University is committed to ensuring that it attracts highly motivated students from a wide range of backgrounds. Our definition
School information
For further information on the School of Veterinary Science, please visit:
bristol.ac.uk/vetscience
Useful contact information Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)117 331 7203 Fax: +44 (0)117 331 7391 Email: [email protected] Accommodation Accommodation Office Tel: +44 (0)117 954 6640 bristol.ac.uk/accommodation Disability Services Tel: +44 (0)117 331 0444 Fax: +44 (0)117 331 0456 bristol.ac.uk/disability-services
Student Funding Office Tel: +44 (0)117 331 7972
bristol.ac.uk/studentfunding
University guide to the city of Bristol
bristol.ac.uk/citybristol
International Advice and Support
Advice and Support for International Students
Tel: +44 (0)117 954 5788
bristol.ac.uk/international/studentsupport
If you need all or part of this
publication in an accessible
format (eg in Braille, in larger
print or on CD), please contact
Widening Participation and
Undergraduate Recruitment
Tel: +44 (0)117 928 8623
Email: [email protected]
Contacts
Photographic credit: Nick Smith, William King, Destination Bristol; other photographs © University of Bristol.
The information contained in this leaflet is correct at the time of printing (June 2012). Courses and facilities are liable to alter or be withdrawn at the University’s discretion.
