Veterinary Medicine in the UK
I am studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham (UoN), a five-year program. After three years, you earn a BVMedSci degree, with the option to either complete your studies there or continue for the remaining two years to obtain the full Veterinary Medicine degree: BVM BVS. The veterinary course is incredibly engaging, providing systematic educating in both the theoretical and practical aspects of animal health, including livestock, wildlife, and exotic species. Clinical experience is integrated throughout the course.
Additionally, we achieve an integrated BVMedSci degree upon completing a research project in the third year, which means you do not need to take an extra year if you wish to pursue a career in veterinary research. UoN achieved 99% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (University of Nottingham, u.d.). I experience daily the dedication of the teaching staff to students' development and the extensive support available at the university. Whatever you need help with or have questions about, there is always someone available to assist.
The university let in 300 veterinary students annually, divided into two cohorts: 150 in September and 150 in April. I am part of the April cohort, with classes from April to November/December, while the September cohort studies from September to May/June. We have exams once a year, with the April cohort sitting exams in December in the first and second years, and in October in the third and fourth years. These exams consist of a week of three written tests, and in the second and fourth years, we also have a practical exam. Additionally, we have an annual submission exam, which is due about a month before the other exams.
Veterinary students are based at the Sutton Bonington campus, located 30 minutes from the main campus. This campus offers a great environment, housing veterinary students, food science students, and biochemistry students. There are numerous clubs to join, and despite the distance from the main campus, I never feel like I’m missing out. Finding accommodation is also simple, as first-year students are guaranteed housing on campus. For subsequent years, students typically rent a house in Kegworth, a small village nearby. A free student bus runs throughout the day, every day, between all campuses and Kegworth, so there is no need for a car.
The university offers extensive support. All students are assigned a personal tutor who can assist with any queries. Additionally, there is a dedicated "Student Academic Skills Team" specialising in study techniques and providing support for all academic matters. An international team, based at the main campus but also available via email, is also on hand. Furthermore, all professors are very helpful and often respond quickly to any questions.
One of the aspects I am most pleased with about studying at UoN is the practical experience we receive. From day one, we engage in practical work, with around two half-days per week dedicated to hands-on activities throughout the year. This is extremely valuable for understanding the theory, especially as an international student were keeping up with lectures can sometimes be challenging.
The veterinary programme in England also requires completing 12 weeks of Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) before the third year. Additionally, 26 weeks of Clinical Extra Mural Studies (CEMS) must be completed before graduation. These placements occur during holidays, and at UoN, we also have four weeks before exams in the first three years to undertake these placements. AHEMS involves working with animals in various settings, such as kennels, stables, farms, or zoos. You can complete four of these weeks abroad, with the remaining eight to be done in the UK. CEMS must be carried out at animal clinics, research projects, or other profession-oriented placements, such as veterinary businesses or teaching. The university has a dedicated placement team to help you find and complete these placements.
The teaching is varied, including a mix of lectures, practicals, workshops, self-directed learning, and clinical relevance (CR). Practicals may include dissections, laboratory work, or examinations of different animal species like dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, as well as exotic and small animals. All animals are on campus, so there is no need for transportation to them. Self-directed learning involves completing tasks or programmes independently. In Clinical Relevance, we work in small groups on tasks related to a clinical case relevant to the week's theme. Each group has a facilitator for the first two years, to guide you through the case. This approach enables us to understand the clinical relevance of our learning, and offers valuable experience in teamwork and discussion.
Studying veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom is a valuable experience. With a supportive learning environment, access to tutors, and a strong focus on student welfare, is UK the perfect place to study veterinary medicine. Through AHEMS and CEMS, you gain invaluable experience that prepares you for the profession from the very first year. My experience with the University of Nottingham (UoN) has been excellent. The way they start practical work from day one is invaluable in such a demanding course, especially for an international student. It is clear how the the university prioritise student satisfaction, with an comprehensive support and engagement for the students happiness. With its varied teaching methods and supportive environment, UoN stands out as an excellent choice for a fantastic, inspiring, and supportive study experience, providing a solid foundation for a career in veterinary medicine.
- Desiree