Published: 28 Feb 2020 | Last Updated: 28 Feb 2020 16:59:31

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has launched the first ever joint Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree, in partnership with Aberystwyth University, following the official opening of Wales’ first School of Veterinary Science on Friday 28 February.

The five-year degree, which welcomes the first cohort of students in September 2021, will see students spend two years at Aberystwyth University followed by three years’ study at the RVC’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire.

Professor Stuart Reid, Principal of the RVC said: “We are delighted to be partnering with our colleagues Aberystwyth in providing an offering that will benefit students at both institutions. The RVC’s commitment to the profession in all its manifestations and particularly the rural environment will be bolstered by this important collaboration.”

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “Today marks an important and exciting new chapter in the history of Aberystwyth University and Wales. Agriculture and its related industries play such an important part in the Welsh economy and it is incumbent on us as universities to provide the people and the skills that will contribute to ensuring they thrive for years to come. The new School of Veterinary Science adds a vitally important new piece to the jigsaw, one that will build resilience in the rural economy through education and research at a time of great potential change and challenges.”

“Our students will enjoy the best of two worlds at universities that offer academic excellence and an enviable reputation for student experience, and I thank everyone who has contributed to finally realising the vision of a school of veterinary science for Wales.”

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science will from part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and will benefit from the new Veterinary Education Centre which is being developed on the Penglais campus.

The launch of the school is taking place at Aberystwyth University on Friday 28 February, and will be attended by Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales and Professor Stuart Reid, Principal of the RVC.

• Read more about this joint Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

• Jasmin De Vivo (Jasmin.DeVivo@plmr.co.uk) or (rvc@plmr.co.uk)
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520

About the RVC

• The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. It was the first in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC
• The RVC is ranked as the world’s number one veterinary school in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2019.
• The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
• In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive.
• A research led institution with 79% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.
• The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.

About Aberystwyth University

Welsh University of the Year 2020 – The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. Established in 1872, Aberystwyth is a leading teaching and research university. It was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) in June 2018 and was named University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Times | Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, the first university to be awarded the accolade for two years running. In the 2019 National Student Survey, Aberystwyth was the best university in England and Wales, and second in the UK for overall student satisfaction. The latest Research Excellence Framework in 2014 reported that 95% of the research activity submitted by Aberystwyth was of an internationally recognised standard or higher. The University is a community of around 8,000 students and 2,000 staff committed to delivering inspirational education and research in a supportive, creative and exceptional environment. Registered charity No 1145141.

www.aber.ac.uk