Britain’s newest vet school - based at the University of Nottingham - has just celebrated its first graduation ceremony.

On Friday 22nd July 84 students graduated from the first new purpose built vet school in Britain for 50 years.

The University of Nottingham students, who enrolled in September 2006, are the first cohort to have successfully completed the innovative five year veterinary degree course which has helped to change the way veterinary medicine is taught in Britain. This programme is unique because the students get hands on experience with animals from the very beginning. It also awards three separate degrees: Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Sciences (BVMedSci) is awarded in year three after completion of a research project, and the professional qualifications, the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS) degrees in year five.

Last month the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons made their unanimous recommendation for the degree’s approval to the Privy Council after a detailed visitation and audit process.

Foundation Dean and Professor of Comparative Veterinary Reproduction, Professor Gary England, said: “This is a momentous day for the students, their families and the veterinary profession. We were given a unique opportunity to establish a brand new veterinary school. Recognition by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was the highest possible accolade they could award — their approval and today’s graduation ceremony is the culmination of five years successful hard work for staff and students.”

Jennifer Hall - one of last week's graduates is looking forward to her new career as a farm vet. She spotted her opportunity while studying for her degree in Biosciences at Nottingham. Jennifer said: “During my time at Sutton Bonington the vet school appeared so I applied!  I'd heard so much about the course and had watched the buildings go up. I couldn't resist trying just one more time to pursue my chosen career. The course suited my style of learning perfectly.  Everything was based on practical application and there were many opportunities to learn with different resources.  We were positively encouraged to look at the real thing and not sit for hours poring over books which, when you're going into a practical profession makes sense.”

Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, Professor David Greenaway, said, “Having set up the new school from a standing start the graduation of our first cohort of vet students is a chance to celebrate a remarkable achievement. Our congratulations go to the students and we wish them well in their future veterinary careers — whether that is in clinical practice or research.”

Find out more about the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham.

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Content added on 26th July 2011.

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