Scotland’s first new vet school in more than 150 years has welcomed its first cohort of 45 students.
The new Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) programme, which is intended to enhance opportunities for Scottish, Irish and rUK-based students from rural backgrounds, has been developed by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and will be delivered from its campus in Aberdeen.
The institution has confirmed that more than half of the inaugural intake have come from “rural or remote Scottish locations”, describing this as a sign that the new course is “already fulfilling its promise to widen access to the sector.”
Unlike existing courses at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the SRUC programme has a focus on “the challenges and benefits offered by life in remote and rural communities”. It is also linked to HND courses provided by SRUC, establishing a direct progression route for those who leave school without the entry requirements for degree-level study.
Abbi Harcus, from rural East Ayrshire, who earlier this year completed an HND in Rural Animal Health at SRUC, says that following this alternative route has helped to prepare her for life as a practicing vet in rural Scotland.
“I was about 15 when I knew I wanted to be a vet,” she said. “But when I started the HND I realised I had a lot to learn.”
“When I finish, I want to go into practice as soon as I can, and I’ll definitely stay in Scotland. There are so many rural areas that struggle to keep vets, staying in the industry is tough. I’m ready for it, and I think things are going to start changing soon.
“Everything I’ve learned with my HND will be really important when I finish and go into practice, it’s been the best start I could have had. Everything has just worked out so well.”
SRUC has campuses in Edinburgh, West Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, Aberdeen, Fife, Glasgow and Ayrshire. It is ranked in the top 5 in the UK for studying animal science and agriculture and was recently awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK – for the second time.
Development of the new course has been overseen by Professor Caroline Argo, who says that the new BVSci curriculum seeks to address a number of key issues within the wider rural and veterinary sectors.
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Prof Argo said: “It is now recognised that the UK veterinary profession is failing to achieve self-sufficiency in generating and retaining homegrown talent. This has serious ramifications for key sectors of the profession that are central to Scotland’s ambitions, economy and the sustainability of our rural communities.
“By aligning the attitudes and abilities of our veterinary students more directly with the needs of the Scottish profession, we hope to train the general practitioners that are so essential for our food sector and mixed practices.
“We are delighted to have welcomed the first cohort of students to SRUC and very much look forward to helping them achieve their ambitions.”
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, welcomed the students and their families to the Aberdeen Campus, saying: “With the launch of this new programme we stand at an historic moment for veterinary education and, as part of this first cohort, you are all making history. You are now on an extremely exciting journey as you begin your studies here in Aberdeen.”
To find out more, visit the SRUC website or email svmadmissions@sruc.ac.uk
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