Becomes UK’s eighth recognised veterinary degree
The privy council has approved a recognition order for the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree. As a result, from the 18 February 2020, the course will be formally accredited by the RCVS.
From this date, students who graduate with the university’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci Hons) degree will automatically be able to join the Register of Veterinary Surgeons as members of the RCVS and practise veterinary medicine in the UK. The degree will enter the college’s cyclical accreditation process and be subject to annual monitoring for quality assurance.
Achieving accreditation of the degree was a five year process, during which time the RCVS and the University of Surrey worked together to ensure that the degree’s curriculum and programme met the RCVS’ quality standards.
The RCVS council previously agreed accreditation of the degree at its October 2019 meeting, following two interim accreditation visitations in 2017 and 2018, and a final accreditation visit in 2019.
RCVS president Dr Niall Connell commented: “We are very glad that the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree has now cleared the last hurdle and that, as of next month, it will join the roster as the UK’s eighth recognised veterinary degree.
“I commend the hard work that the faculty, students and the university’s clinical partners have put in to develop the course over the past five years and we look forward to continue to work with them to ensure that the high standards are maintained.”
Professor Chris Proudman, head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: “I am delighted that the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine has become the UK’s eighth provider of veterinary education. The support and enthusiasm of our partner practice network has been essential in delivering our vision of competent, confident and compassionate veterinary graduates.”
Image (c) RCVS
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
