Vet students graduate from schools across the UK
Keele University celebrated the first graduates from its veterinary course.
Veterinary students from universities across the UK have been celebrating their graduations from a range of veterinary courses.
Many of these students started their academic careers amidst the coronavirus pandemic, meaning they faced lockdowns, social distancing and other measures during their studies.
Among the universities honouring graduates is Keele University. The university, in collaboration with Harper Adams University, launched its Harper & Keele Veterinary School in 2020.
This means that this year’s graduating class, of 90 students, were the first students to complete its new veterinary course.
The group had one graduation in the morning at Keele University, before their second ceremony at Harper Adams University. Their second ceremony also saw them welcomed to the RCVS, with the new veterinary students pledging their commitment to the health and welfare of animals in their care.
Matt Jones, founding head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, said: “We are incredibly proud of our first graduates, many of whom secured jobs during their final year, embarking on an inspiring range of careers within the industry. Our new vets are contributing to animal, human and planetary health, working with companion and farm animals, and in supporting food security and research.”
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has marked the graduations of more than 150 undergraduates and postgraduates in two ceremonies.
Held at the University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall, the event saw graduates of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree make their declaration in front of RCVS chief executive Lizzie Lockett and RCVS’ chair of the education committee Professor Tim Parkin.
The university awarded an honorary degree of veterinary medicine and surgery to Dr Christine Middlemiss. Dr Middlemiss was appointed chief veterinary officer for the UK in 2017, having previously worked for Defra to detect, assess and respond to animal disease outbreaks.
Professor Lisa Boden, head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, also hosted the school’s annual undergraduate prize-giving. Over 80 prizes were awarded, recognising graduates’ academic and sporting achievements.
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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. 
