RVC principle Professor Stuart Reid and Professor Andreas Charalambous, executive dean at the University of Nicosia Medical School.

Move will see creation of Cyprus’ first veterinary school

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has signed an agreement with the University of Nicosia to deliver two new bachelor degrees in veterinary medicine in Cyprus.

The move will see the creation of Cyprus’ first veterinary school, which will take in its first influx of students in September 2020. Undergraduates will be able to choose between a five-year course and a four-year accelerated course.  

RVC principle Professor Stuart Reid and Professor Andreas Charalambous, executive dean at the University of Nicosia Medical School, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the University of Nicosia Medical School on Thursday (30 August).

“The RVC is delighted to be establishing a partnership with our colleagues in Cyprus and to contribute to the advance of animal health expertise in the region,” said Professor Reid. “We have a strong commitment to the One Health approach and together I am sure we can build on the success of the University of Nicosia’s Medical School to create an exceptional new veterinary programme.”

Professor Andreas Charalambous added: “We are proud to be entering a partnership with the Royal Veterinary College, one of the finest institutions for veterinary education in the world. The new Veterinary School in Cyprus will be modelled on the University of Nicosia’s Medical School to ensure that it becomes a regional and international centre of education and research that follows international quality assurance criteria.”
 
He continued: “The new Veterinary School will also have significant economic and social benefits. In addition to the education of students, veterinarians will be offered continuing professional development, and farmers will be provided with the tools they need to maintain the health of their animals and to ensure higher productivity.

“In our commitment to the One Health agenda, we will work closely with all stakeholders to improve the public’s awareness of animal rights and to protect and preserve healthy ecosystems, which will safeguard the health of both animals and humans.”

Image (C) RVC