Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RVC launches first ever joint veterinary science degree with Aberystwyth University
The new joint veterinary science degree will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2021.

Follows opening of Wales’ first school of veterinary science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Aberystwyth University have announced the launch of the first ever joint Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree (BVSc), following the official opening of the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, taking place today (Friday 28 February).

According to the RVC, the new degree “is designed to meet the growing needs for competent practitioners to work in rural mixed practices,” and will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2021.

The course takes five years to complete, with students spending two years at Aberystwyth University followed by a further three years at the RVC’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire.

Principal of the RVC Professor Stuart Reid said: “We are delighted to be partnering with our colleagues Aberystwyth in providing an offering that will benefit students at both institutions. The RVC’s commitment to the profession in all its manifestations and particularly the rural environment will be bolstered by this important collaboration.”

Commenting on the opening of the new school, vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University Professor Elizabeth Treasure said: “Agriculture and its related industries play such an important part in the Welsh economy and it is incumbent on us as universities to provide the people and the skills that will contribute to ensuring they thrive for years to come.

"The new school of veterinary science adds a vitally important new piece to the jigsaw, one that will build resilience in the rural economy through education and research at a time of great potential change and challenges.”

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science is the first of its kind in Wales and will form part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. Aberystwyth University has stated that the Veterinary Education Centre being developed on the Penglais campus, will also benefit from this new facility.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.