StudyQA — Master: Veterinary Medicine — University College Dublin

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

This programme will educate you to the best international standards in veterinary medicine. To work as a vet in the Republic of Ireland you must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine, which is registered by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. UCD’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) is Ireland’s only such degree. The veterinary profession is concerned with the promotion of the health and welfare of animals of special importance to society. This involves the care of healthy and sick animals, the prevention, recognition, control and treatment of their diseases and of diseases transmitted from animals to man, and the welfare and productivity of livestock.

The study of Veterinary Medicine necessitates using animal-derived material in some classes. Any animal tissue used in classes is ethically sourced in full compliance with the university’s ethical review body. Individuals who object unreservedly to the use of animal material in teaching should not enter the veterinary medicine programme.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

You can work in mixed, small animal, farm animal or equine practice. You may also obtain further specialist clinical qualifications. Beyond clinical practice, veterinarians play an important role in the protection of public health, in research into diseases of animals and man, and in other areas such as conservation and wildlife protection. While most graduates work in clinical practice, increasing numbers pursue research in public service or private sector research. This reflects the important role of the veterinarian in animal health control and consumer protection. At present there is almost complete employment for veterinary graduates.

This programme will prepare you for entry into any branch of the profession, with specific hands-on work and clinical cases in fifth year. The course structure is:

First & Second Year

Normal Animal Structure & Function
Animal Husbandry & Welfare
Animal Handling & Animal Experience

Third & Fourth Year

Pathobiological Sciences
Medicine
Surgery
Therapeutics
Herd Health
Epidemiology
Veterinary Public Health

Fifth Year

Clinical rotations in the UCD Veterinary Hospital (see Year 5 in pathway diagram opposite)
Elective Studies
Clinical Experience

During the first four years, students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and practicals, with some practicals taking place at Lyons Research Farm. During the final year, clinical rotations take place mainly in the UCD Veterinary Hospital and can involve early mornings and some late-night work. Students are also expected to undertake independent study.

A combination of end-of-semester written, practical and competency examinations, along with continuous assessment during term, is used throughout the programme.

Academic Entry Requirements

UCD requires Certificate of Secondary (Complete) General Education (grade 11) + 1 or 2 years of a Bachelor Degree (minimum average ≥ 3) at a recognised university.

English Language Requirements

Teaching in Irish Universities is normally through the medium of English, therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language. Applicants must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English language through a recognised English language test, as outlined below.

Please note:

Your English language certificate must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree course.
Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted.

UCD recognise the appropriate minimum score in the following recognised English Language Examinations:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University

A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +.
In the computer based TOEFL, a minimum score of 250 is required.
A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based based TOEFL (iBT).