Veterinary Medicine

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

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.

Many students choose to obtain part of their extramural experience abroad, in veterinary hospitals or other veterinary schools. The high standing and international recognition of Veterinary Medicine at UCD ensures that they are readily accepted for such placements.

During your four-week elective period of Stage 5, you may engage in elective projects at veterinary or research laboratories in other institutions in the USA. You can also become involved in wildlife conservation projects around the world.

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.

UCD Veterinary Medicine School/Programme Office,
Room 202, Veterinary Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 6101
Email:vetprogrammes@ucd.ie
Web:www.ucd.ie/vetmed

Note: Applicants must normally have at least 60 hours practical experience relevant to animal handling. This must include experience with at least two of the following four animal categories: Pets, Horses, Farm Animals, Wildlife/Zoos.