Postgraduate study: veterinary research
There are a variety of options in veterinary science for postgraduate study depending on the route that an applicant wishes to take. These can be broadly divided into three areas: research programmes; taught programmes; and clinical training scholarships. Not all the following options are offered by all schools and there may be variation in duration and naming of the qualifications themselves, as well as the final qualification obtained.
Taught programmes
There is a range of taught programmes suitable for both recent graduates and those looking to refresh specific skills. These include Masters courses in Veterinary Medicine (MSc or MVM), Masters in Veterinary Public Health (MVPH), Masters in Wild Animal Health, Postgraduate Certificates (PgCert), Postgraduate Diplomas (PgDip) and Postgraduate Professional Development courses (PgProfDev). These courses will mainly consist of supervised learning and are usually assessed by examination.
Research programmes
As well as taught programmes there is a range of options available to those graduates looking to pursue a career in research. These programmes generally involve a greater degree of independent study, and are focused on a specific topic or area. These include Doctorates (PhD), Masters in research (MScR/MRes), and Doctorates in Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VetMD) or Doctorates in Veterinary Surgery (DVS).
Postgraduate study: clinical specialisation
Clinical training scholarships
Clinical Training Scholarships can be divided into two separate classifications: internships, generally lasting one-year; and residencies, generally lasting three years. The majority of time is spent engaged in supervised clinical activities with the remainder focused on a related research area. Internships are open to new veterinary graduates while residencies are only open to qualified veterinary surgeons with appropriate experience. Senior Clinical Training Scholars may in some circumstances be registered to complete either Master of Veterinary Medicine (MVM of MVetMed) or Master of Veterinary Surgery (MVS) programme as a result of their studies.
Each veterinary school will state what previous qualifications are suitable for application to the various courses offered. Further Information can be found on the individual veterinary school websites:
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow (Research/Clinical)
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham
- Royal Veterinary College
Postgraduate study: veterinary internships
VSC has complied a list of internship schemes available through UK veterinary schools.
