Program Overview

Introduction to UCD Veterinary Medicine

UCD Veterinary Medicine is the only centre for veterinary medical education in Ireland, enjoying a long and proud tradition and achieving an international reputation. The school provides excellent facilities for the care of animals and offers outstanding training opportunities for veterinary medical and veterinary nursing students.

Facilities and Accreditation

The state-of-the-art facility in the Veterinary Sciences Centre, on UCD's main Belfield campus, is home to the UCD Veterinary Hospital. The hospital offers high-quality veterinary services for both farm and companion animals, providing vital opportunities for students to complete their clinical training requirements. UCD Veterinary Medicine is ranked in the QS Top 50 Veterinary Science Departments globally and is first in Ireland. It has full accreditation from:

• Irish (VCI Veterinary Council of Ireland)
• UK (RCVS - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)
• European (EAEVE European Association of Establishments of Veterinary Education)
• Australian/New Zealand (AVBC Australasian Veterinary Boards Council)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Educational Programmes

The facilities, staff, and environment of a major research-intensive university allow for the expansion of knowledge in veterinary research, advancing animal health, animal welfare, and human health. This research informs educational programmes, providing students with a world-class education, whether they are studying to be:

• Veterinary nurses
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary specialists
• Pursuing advanced research degrees

Curriculum

From the start, students receive a strong grounding in:

• Normal animal structure and function
• Animal handling
• Welfare
• Nutrition
• Breeding and management Ensuring they are well-prepared for later study. Students are also introduced to aspects of their development as a professional person in preparation for the professional work setting after graduation.

Teaching Methods

As well as lectures, small group tutorials and practical classes are used, allowing students to get to know their fellow students and make new friends. In the first year, students benefit from a mix of campus-based and off-site educational experiences, including:

• Studying the foundations of biomedical science at the Veterinary Sciences Centre in Belfield
• Practical sessions at UCD Lyons Farm to handle a variety of animal species safely and learn about their normal management, feeding, and breeding Students also have the opportunity to study elective modules from across the university and are introduced to university life and a wide range of clubs and societies.