Cookie use on MRCVSonline
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies.
Accept Policy
Change cookie settings
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2018-05-10
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

EMS grants to be made available for vet students
“It’s clear that EMS costs students hundreds of pounds a year, without taking into account lost potential earnings."
Survey shows cost is the main barrier to placements

A new grant scheme will help veterinary students cover the cost of extra mural studies (EMS), after a survey found that cost is the main barrier to placements.

The Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) will offer five £200 grants to assist students with the cost of their 26-week clinical EMS placements.

VDS Training has agreed to fund the first two years as a pilot scheme, after which AVS will review the offering based on demand.

A 2016 survey by the AVS and BVA found that the cost of EMS contributed significantly to the estimated shortfall of £1188 per term in the clinical years of the veterinary degree. It also revealed that the average expenditure for a two-week placement was £152 for large animal and £119 for small animal.

In addition, 87 per cent of students had to have a car for their placement.

AVS president David Charles said: “It’s clear that EMS costs students hundreds of pounds a year, without taking into account lost potential earnings.

“For a lot of students, many placements are not possible, as they would have to source external accommodation and transport, just because of where they happen to live. This is on top of the costs of food and travel required for any placement as evidenced in the AVS/BVA 2016 Survey.

“Most, if not all, of the current grants on offer to students are for taking part in research or for travel abroad. The AVS EMS Grants will make previously inaccessible EMS placements feasible for the winning students and help them get the most out of their EMS.”

The first AVS EMS grants will be launched in the next academic year. Applications open on 1 October 2018 and the awards will be presented at the 2019 AVS Congress in London.

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

Nominations for 2019 RSPCA Honours Awards now open

News Story 1
 People across the UK are being urged to nominate a standout animal champion for the 2019 RSPCA Honours Awards.

The awards recognise those who have worked tirelessly to improve animal welfare, campaigned on behalf of animals, or shown true bravery. Previous winners include comedian John Bishop, who was awarded Celebrity Animal Champion of the Year, and 11-year-old Lobby Cantwell, who raised more than £1,000 for the charity through mountain climbs and bike rides.

To submit a nomination or find out more about the awards visit the RSPCA website. Nominations will remain open until 4 pm on Friday, March 15.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New £1m project to investigate dairy cow lameness

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is leading a new £1 million research project to investigate the causes of lameness in dairy cows.

One in three dairy cows are affected by lameness every day in the UK, costing the industry an estimated £250 milion annually.

The project will take three years to complete and is due to finish by November 2021.

Professor Georgios Banos of SRUC commented: “In addition to pain and discomfort to the animal, lameness is associated with decreased milk production and inflated farm costs.

“Among cows raised in the same environment, some become lame while others do not. Understanding the reasons behind this will help us develop targeted preventive practices contributing to enhanced animal welfare and farm profitability.”