Nottingham vet school to double student numbers
RCVS figures show that 18 per cent of non-UK EU vets are actively looking for work outside the UK due to concerns about Brexit.
The University of Nottingham is set to double its intake of veterinary students, by implementing a new ‘dual-intake’ strategy.
In the new academic year, 150 students will take up their place at vet school in September this year, followed by a further 150 in April 2020.
The move comes as the profession is facing a shortage of qualified vets - a situation that is expected to worsen after Brexit.
RCVS figures show that almost a third of non-UK EU vets are considering moving back home, while 18 per cent are actively looking for work outside the UK due to concerns about Brexit.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, confirmed in November that the UK is experiencing an 11 per cent shortfall in existing vet numbers. The need for certification for food exports is estimated to rise by 200 per cent in the run-up to Brexit.
Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science will be increasing its staff to enable the school to keep class sizes small.
Foundation dean Professor Gary England said: “Our team of dedicated and entrepreneurial staff is delighted that a move to a dual intake will open up this fantastic opportunity to many more students without increasing group sizes and while maintaining the excellent student experience which is synonymous with Nottingham.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
