Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th October 2025
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

Harper & Keele veterinary degree approved
Matt Jones from Harper & Keele (left) with RCVS president, Professor Tim Parkin.

The decision is pending final recognition by the Privy Council. 

Harper & Keele Veterinary School has received full accreditation from RCVS Council for its BVetMS Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Degree.

The decision was reached during a meeting of RCVS Council on Thursday, 2 October, and followed a final accreditation visitation for the degree in May 2025, as the School’s first cohort of students was preparing to graduate. 

It means that, pending its final recognition by the Privy Council, those who complete the degree at Harper & Keele will automatically be eligible to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons and practise in the UK. 

Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS, RCVS president and chair of the education Committee, said: “We would like to congratulate the staff at Harper & Keele Veterinary School for their hard work in ensuring that the school’s veterinary degree met our stringent accreditation standards, and welcome Harper & Keele graduates to their membership of the Royal College.

“Our accreditation panel found some very commendable aspects to the school, such as a commitment to inclusion and widening participation, how it supports students in finding non-clinical and clinical placements, and its use of innovation to support learning. We look forward to continuing to work with Harper & Keele over the coming months and years to ensure that high standards continue to be met.” 

Professor Matt Jones MRCVS, RCVS council member and head of school at Harper & Keele, said: “We are delighted to receive the accreditation decision, which recognises our innovative approach to veterinary education and the huge commitment from our colleagues and partners that underpins it.  

“I was particularly pleased that the accreditation acknowledged our commitment to widening participation and inclusivity, and our efforts to create the right culture for everyone to thrive. We look forward to seeing the contribution of Harper and Keele Vet School graduates to the profession over the coming years.” 

The veterinary school is a collaboration between Harper Adams University in Shropshire and Keele University in Staffordshire. 

This is the first UK veterinary degree to receive RCVS accreditation since the University of Surrey in 2019, and the first in the West Midlands region.

Image (C) RCVS. 

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.