New Scottish vet school opens for applications
“In light of Brexit and border policy changes, it is now essential for Scotland that we build new homegrown talent pools for ourselves” – Caroline Argo.
Scotland’s first new veterinary school in more than a century is now open for applications.
Prospective students can apply through clearing for a place at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The school plans to register the first cohort of students on its Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) degree in mid-October or early November.
The new veterinary school is the third in Scotland, joining the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. It will prepare students for work in rural mixed practice and the agricultural and food sectors.
Caroline Argo, dean of veterinary medicine and head of school, said: “It is now recognised that the UK veterinary profession is failing to achieve self-sufficiency in generating and retaining homegrown talent. This has serious ramifications for Scotland’s farmers. We are seeking to address this by training the vets that are so essential for our food sector and mixed, rural practices.
“The UK’s vet schools produce professionals of the very highest standard, but changes in the labour market mean that the veterinary profession remains on the Home Office’s ‘Shortage Occupation List’ and has a high turnover rate together with large dependency on non-UK, largely EU vets to address shortfalls in priority areas. These areas include remote and rural practice, veterinary public health, livestock health and welfare, and government services, including certification.
“In light of Brexit and border policy changes, it is now essential for Scotland that we build new homegrown talent pools for ourselves, and equip them with the specialist skills, resilience and diversity that our rural communities, government and food sectors require.”
Applications can be made via the SRUC website.
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
