The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies Bicentenary

Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

Our programmes will provide you with an exceptional learning experience and qualify you to practise around the world.

GEP students in 4th year examine tortoise

We offer two Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) degrees.

The first, our main entry into the profession, is a five-year programme for students pursuing standard entry into undergraduate study. We also offer an accelerated, four-year graduate entry programme (GEP) for applicants with a relevant degree in biological or animal science.

Both programmes result in the qualification of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and enable graduates to register as veterinary surgeons.

The programmes merge after initial separation, to enable the cohort to study together. Following successful completion of the first year of the GEP, which has been specifically designed around the needs of graduate entrants*, students then join the third year of the BVM&S course, where students will have had two years of undergraduate-level training.

*The GEP year is tailored to cover key areas of integrated anatomy and physiology in a case-based format with additional courses on introductory pathology, infectious disease, animal husbandry and population medicine.

The application process 

Download the degree brochure

Learning with us

Veterinary medicine is first and foremost a scientific discipline, but wherever possible the science will be presented in the context of its clinical relevance, so you have a clear understanding of where it all leads.

We offer an integrated programme of study where you will be taught about large animals, small companion animals, exotics and wildlife. This style of degree allows you to broaden your understanding of different species, diversifies your career prospects and provides you with a level of flexibility to specialise at a later stage if you wish.

Our programme offers a wide range of stimulating teaching and learning methods designed to equip you with the confidence and skills for a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine. You will be taught by some of the UK’s most prominent veterinary scientists in an environment of cutting-edge veterinary research.

Studying Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh will give you transferable skills such as effective communication, team building and an understanding of business management. Veterinary training also provides an outstanding background for those who wish to pursue a career in biomedical research, including both veterinary and human medicine.

Our long-standing combination of tradition and excellence in veterinary teaching benefits from a close-knit, collegial community of students. The BVM&S Degree is the equivalent of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and has the same standing worldwide. Many of our graduates go on to work across the globe.

BVM&S Accreditation