A Recognition Order for the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree has been approved by a Privy Council.
The Order was laid before Parliament for approval on 27 January, and later this month, the degree will be formally accredited by the RCVS.
Students who graduate with the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree will now automatically be able to join the register of veterinary surgeons as members of the RCVS, and be able to practise veterinary medicine in the UK.
The university’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science degree will enter a cyclical accreditation process and be subject to annual monitoring for quality assurance.
Accreditation was previously agreed by the RCVS Council in October 2019. This followed a five-year process where the RCVS worked alongside the University to ensure that its curriculum and programme met the college’s quality standards.
RCVS president, Dr Niall Connell, said: “We are very glad that the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree has now cleared the last hurdle and that, as of next month, it will join the roster as the UK’s eighth recognised veterinary degree.
“I commend the hard work that the faculty, students and the university’s clinical partners have put in to develop the course over the past five years and we look forward to continue to work with them to ensure that the high standards are maintained.”
Professor Chris Proudman, head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, added: “I am delighted that the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine has become the UK’s eighth provider of veterinary education.
“The support and enthusiasm of our partner practice network has been essential in delivering our vision of competent, confident and compassionate veterinary graduates.”
