BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science

Students can participate in a fully-funded residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild. There is also an overseas field trip in the third year. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.

This optional module in the third year provides the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.

Students who opt to undertake a field trip overseas will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). These costs will vary depending on the location of the field trip. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are fully funded by the University.

Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet. Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what students choose to bring.

All full-time Bioveterinary Science students may take an optional placement year between the second and third year of the programme. These placements are student-led though students will be continuously supported by academic staff throughout. Placements provide the opportunity to gain workplace experience and a chance to hone students' skills in a professional environment. When students are on an optional placement in the UK, they will be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and meals costs.

The course is taught by our team of experienced academics, including staff at the forefront of their fields of research, such as Associate Professor Colin Butter and Dr Simon Clegg. Staff contribute to government advisory bodies, offer industrial consultancy, publish in international journals and contribute to academic books.

The Department hosts a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved Behaviour Speciality Clinic, run under the direction of one of only two current RCVS recognised specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. This supports our internationally recognised research in companion and farm animal behaviour and welfare, behavioural consultancy, and problem behaviour management.

This course aims to prepare graduates for a range of careers in animal-related professions. These include roles in research and development, technical support, and sales of animal pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nutrition products, as well as in animal health, laboratory diagnostics, toxicology, forensics, wildlife parks, and zoos. Many students continue to study at Master’s and PhD level, and some go on to veterinary medicine.