Aberystwyth University will launch its new School of Veterinary Science – the first in Wales – at an event this morning.

The new Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science will welcome its first students in September 2021 for a new Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree offered jointly by Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College.

The five-year degree will see students spend two years at Aberystwyth University followed by three years’ study at the the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire.

The programme will cover the full range of animals, from domestic pets to farm animals, in common with all other veterinary programmes.

The development will also provide opportunities for students to study specific areas of veterinary science through the medium of Welsh while at Aberystwyth.

Prof Elizabeth Treasure, vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “Today marks an important and exciting new chapter in the history of Aberystwyth University and Wales.

“Agriculture and its related industries play such an important part in the Welsh economy and it is incumbent on us as universities to provide the people and the skills that will contribute to ensuring they thrive for years to come.

“The new School of Veterinary Science adds a vitally important new piece to the jigsaw, one that will build resilience in the rural economy through education and research at a time of great potential change and challenges.”

Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said the development is “great news for veterinary science in Wales”.

“The new School at Aberystwyth University will provide the perfect springboard for the next generation of students to work in this important sector,” she said.

“Their learning will benefit the wider rural economy and agricultural industry.”

The launch, which takes place at the Medrus Conference Centre on the Penglais Campus, will be attended by Prof Christianne Glossop, chief veterinary officer for Wales and Prof Stuart Reid, principal of the Royal Veterinary College.

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science will form part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and will benefit from the new Veterinary Education Centre which is being developed on the Penglais campus.

The new centre represents an investment of £1m, funded partly by alumni donations and will be ready in time to welcome the first students in September 2021.

The new school builds on over 100 years of animal health teaching and research at Aberystwyth University, and more recently, the successful introduction of a BSc Veterinary Biosciences degree in September 2015.