Professional Doctorate (DVMS)

The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine offers a professional doctorate programme, the Doctorate of Veterinary Medical Specialisation, paralleling the requirements of a variety of residency programmes approved in UCD by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation. The professional doctorate programme is one of advanced education and training, incorporating taught elements, supervised professional practice and supervised research. All three elements are credit-bearing and the total credit volume is 270 ECTS credits, as follows:

Taught modules: 20 ECTS. These credits are from a menu of appropriate Level 4 or 5 modules offered in the School and elsewhere in the University.

Professional practice: 200 ECTS comprising Professional Practice 1 (100 ECTS) and Professional Practice 2 (100 ECTS). The professional practice elements will require maintenance and assessment of a relevant portfolio, case log and contribution to development of new knowledge through contributions to outreach activity, presentations to professional societies, and peer-reviewed publications as well as demonstration of a set of core competencies as defined by the discipline.

Research Thesis: 50 ECTS. The thesis will require the candidates to demonstrate original contribution to knowledge, and will involve a structured review of the literature relevant to the area of professional practice. A minimum of two peer reviewed publications will be required at the time of presentation of the dissertation.

The programme is offered in two stages, with a stage transfer assessment after year 1. The programme is offered on a full-time basis, requiring a minimum of 3 years FTE attendance with an optional extension in year 4. The programme is only open to candidates enrolled as a Resident in an EBVS approved residency progamme in the School of Veterinary Medicine. For details of available residency programmes please see the UCD Veterinary Hospital website.