Undergraduate Programmes

The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the leading veterinary schools in Europe. As well as having Irish and European accreditation, it has been granted full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), whose educational standards of excellence are recognised worldwide as the gold standard in veterinary education.

Our state-of-the-art facility in the Veterinary Sciences Centre, on UCD’s main Belfield campus, is also home to the UCD Veterinary Hospital. The hospital offers high-quality veterinary services for both farm and companion animals, and this caseload provides vital opportunities for our students to complete their clinical training requirements.

Our facilities, our staff and the environment of a major research-intensive university allow us to expand the frontiers of knowledge in veterinary research, thus advancing animal health, animal welfare and human health. This research informs our educational programmes to give our students a world-class education, whether they are studying to be veterinary nurses, veterinarians, veterinary specialists or pursuing advanced research degrees.

From the very start, you will receive a strong grounding in normal animal structure and function, animal handling, welfare, nutrition, breeding and management, ensuring you are well prepared for your later study. You will also be introduced to aspects of your development as a veterinary professional in preparation for the work environment after you graduate. As well as lectures, small group tutorials and practical classes are a great way to get to know your fellow students and make new friends.

In first year, you will benefit from a mix of campus-based and off-site educational experiences. At the Veterinary Sciences Centre in Belfield, you will study the foundations of Biomedical Science, while at UCD Lyons Farm, you will have practical sessions to help you handle a variety of animal species safely, and learn about their normal management, feeding and breeding. You will also have the opportunity to study elective modules from the wide selection available across the University, as well as being introduced to university life and a varied range of clubs and societies.

Welcome from the Dean of Veterinary Medicine

I am delighted to take this opportunity to extend a big UCD Vet School welcome, ‘céad míle fáilte,’ to our incoming First Years. I would like to congratulate you all -  supported by your family and friends, you have worked hard and shown huge dedication and commitment to get here. I welcome you to a School of Veterinary Medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education; by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and for the first time in recent history, by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. I welcome you to a school of Veterinary Medicine that sits proudly at 42^nd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for veterinary science.  I welcome you to a flourishing school with a ‘One Health-One Welfare’ vision; to a school delivering excellence in education, research and clinical endeavour; to a school committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.  I welcome you all to the UCD Vet School family.

Professor Rory Breathnach, Dean & Head of School

Useful Information for New Stage 1 Students

The School has put together useful information for commencing your studies at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine - handbooks will be provided to students at the start of their programme.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Programme Office if you have any queries.

UCD Vet School Office Team

For information on studying Veterinary Medicine click here. 

For information on studying Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) click here to access our course information page.

For information on studying Veterinary Nursing click here. 

Each year the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine hosts a Summer School for CAO EU applicants applying to the DN300 Veterinary Medicine Programme.  

Please Note: This programme is for students who will be entering their final year of secondary / high school next September 2024. It is not open to students who have already completed their secondary/high school education.