Degree Qualification: MVB (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Length: 5 Years
CAO Code: DN300
UCD Reference Code (Non-EU Applicants): VTS1
CAO Points: See (opens in a new window)myUCD Undergraduate Admissions for more information
Veterinary Medicine
This programme will educate you to the best international standards in Veterinary Medicine. To work as a vet in the Republic of Ireland, you must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine which is registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland. UCD’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) is Ireland’s only such degree. The veterinary profession is concerned with the promotion of the health and welfare of animals of special importance to society. This involves the care of healthy and sick animals, the prevention, recognition, control and treatment of their diseases and of diseases transmitted from animals to man, and the welfare and productivity of livestock.
Please see (opens in a new window)myUCD Undergraduate Admissions for information on subject requirements and the practical experience requirement associated with Veterinary Medicine (DN300)
If you are a non-EU applicant you can apply directly to UCD. Information about the specific entry requirements for your country is available at the UCD Global website here.
Irish & EU Applicants
Irish & EU Applicants apply for this course through Central Applications Office (CAO)
For detailed information on the application process please visit the UCD Admissions website here.
Non-EU Applicants:
Non-EU applicants can find country-specific application information on the UCD Global website here.
This programme will prepare you for entry into any branch of the profession:
First & Second Year
- Normal Animal Structure & Function
- Animal Husbandry & Welfare
- Animal Handling & Animal Experience
- Professionalism
Third & Fourth Year
- Pathobiological Sciences
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Therapeutics
- Herd Health and Population Medicine
- Veterinary Public Health
- Professionalism
Fifth Year
- Clinical rotations in the UCD Veterinary Hospital
- Elective Studies
- Clinical Experience
- Professionalism
During the first four years, students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and practicals, with some practicals taking place at UCD Lyons Farm. During the final year, clinical rotations take place mainly in the UCD Veterinary Hospital and can involve early mornings and some late-night work. Students are also expected to undertake independent study.
A combination of end-of-trimester written, practical and competency examinations, along with in-trimester continuous assessment during term, is used throughout the programme.
Students are required to complete 36 weeks of work placements (pre-clinical extramural studies and clinical extramural studies ) as part of the programme requirements.
For detailed information about (opens in a new window)Veterinary Medicine please visit the UCD Course Finder here.
“Studying Veterinary Medicine in UCD is something that I had dreamed of for many years. The actual course content, including the material we learn and practical skills we gain, is what I was most looking forward to and this definitely has lived up to my expectations! However, what I didn’t anticipate and appreciate, is the genuine sense of community and friendship in the Veterinary Building that exists among classes, across year groups and between staff and students alike. It gives the feeling that we are one massive faculty family and every day as I walk into the vet building, it feels like I’m at home. The opportunities open to us while studying veterinary in UCD are endless. From assisting lambing on Irish farms, working in spay clinics in countries like India or carrying out research projects in California, there is something for everyone!”
Maria Lagan, Student