Veterinary medicine placements

School of Veterinary Medicine

We're one of the first UK universities to offer placements in Year 1 on our BVMS course. They're an excellent way to gain the real-world skills and experience you'll need to become a vet.

Placement types

Animal handling training placements (AH)

Between Years 1 - 2 of the BVMS, you'll have the chance to build practical animal handling training. This usually takes place on local farms, stable yards and other animal handling facilities near our Preston Campus. You'll typically spend 1 day per week doing this training during term time. You'll gain experience handling small animals, horses and a range of larger farm animals like cattle and sheep. What's more, all travel costs and arrangements are covered by the University.  

Intramural rotation placements (IMR): Years 1 - 5

In Years 1 - 4, you'll spend two weeks per year training at veterinary practices providing care for a wide range of animal species. You'll work alongside expert veterinary practice staff. You'll also have a chance to learn and build confidence in your clinical skills. In Year 5, you'll spend 28 weeks in various veterinary practices.

In this intensive training period, you'll be exposed to different scenarios. You'll learn to provide clinical care for small animals, horses, farm animals, and less common species. You'll gain practical clinical skills, including surgery and anaesthesia.

The University will organise these placements. Travel and/or accommodation will be covered. We've built a network of local placement providers. However if you know of a practice in your local area that you'd like to work with, please let us know. We are always open to expanding our practice network. 

Pre-clinical and clinical extramural studies (EMS)

During Years 1 and 2, we'll support you in gaining 12 weeks of pre-clinical EMS placements during the holidays. You'll gain exposure to various species through several EMS providers during this time. You'll gain a deeper insight into animal husbandry as well as furthering your animal handling skills.

During Years 3 - 5, the requirement changes to 26 weeks of clinical extramural studies during the holiday. These placements are held at veterinary practices, where our students will gain a deeper insight into the vet profession. We'll support you in finding a placement through our list of approved EMS providers.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons requires these placements. The University doesn't usually provide financial support for travel and accommodation.

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Become a vet placement provider

We're part of a select few UK universities that give students placement experience from year 1. Gain the opportunity to train our next generation of veterinary professionals.

Find out more about becoming a placement provider

Useful links

How to become a vet

Want to know how to become a veterinary surgeon in the UK? This page will answer all your frequently asked questions (FAQs). This includes information about training, placements and what support is available.

Support for vet students

We have a specialist package of Veterinary Medicine student support. It focuses on your general wellbeing and improving your skills as a professional to help with motivation.

Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, BVMS

Our exciting Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree has been developed to meet RCVS requirements. Training you for a multitude of veterinary careers.