Overview

As part of its cultural diversity scheme, The Atlantic Bridge Program annually facilitates American and Canadian student placements at University College Dublin.

As the country's only veterinary school, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin is considered one of the best of its kind in Europe. A constituent college of the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin is also Ireland's largest university.Within this section are an introduction to the school and links to the school's websites.

History Of The College

Established in 1800 through a joint effort of Parliament and The Royal Dublin Society, the original mandate of the Veterinary School, University College Dublin, was to train veterinarians to service Ireland's prolific horse and cattle industries. In 1894, a group lead by Sir Christopher Nixon developed the idea of establishing a veterinary college in Dublin devoted exclusively to teaching. By 1900, the new college was incorporated by Royal Charter and in 1946 the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was established. In 1954 Trinity College Dublin established a veterinary school and the two schools inevitably merged in 1977.

In 2002, the newly constructed, state-of-the-art veterinary school was unveiled on the main university campus at Belfield, marking the newest chapter in the school's history.

About The Veterinary School

University College Dublin has the distinction of being the only university in Ireland offering a degree course in Veterinary Medicine. The veterinary school has an undergraduate and postgraduate student body comprised of students the world over, including the European Union, North America and Africa. Meanwhile the vast majority of international veterinary students come from the United States and Canada. Many UCD graduates currently practice and/or teach Veterinary Medicine in North America.

The faculty of Veterinary Medicine is based in the Belbin Campus, with research and teaching facilities at Lyons Estate, Celbridge. The faculty has eight academic departments: Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Animal Husbandry and Production, Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Pathology, Small Animal Clinical Studies and Veterinary Surgery. In addition to undergraduate teaching, the university also provides residency programs and the opportunity for postgraduates to study for degrees at the PhD and Master's level.

As of 2007, University College Dublin veterinary school is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA voted to award accreditation for the maximum period of seven years.

Graduates of the veterinary school are eligible to practice Veterinary Medicine in the USA, Canada and in all of the European Union nations following successful completion of applicable licensing procedures.

Veterinary Hospitals

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides clinical and diagnostic services for owners of animals and their veterinary surgeons. The hospital laboratories also provide diagnostic and consultancy services including mass servicing for industrial and governmental clients. With more than 5000 pets, 2000 farm animals and 800 horses under care yearly, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides its students with ample opportunities for diverse and thorough clinical tuition and experience.

university college dublin www.ucd.ie
ucd faculty of veterinary medicine www.ucd.ie/vetmed