Expansion of veterinary sciences provision

Posted 16 October 2013

Veterinary sciences at Harper Adams University have had a boost thanks to a suite of 10 new postgraduate workforce development programmes.

The courses, which specialise in small animals, are being delivered in collaboration with Improve International and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS).

As well as delivering a selection of modules, Harper Adams is validating the courses on behalf of the partners.

Business Development Manager and Associate Lecturer, Emily Chapman-Waterhouse, said: “Today, society has an increased emphasis on companion animals kept for pleasure, and greater veterinary involvement in production animals, public health and food hygiene.

“The role of the veterinary profession in protecting the health and welfare of more diverse species groups continues to grow. There is also an increasing body of veterinary professionals who need to meet a greater demand for specialist services, both in individual species and in disciplines.

“This suite of course developments therefore provides an opportunity for qualified veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to advance their skills in those special interest areas at appropriate academic levels, whilst fulfilling a requirement to undertake mandatory continuing professional development (CPD).”

In addition to the expansion in workforce development provision, Harper Adams University recently welcomed the first students to enrol on the new BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy degree course.

The construction of a Veterinary Services Centre is also due for competition early next year.

Commenting on the expansion, Head of the Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences Department, Carwyn Ellis, said: “This collaboration will bring together three partners with a wealth of experience in the provision of high quality postgraduate professional development for the veterinary sector.

“The development adds further to the provision across the wider veterinary professions, adding these programmes to those for veterinary nurses, veterinary physiotherapy and veterinary pharmacy at both undergraduate and post-graduate level.”

The 10 new workforce development courses are as follows –
• Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Veterinary Practice Sciences
• PgC Feline Veterinary Practice
• PgC Small Animal Ophthalmology Practice
• PgC Exotic Animal Practice
• PgC Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery
• PgC Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management
• PgC Small Animal Cardiology
• PgC Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging
• PgC Veterinary Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• PgD/MSc Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences