The titles of the degrees awarded by the six universities variously include the terms 'Veterinary
Science', 'Veterinary Medicine' and 'Veterinary Medicine & Surgery', but this reflects historical considerations
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only. In this Subject benchmark statement 'veterinary science' is used as a neutral term to denote the general
area of veterinary study and practice.
1.3 Veterinary science is an integrating subject, providing breadth and depth to complement the disciplinebased
biological sciences. Veterinarians have a broad range of knowledge, understanding and skills enabling
clinical disciplines to be learnt within the context of a firm foundation in basic science.
It is this understanding of the scientific basis of clinical medicine which underpins most veterinary activity.
In addition to the practising arm of the profession, holders of a professionally recognised degree in veterinary
science are well qualified to enter positions in scientific research, public health and commercial areas allied to
medicine and veterinary medicine.
1.4 UK veterinary programmes have all traditionally included pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical
components which are designed to develop knowledge and skills in a progressive and cumulative fashion.
Alternative approaches to this traditional structure are currently being developed within the schools,
particularly through vertical and horizontal integration of curricula and the introduction of problem-based
learning.
Such developments are likely to continue through the lifetime of this document. It is also important
that graduates are well equipped for lifelong learning, allowing them to update their knowledge,
understanding and skills.