The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

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The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a world leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical practice.

We provide outstanding veterinary education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, using an award winning curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and an interdisciplinary environment, for both our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Our undergraduate courses are accredited by:

* The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
* The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCV

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* The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has Full Accreditation from AVMA. The last evaluation was in 2015, the next evaluation is scheduled for 2022. Our research spans all aspects of veterinary medicine, from molecules and genes through to animal and human populations. We aim to make a real difference through research which is directly relevant to the improvement of health and welfare of domestic animal species and the protection of public health. Our clinical services - Hospital for Small Animals, Small Animal Practice, Equine and Large Animal Practice - are among the most influential centres for clinical care in the UK, providing our students and researchers with the best possible training environment. You can also follow us on

Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/TheDickVet
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thedickvet
Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedickvet
Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/DickVetSchool

28/08/2026

We would like to invite you to our upcoming inaugural lecture showcase from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, taking place on Wednesday 28 October.

This event will feature:

🔹Silke Salavati, Professor of Small Animal Gastroenterology, who'll share how she became a Specialist in Small Animal Gastroenterology somewhat accidentally. Her talk, ‘From gut to gut: have I built my career on dog trans-poosions?’ will discuss her research and career to date, as well as the important role mentors have played along the way.

🔹Claudia Hartley, Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology, who has spent 18 years worked with NGOs across Asia to support the rescue and rehabilitation of bears affected by exploitation driven by the demand for their body parts, entertainment and the illegal wildlife trade. In her talk 'Through Bears' Eyes', Claudia will share some of the successes, failures and lessons learned throughout this work.

📍 Roslin Institute (in person)
📅 Wednesday 28 October
⏰ 5:00pm-7:30pm

This event is free and open to all. For more information and to register, visit https://edin.ac/4qEsJey

We hope to see you there!

26/08/2026

Experts in equine welfare and behaviour from the School have contributed to Scottish Government guidance for horse owners.

The 2026 Welfare of Equids: Guidance reflects significant advances in our understanding of equine welfare. Alongside physical health, it recognises the importance of mental wellbeing, positive experiences, social interaction and opportunities for equids to express natural behaviours.

Contributions from the School were led by Mrs Bryony Lancaster, MSc Equine Science programme director, Dr Sarah Brown, equine welfare lecturer/scientist and Dr Gemma Pearson, who is the only Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recognised Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (Equine). They were supported by a number of colleagues associated with Equine Science and the Animal Welfare Centre.

It is fantastic to see the expertise from the School extending beyond our campus and helping to support the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys across Scotland and beyond.

Welfare of Equids: Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/welfare-equids-guidance/
Equine Science: https://edin.ac/46w3oeb
Equine Behaviour: https://edin.ac/4zKylbE
Animal Welfare Centre: https://edin.ac/3DTjC5H

24/08/2026

Seven members of our school’s wild swimming group, Dunking Dollys, have undertaken a National Water Safety Management Programme run by the Royal Life Saving Society.

The course included identifying open water hazards, assessing and avoiding risks, performing land and water-based rescue techniques, using swimming equipment, and dealing with aquatic wildlife. It involved classroom-based theory, plus practice in the water.

The initiative, in support of a community group that brings people together to promote wellbeing, was co-funded by the School and the Roslin Institute through the Collaboration, Culture and Community Health Fund 2026.

14/08/2026

New undergraduate students have arrived on campus, during one of our favourite weeks of the year.

On Monday, a cohort of Graduate Entry Programme (GEP) students arrived for 2026 entry. All have already completed a degree, and many have travelled across the world to join the Dick Vet family.

A carefully curated timetable of orientation events helped welcome students to Edinburgh and the School before lectures started on Wednesday.

The students study a condensed year one curriculum to complete two years of pre-clinical learning in one academic year. The science covered in their first degrees provides GEP students with the knowledge to start at an accelerated pace.

We wish all our GEP students a warm welcome to the School.

For more on study: https://edin.ac/4gqTekh

04/08/2026

Veterinary medicine leads to AI-driven innovation.

For James Andrews, class of 2006, studying veterinary medicine laid the foundation for a career that has bridged clinical practice, business strategy, and entrepreneurship.

After starting in veterinary practice, James moved into strategy consulting before founding an AI-powered pet health platform.

James says: "My experience at the University of Edinburgh gave me far more than clinical training. It taught me how to think critically, solve complex problems and communicate technical ideas simply – skills that have shaped my career."

A degree in veterinary medicine can open doors far beyond those you first imagine.

Read James' full story: https://edin.ac/3ScHjxd

10/07/2026

Our postgraduate students reflect on their online learning experiences.

To start your online learning journey, visit https://edin.ac/425IlNb to browse the subjects available and find out how to apply.

08/07/2026

A new case of squirrelpox suggests the virus is spreading in Scotland, experts say.

The case in Dollar Glen, Scotland, was confirmed by experts at the Dick Vet.

Members of the public are invited to report sightings of sick red squirrels to Scottish Wildlife Trust, and submit suspected cases for post-mortem confirmation to the Dick Vet, to support efforts to limit disease spread.

Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

https://edin.ac/4h6QIjM

07/07/2026

A splash of colour makes a difference at a vet charity.

A mural has transformed a community veterinary service that provides free care and support for pets owned by people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

The gallery-style work in the University of Edinburgh's All4Paws charity's outreach space creates a warm, welcoming environment for the people and pets who rely on its services.

The project brought together students from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and York School of Art through a collaboration facilitated by Dick Vet graduate Lisa Foster. Inspired by All4Paws' values of animal welfare, trust and empathy, the mural reflects the heart of the charity's work.

It brings creativity and collaboration together, to enhance a space that provides vital support to people and their beloved companions.

Read more: https://edin.ac/4eMP2uw

Edinburgh Alumni

03/07/2026

Many congratulations to all our students who are graduating over the coming days.

Graduation is a time to celebrate, and you should be enormously proud of all you have accomplished so far.

You are, and always will be, a valued member of the Dick Vet family.

This year the School is awarding an honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery to Dr Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of the Dogs Trust (2011-2025). Dr Boyden will accept her award on 4 July.

If you are unable to join in person, you can watch here: https://buff.ly/tT0yBRM.

02/07/2026

Vets and nurses from our School will be sharing their knowledge at a major European veterinary conference next week.

Professor Kelly Blacklock, Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, will co-deliver a full day surgical skills course for European College for Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) surgical residents on 8 July, as part of the Annual Scientific Meeting of the College, in Liverpool.

Two veterinary nurses from our Hospital for Small Animals have been invited to speak at the inaugural Nursing Excellence CPD Day on 9 July.

Lindsey Ashburner, an emergency and critical care nurse, will present two talks: ‘Beyond the operating room: nursing care of post-surgical trauma patients’, and ‘From panic to plan: triage of the emergency patient’.

Ebba Orjefelt, a surgical veterinary nurse, will give a talk called ‘Negative pressure: a modern approach to wound care’.

Dr Richard Reardon, Specialist in equine surgery and Diplomate of the European Veterinary Dental College, will co-deliver a full-day health, teeth and sinuses course for equine vets on 8 July. He will also be speaking on surgical treatment of paranasal sinus disease on the main scientific programme on 11 July.

See the programme for further details https://edin.ac/4tv9m7B

Address

Easter Bush Campus
Edinburgh
EH259RG

Website

http://www.ed.ac.uk/vet

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