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The first-ever cohort from the University of Central Lancashire’s vet school has graduated.
Eleven BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Sciences graduates took to the stage in their caps and gowns at the University’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre on Tuesday (10 December).
Among those who studied for two years was 21-year-old Chloe Collier from Preston.
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She said: “I aspired to be a veterinary surgeon, but I didn’t achieve the A Levels I needed to on the vet course. The veterinary sciences route provided an alternative pathway and I got in via Clearing.
“I thought I would use this course as a stepping stone and would transfer on to the veterinary degree but during the course, I fell in love with lab work and the vast range of topics and practical sessions that the degree provided allowed me to explore all other options and allowed me to pursue a career that I never thought I would be interested in.”
She has now landed a role as a medical laboratory assistant in the histopathology laboratory at Royal Preston Hospital.
The former Archbishop Temple High School and Myerscough College pupil added: “I love the opportunities that this degree has allowed me to explore and pursue. I’m excited to graduate and I now aspire to develop my skills further. I can’t wait to progress my career in my current workplace and become a biomedical scientist.”
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The accelerated programme has a one-health approach to bioveterinary sciences which includes studying animal behaviour and welfare science, social issues, global challenges, professional communication and a range of technical skills.
It has recently gained interim accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, which acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences.
Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock, course leader said: “It’s a landmark moment in our history. These are the first graduates to go out into the world with qualifications from our School of Veterinary Medicine and I was absolutely delighted to be there to see them graduate. I know they are going to be great additions to the workforce in animal and human health and wish them every success.”
The first cohort of the university’s five-year BVMS Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree will graduate in summer 2028.
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