SOUTH East Technological University (SETU) has developed a new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme designed to reflect the realities of veterinary practice in Ireland today. The first intake of students is planned for September 2026, marking a significant milestone for veterinary education in the south-east.

The MVB is a five-year degree that will provide students with focused scientific, clinical and professional training in the practice of veterinary medicine. The programme has been developed in line with the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s accreditation standards and is currently undergoing ther formal accreditation process.

The MVB programme consists of three phases: foundation, clinical and professional. The three phases give students a strong grounding in the scientific and clinical principles that underpin veterinary medicine, while also introducing them to the complexities of the veterinary profession and associated industries, such as the bloodstock, sport horse and agri-food sectors.

Rather than learning theory in isolation, students engage with real-world veterinary scenarios through case discussions, group work, simulations, and problem-based learning. This helps students develop confidence, communication skills, and sound clinical judgement from an early stage. The students will benefit from access to excellent animal handling and husbandry facilities at Teagasc Kildalton College, which will facilitate the equine and farm animal practical teaching throughout the programme.

The curriculum is underpinned by a One Health approach, highlighting the links between animal health, human health, and the environment. Students explore topics, such as food safety, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease, sustainability, and climate change, reinforcing the role of the veterinary surgeon beyond the clinic.

Clinical rotations

The final professional phase of the programme will consist entirely of clinical rotations within SETU’s Veterinary Distributed Clinical Network. The SETU Veterinary Medicine programme is unique on the island of Ireland in adopting a fully distributed model of clinical education, instead of the traditional single teaching hospital approach.

During this phase, students will undertake clinical rotations in approved partner practices across the south-east and further afield. Clinical training will span first-opinion, referral, and emergency care, with rotations across farm animal, equine, and small animal practice, alongside dedicated experience in pathology and public health.

Students will also have the opportunity to complete an elective rotation, enabling them to explore a particular area of interest in greater depth.

SETU will reserve at least 15% of places for mature applicants, and places will also be available through the HEAR and DARE schemes, supporting wider access to veterinary education.

SETU’s MVB programme offers a modern and profession-focused route into veterinary medicine, firmly grounded in Irish agriculture, equine industries, and One Health principles. The Department of Veterinary Medicine looks forward to welcoming its first students in September 2026.