1,222 students have listed veterinary medicine as their first preference, data from the CAO shows.
That is according to the Central Applications Office – which processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions – that notes that some 3,793 applicants have mentioned veterinary medicine on their applications.
Last year, according to the office’s records, this discipline had 3,764 total mentions and 1,313 students’ first preference choice (a decline of 91 first preference choices).
UCD is Ireland’s only veterinary medicine school, with an average annual intake of 82 students.
The level 8 5-year degree has a practical experience requirement, which means that students must demonstrate that they have acquired at least 15 hours of practical experience relevant to animal handling within a specified time frame.
For this year’s (2022) applications, the time frame is between February 1st, 2019, and July 7th, 2022.
UCD requires students to obtain:
- H5 in chemistry;
- O6/H7 in English, Irish, Maths, a third language and one other recognised subject.
It states that biology at Leaving Cert-level is not required, but is “strongly” recommended.
Vets in Ireland
Earlier this month, we reported that the Veterinary Council of Ireland has welcomed 189 new vets and 82 new veterinary nurses to its register to date in 2022.
According to the body, the total number of vets and veterinary nurses on its register stands at 3,281 and 1,189.
It says registrations are “all-time high” in terms of the number of veterinary professionals working in Ireland.
Of the 189 newly registered vets, 54 were awarded their Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from UCD.
The remaining vets graduated from several schools of veterinary medicine abroad:
- Budapest University of Veterinary Science: 35 newly registered vets;
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences: 12 newly registered vets.
Vets from throughout Europe are eligible to register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland through the Professional Qualifications Directive.
This facilitates the free movement of veterinary practitioners within the EU through the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
