Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (VetMD)

There are significant number of veterinarians carrying out research of a high standard in the course of their professional work for whom this degree provides the an opportunity to present their work and obtain a formal degree. There is no residency requirement and candidates working for the VetMD Degree would not necessarily be resident in Cambridge. Eligibility is restricted, but in general terms the candidate must have either a University of Cambridge degree and an approved veterinary degree or hold a University office or an unestablished appointment at the Cambridge Veterinary School in addition to an approved veterinary degree. No one can be registered for the degree until 5 years has elapsed from admission to the approved veterinary degree.

Applicants require the approval of the VetMD Committee before being formally registered as candidates for the degree and guide lines can be provided to this end.

Research projects undertaken for the degree would be designed to engage candidates' veterinary expertise and would build on their professional experience; the standard of work expected and the level of originality demanded would be high, and the examinations procedure will be vigorously administered, so as to ensure that work approved for the degree is genuinely of doctoral standard. The examination of the VetMD will consist of the submission of a thesis of the research work and an oral examination on the subject of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Potential applicants are strongly advised to make informal contact with members of the VetMD Committee prior to submitting a formal application. Approval for registration is strongly advised before embarking upon a body of work to ensure it is appropriate for the degree.

The application fee is currently £220 which is payable at the time of the application and the submission fee is currently £500 which is payable at the time of submission.

Informal inquires can be made to Dr Barbara Skelly, Secretary of the VetMD Committee, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES. Tel. 01223-337649, E-mail bjs1000@cam.ac.uk.