Accreditation

The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) accredits the School’s undergraduate degrees in Zoology and Marine & Freshwater Biology. The Veterinary Biosciences degree is also in the process of gaining RSB accreditation.

Following virtual and in person accreditation visits in 2021 and 2022, the School currently holds accreditation status from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). 

The Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) from Glasgow is also recognised by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

Glasgow has been accredited by the AVMA Council on Education since 1999.  All Schools undergo accreditation assessment every seven years; our last assessment was in 2021, at which we were confirmed with full accreditation, our next assessment and site visit is due in 2028.

Performance of graduating students in the NAVLE is an important consideration for accreditation, with a pass rate of >80% required for accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education.  Historically, the School's NAVLE pass rate has consistently been above 80% (2018/19 – 85%, 2019/20 – 88%, 2020/21 – 88%).  Like many other schools, the pass rate has dropped over the last two years during/post-pandemic (2021/22 – 67%, 2022/23 - 62%). This means that the School has been put on probationary accreditation. 

Probationary accreditation is not an adverse decision and does not affect the degree status of current students and graduates.

We have always provided support for students who wish to sit the NAVLE, and as we move forward we have plans in place to provide increased levels of support. Through these efforts we anticipate that the NAVLE scores will improve for 2024 and beyond and a return to >80% will mean no impact on enrolled students.

We have 4 members of staff allocated to provide support to students intending to sit the NAVLE. Active support from this team is initiated in year 3 of the BVMS programme.

All students wishing to sit the NAVLE are provided with:

  • Funded access to Vet Prep and/or Zuku review NAVLE preparation packages both pre- and post-graduation as needed
  • Funded access to ICVA self-assessment exams
  • Individual review meetings
  • Guidance around optimal preparation for and decision on timing of NAVLE attempts
  • Dedicated support resources

As of 2024 we will also be employing the ICVA Veterinary Education Assessment (VEA) from year 3 to help assess students' state of knowledge relative to their preparation for the NAVLE.