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Intercalated PhD-BVM&S Programme: a Discussion Paper
Background
The paucity of veterinary graduates who choose to enter research is widely
recognised. This was one of the conclusions of the Selbourne Report and was the
subject of discussion of a special meeting “Training and capacity building for animal
health research” convened by the Wellcome Trust in June, 2005. The small number
of research-active veterinary graduates needs to be set against the observation that the
broad nature of veterinary training uniquely equips these graduates for nearly any
aspect of biomedical research.
It is clear that veterinary graduates have special needs with respect to postgraduate
research training. The breadth of the curriculum for veterinary undergraduates means
that there is little opportunity for in-depth coverage of research techniques,
methodology or ethics. Partly in response to this problem the RDSVS has developed
an MVetSci programme, one of a portfolio of postgraduate programmes offered by
the Graduate School of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine at The University of
Edinburgh.
A major disincentive to potential veterinary-trained researchers is the length of time
needed to complete a veterinary training and a research training. A number of
American veterinary schools have tackled this problem by offering combined DVMPhD programmes, in which synergies between the two degrees are utilised to reduce
the number of years required to complete the programme.
The RDSVS receives an increasing number of requests for intercalated PhDs. This is
partly driven by the increasing recruitment of students from North America, where
such programmes are common.
A few BVM&S students have intercalated a PhD in recent years, following ad hoc
arrangements made at the time. The School now considers that the procedures should
be formalised and advertised to prospective students. This presents an opportunity to
re-examine the provision of research training to veterinarians and to explore the
options for an integrated, rather than intercalated programme.
Options
A working group convened in March 2007 came up with the below (8years total). JPB
April 2007
Other options have also been discussed (see SMR proposal below, 7 years total).
Currently the plan is to get this to College by Monday 19th November
for approval for 2008.
1) Intercalate a standard 3-year project between two years of the BVM&S.
BVM&S
1
BVM&S
2
BVM&S
3
PhD
1
PhD
2
PhD
3
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
Advantages
Disadvantages
Already in operation
Interrupted BVM&S studies
Requires no special arrangements
No time or financial advantage to the
student
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2) As (1), but taking advantage of the underpinning taught elements of the existing
MVetSci programme for the first year of the PhD.
BVM&S
1
BVM&S
2
BVM&S
3
MVetSci
(degree not
awarded)
PhD
2
PhD
3
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
Advantages
Disadvantages
Research-poor vet students would benefit
from training in molecular, statistical and
other lab techniques
Interrupted BVM&S studies
Requires only minor arrangements
No time or financial advantage to the
student
Students who changed their mind
halfway through the year could exit with
an MVetSci after 12 months
3) As (2), but the students return to years 4 and 5 of the BVM&S after completing the
first year of their PhD. They continue their research during the vacations and
“research track” module options, and during an extra year (or two) at the end of their
studies.
BVM&S
1
BVM&S
2
BVM&S
3
MVetSci
(degree not
awarded)
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
PhD
2
PhD 3
(optional)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Research-poor vet students would benefit
from training in molecular, statistical and
other lab techniques
Interrupted BVM&S studies
Time and financial advantage to the best
students, who could finish the combined
programme in less than 8 years
Requires major arrangements, including
simultaneous registration for more than
one degree
Students who changed their mind
halfway through the year could exit with
an MVetSci after 12 months
4) A combination of (3) and (4), where students finalise their decision part way
though the MVetSci programme.
BVM&S
1
BVM&S
2
BVM&S
3
MVetSci
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
MVetSci
PhD
2
PhD
3
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
BVM&S
4
BVM&S
5
PhD
2
(optional)
or
(degree not
awarded)
or
(degree not
awarded)
MVetSci
PhD 3
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Advantages
Disadvantages
As (3) and (4)
As (3) and (4)
Flexibility
More difficult to fund
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BVM&S/PhD (SMR, September 2007)
These models cut the study time to 7years total
POSSIBLE MODELS
Ph
D
Yr
5
Ph
D
Yr
5
PhD
Ph
D
Yr
5
Ph
D
Yr 4 – 60 credits
PhD
Yr 5
MVetSci
Yr 5
MVetSci
Ph
D
Yr4 – 60 credits
MVetSci
Yr4 – 60 credits
MVetSci
Yr 4 – 60 credits
YEAR 4
MVetSci
MVetSci
Yr4 – 60 credits
Yr4 – 60 credits
YEAR 3
YEAR 3
YEAR 3
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 2
YEAR 2
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
YEAR 1
YEAR 1
YEAR 1
Model A
Model B
Model C
Model D
PhD
Model A: Final year is spread over 2 years. The new final year is likely to be of the
order of 35-40 weeks in length but some of the expanded elective time could be
utilised for PhD studies. The core final year content would be covered over two years,
for example in two blocks of 10 weeks (depending on final decision regarding core
final year content).
Model B: PhD begins after the first semester of 4th year. Students then begin the PhD
in January and have a complete year of study before rejoining the BVM&S
curriculum for the second semester of 4th year the following academic year. They are
then on the BVM&S programme for the next 5 months before returning to PhD
studies which are competed during elective time in the new final year.
Models C/D: Variations allowing a final PhD year following completion of the
BVM&S programme.