Cyprus’ first Veterinary Medicine Programme to be launched next September by the University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia (UNIC) announced today the launch in September 2022 of the first Veterinary Programme (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM) in Cyprus. Evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (DIPAE), the programme ensures the recognition of the title not only by all EU/EEA countries but globally as well. The five-year programme (300 ECTS) will be offered in English.

The Dean of UNIC Medical School Professor Andreas Charalambous, in 2017, initiated the planning of the programme encouraged by the successful model and philosophy of the Medical School and the research synergies between human and animal health. The DVM curriculum espouses the concept of “One Health” which is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.

To ensure excellence, and the highest quality education, which includes practical training from the first year of study, an International Advisory Committee (IAC) has been established with leading academics from Veterinary Schools in the United States, Europe and Israel. The teaching staff to the programme is composed of renowned academics and clinicians from Cyprus and abroad. In addition, the relationship of the Veterinary School with research and professional bodies in the sector, such as the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, will create the right conditions to support and strengthen veterinary medicine in Cyprus.

The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, emphasized the importance of the new School for UNIC “since 2011 the University of Nicosia established an excellent example of success in the field of medical education, through the creation of the first Medical School. Building on this high level of educational excellence, the University of Nicosia is pioneering again by establishing the first School of Veterinary Medicine in Cyprus, offering a degree in Veterinary Medicine in our country.”

During his speech at the press conference, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Costas Kadis, stressed the importance of veterinary science, noting “The foundation of the Veterinary School of the University of Nicosia is a highly important development for the education sector of the country, as it places Cyprus on the world map of veterinary education, with consecutive benefits at the scientific, economic and social levels. In parallel, it contributes to the achievement of the target to upgrade the Cyprus Tertiary Education.”

The Dean of the newly established School of Veterinary Medicine is Stavros Malas, Professor of Genetics at UNIC.  He stated that “the close synergies between the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Medical School, and other Departments of the University of Nicosia related to the health sector, create an ideal academic ecosystem at the University of Nicosia. In this context, we can offer our students a comprehensive education in Veterinary Medicine, which meets all the needs of the modern world.”

The Programme and Department Director Professor Michael Herrtage, former Dean of the University of Cambridge Veterinary School stated that “the programme is based on international standards of veterinary education and provides the graduates with all the academic and clinical expertise they will require. At the same time, graduates will acquire all the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow them to continue their career in any veterinary specialty they choose to follow.”

About the University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia is one of the world’s top universities. It offers more than 100 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programmes. Its more than 14,000 students come from over 100 countries. The high level of education at the University of Nicosia, as well as its international orientation, are reflected in the rankings of the most important global universities. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, the University of Nicosia is in the top 3% of the world’s universities, 601-800.

Find more about the newly established School of Veterinary Medicine here.