Accreditation

The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) accredits the School’s undergraduate degrees in Marine & Freshwater Biology, Veterinary Biosciences and Zoology.

Following virtual and in-person accreditation visits in 2021 and 2022, the School currently holds accredied status from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK, and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (ESEVT of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) in the EU.

Furthermore, RCVS accreditation ensures Glasgow veterinary graduates are licensed to work in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, as well as South Africa.

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.

Performance of graduating students in the North American Veterianry Licensing Exam (NAVLE) is an important consideration for accreditation, with a pass rate of >80% required for accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education (under Standard 11 - Outcomes Assessment).

Following a drop in the School’s NAVLE pass rate in 2021/22 and 2022/23, we are delighted to report the pass rate for 2024/25 was 82% and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (Council) has confirmed that the School has formally returned to full accreditation status for the remainder of the current accreditation cycle. Our next assessment and site visit is due in 2028.

We always have, and will continue to, provide support for students who wish to sit the NAVLE. Following the drop in the NAVLE pass rate we reassessed and strengthened this support. We now 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
  • 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
  • Students attend a NAVLE study block

As of 2025/26 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.

See COE Accreditation policies and procedures classifications for further information on accreditations status, eligibility for the NAVLE examination and licensure in the USA and Canada.