The programme primarily trains practice-oriented veterinarians, who take care of the health and wellbeing of animals. For companion animals and horses, the focus is on health care for the individual animal.. Here we see a similar evolution as in human healthcare, with deeper specialisation across various disciplines. In livestock, the aim is to produce healthy and safe food for human consumption. The emphasis is on herd and flock health and on disease prevention. Within a farming operation, the veterinarian primarily acts as a business advisor, for whom animal health and economics go hand in hand. Finally, within the framework of veterinary public health, the veterinarian fulfills an important role as a guardian of food safety.

• Bachelor

The first year of the Bachelor’s curriculum focuses on bringing the basic sciences up to university level. This is the purpose of course units such as Medical Physics, Inorganic and Bio-organic Chemistry. Mathematics does not feature as a separate course unit, but is integrated into the Medical Physics and Statistics course units instead. You acquire the basics of statistical data processing in veterinary research and you receive an introduction to ICT (information and communication technology). You will also study the different breeds and receive an introduction to animal behaviour and animal ethics. Throughout the year, you study the evolution, diversity, general anatomy and organ functions of domestic animals. Finally, the general principles of veterinary public health are discussed and you will develop clinical and professional skills.

The second year of the Bachelor’s curriculum continues with the study of the healthy animal. The study of anatomy is a direct preparation for the clinical course units in the Master’s curriculum. You gain insight into normal tissue and organ functions and you are introduced to what can go wrong at this level. You acquire in-depth knowledge of biochemical conversions in animal organisms. And in addition, you get acquainted with a second section of veterinary public health an clinical and professional skills. You acquire an understanding of molecular and general genetics, and of biosecurity and animal housing. Finally, the economic aspects of livestock farming and the general principles of veterinary public health are discussed. The second year concludes with an orientation internship.

The third bachelor year has a mainly paraclinical focus. You gain insight into general surgery, the various pathogens, animal nutrition and immunology. You study deviations from the normal constitution and bodily functions of various animal breeds. Basic insights into pharmacology, a third section of veterinary public health and an extension of your professional skills conclude the third year.

• Master

The first and second year of the Master’s curriculum thoroughly cover the entire spectrum of veterinary medicine. You study various diseases and disorders. In addition, there is a strong focus on the animal as a food source, veterinary rules and regulations and professional ethics. Halfway through the second Master’s year you will have a first curricular choice between companion animals, utility animals or horses. The third year, then offers you a choice in one of the three main subjects on offer (from 2029-30 onwards, there are 3 main subjects in the master). Depending on your choice of main subject you spend 17 (or more) weeks in one of our on-campus clinics (a combination of day, night and weekend shifts) and/or you embark on a work placement at a veterinary practice, or on company visits. Assignments in the context of the Master’s dissertation are staggered across the three years of the Master’s curriculum. You will be asked to perform a literature study, conduct your own research project, discuss a number of clinical case studies and to pass a theoretical as well as a practical clinical final exam. This makes up the fourth and last component of the Master's dissertation.

A Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine also grants access to Master's degrees other than the ones listed here. Take a look at the ‘After Graduation’ tab for a detailed overview.

The days when there were too many veterinarians are well behind us. Today, there are many vacancies in practice, in industry, and at research and government institutions, which means the unemployment rate among graduate veterinarians is exceptionally low. Thanks to the specific structure of the programme, every graduate veterinarian has completed the same broad foundational training while also acquiring more extensive theoretical and, above all, practical knowledge in a particular area. As a graduate, you can therefore go in any direction. Most veterinarians end up in practice. This is usually a group practice in which you work alongside several colleagues, often supported by veterinary assistants. You often work as a self-employed practitioner, but there are also (increasingly) veterinarians who work as salaried employees.

Continuing professional development is a must in order to keep up with the rapidly evolving veterinary practice. Thanks to your solid scientific training, in addition to clinical practice you can also pursue a career in scientific research (possibly after obtaining a PhD), in teaching (the Educational Master's programme in Health Sciences sharpens your pedagogical skills), in industry, and in diagnostic laboratories (e.g. developing vaccines and (veterinary) medicines, or working as a business advisor at animal feed companies). Working for the government (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, Diergezondheidszorg Vlaanderen, Animal Welfare, or the army) and for European or international government institutions is also among the possibilities. Your broad academic training guarantees an interesting career with plenty of flexibility!