Studentship: Developing Consensus and Guidance for the Integration of Exotic Animal Medicine into the UK Undergraduate Veterinary Curriculum SCI3061

Course: MRes (Master’s Degree by Research) Veterinary Science

Principal supervisor: Dr. Vicky Strong

Other supervisors: Prof. Matyas Liptovszky

Background: Ownership of non-traditional companion animals (NTCAs) is increasing, but many exotic pets experience suboptimal health and welfare. Veterinarians can play a vital role in improving exotic pet welfare by educating owners on species-specific needs, advocating for responsible ownership, and promoting evidence-based husbandry and preventative healthcare. However, confidence among veterinarians in managing NTCA cases is low. A perceived lack of expertise in this area is also a barrier to owners accessing veterinary care for their exotic pets, and together these factors pose significant risks to animal health and welfare.

In the UK, undergraduate veterinary curricula are underpinned by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Day One Competences and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ (AAVMC) Competency-Based Veterinary Education framework. These intentionally broad frameworks reflect the need for graduates to demonstrate omnicompetence across the diverse species they may encounter in practice. The lack of explicit guidance for what constitutes day one competency for exotic animal medicine creates challenges for educators working within already complex curricula and has been identified as a barrier to student confidence in this area.

Project description: This project will develop consensus-based guidelines on day one competency for exotic animal medicine using mixed-methods research approaches.

Specifically, this project aims to:

• Establish expert consensus on the key species, knowledge, and clinical skills required for new graduates to practise exotic animal medicine in first-opinion settings.
• Capture pet owner perspectives using an “Ideas, Concerns and Expectations” focus group approach.
• Develop a structured NTCA competency framework aligned with the RCVS Day One Competences and AAVMC Competency-Based Veterinary Education framework.
• Produce practical curriculum guidance to support veterinary schools in integrating exotic animal teaching within existing resource and time constraints, ensuring that graduates are competent to manage exotic animal cases in first-opinion practice.
• As part of this project, you will gain mixed-methods research experience, including data collection and analysis using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Prior experience with qualitative research (eg, interviews, focus groups) is beneficial, but not essential. Training appropriate for the student will be provided.

This is a full time, 12-month research degree. Due to funding restrictions, the student must be available to begin on the start date stated below.

Further information and application:

Applicants must hold a recognised veterinary degree and be eligible for registration with the RCVS or be in the final stages of a veterinary degree programme leading to RCVS eligibility.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: vicky.strong1@nottingham.ac.uk

Candidates should apply online and include a CV. When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then MRes Veterinary Science (12 months) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.

Interview date: w/c 18^th May 2026

Start date: 1^st October 2026

Eligibility for funding: This is a fully funded studentship open to UK nationals. Fee status will be assessed upon application.

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