The University of Cambridge’s prestigious veterinary course could be stripped of its professional accreditation after regulators uncovered “ethical concerns” over animal euthanasia and mishandling of complaints from students who experienced racism and discrimination.
Investigators from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said Cambridge’s veterinary medicine course failed to meet 50 out of 77 standards, and the head of department warned students they may not be able to work in the UK without additional qualifications.
The RCVS said because of the “unusually high number of recommendations and concerns about the delivery of the Cambridge degree”, it could only grant temporary accreditation until a final review next September.
If enough improvement is not made, the RCVS could bar Cambridge’s course – ranked third in the UK by the Guardian’s university guide – from enrolling new students.
The team of investigators said isolation facilities for the veterinary medicine department’s larger animals were not fit for purpose and that ethical concerns had been raised by multiple sources about “automatically” putting down farm animals presenting with symptoms requiring isolation.
Students told the RCVS that their complaints were often ignored, with investigators noting “student reports of racism and concerns evidenced as not being taken seriously or explored effectively” and that “students were subjected to behaviour which undermines their resilience and self-confidence”.
The RCVS faulted the department for not taking action against discrimination experienced by students on work placements needed to qualify, known as extramural studies (EMS), and said some staff said it was “not their job” to follow up such reports.
The RCVS said: “Additionally, for placements where Black, Asian and students from ethnic minority groups have experienced discrimination, a ‘red flag’ is added to the placement on the EMS database alerting such students to avoid. Problematic placements are not removed from the database despite issues, which may validate discriminatory behaviour in the eyes of other students.”
It also noted students “being warned that they were making too many complaints, and reports of students being encouraged not to pursue complaints formally”.
In an email to students this week, Prof Mark Holmes, the head of department for veterinary medicine, said the possibility of losing RCVS accreditation was “deeply concerning”, with students having to pass further statutory exams to work as UK veterinary surgeons.
Holmes and Prof Jon Simons, Cambridge’s acting head of biological sciences, said: “To address the serious issues raised, the university will immediately bring in external expertise to support the department of veterinary medicine and help lead the intensive work required over the coming months.
“The department has been acting on the recommendations since being informed in the summer and this work will now be accelerated. The RCVS noted strong research-led and clinical teaching, which we provide to excellent students, so there is a strong foundation from which to meet these recommendations.
“While we recognise the RCVS report will cause concern, it is important to be clear that we remain accredited. We will do everything we can reasonably do to support students to complete their course and receive full accreditation.”
A spokesperson for the RCVS said: “At the next visitation in September 2025, a panel will consider the evidence submitted and then a decision will be made on the future status of the degree.”
The inspection also found “wide-ranging concerns” ranging from bald tyres on vehicles and biohazards in storage to a lack of stable leadership. The report called on the department to ensure that all teachers receive “quality-assured training” and said it should “standardise its approach” to resolving student grievances.
It also criticised the department for gaps in attainment and progression rates for students from ethnic minorities or disadvantaged groups, and for failing to provide students with targeted additional support.
