Yang Wu – MSc Equine Science, Class of 2026

A new challenge

Taking the MSc Equine Science programme was about more than developing knowledge of horses. It was a personal challenge.

"I was curious about my ability to study a scientific subject in English but quickly found I was thoroughly enjoying my studies. The platform was nicely designed, and the faculty members were very patient and responsive to questions."

As the three-year programme progressed, so did Yang's belief in her ability to tackle a demanding subject.

"I could feel myself evolve academically, which made me more confident for the dissertation year."

Inspiration

While studying, Yang became aware of something that surprised her.

She started paying closer attention to the veterinary professionals she encountered at various stables and discovered that equine vets were relatively rare, with many vets drawing on their experience with other species.

"So the adventurous idea of going to vet school came to me."

Finding the pathway

"I did my homework on possible vet schools and Edinburgh looked really nice."

Yang contacted the School’s Undergraduate Admissions team and was directed towards an event for prospective students in Beijing. This turned out to be an important meeting, with a small surprise.

"I was the only one who turned up to that event that evening."

Yang met Professor Gurå Bergkvist, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, and discussed her academic and professional background and her ambitions for veterinary medicine. The professor suggested applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery’s Graduate Entry Programme (BVM&S GEP).

"I followed the suggestion, and here I am."

The Dick Vet family

Studying MSc Equine Science had already given Yang a connection with the School, but being an online student naturally felt different to being on campus.

Bryony Lancaster, Equine Science Programme Director, was influential in helping Yang transition to on-campus study by introducing her to another student on the programme who was also considering applying to veterinary school.

The pair stayed in touch by email for more than a year before finally meeting in person.

"Online is an unconventional way of connection for me, but I enjoyed it very much. My excellent experience on the MSc programme was the reason that the only vet school I applied for was the Dick Vet. I feel I’m part of a big family."

Online to campus

Now an on-campus student, Yang has found similarities and differences to online study.

"Teaching resources were always accessible, but now they are tangible. And my classmates are too! I have access to the School buildings on campus, but also in the city as well, which makes a big difference when I want to study in the evenings or weekends."

The nature-based, animal-friendly environment was one of the things that attracted Yang to Edinburgh. Having now experienced it first-hand, the reality lives up to those expectations.

"The city and the School are everything I hoped for, if not better. Edinburgh is so beautiful, and so is the School."

Looking ahead

Yang hopes to make the most of the opportunities available within the veterinary degree before returning to China.

"I want to become an equine vet. I intend to leverage the School networks to gain first-hand equine experience in the UK or EU, and eventually return to China to help the horses there."

What began with a single encounter with a horse has become a new career ambition: to become an equine vet and bring that expertise home.

We wish Yang all the very best in her studies and look forward to watching her journey continue.