Summer graduation celebrates class of 2025

Undergraduate and postgraduate students have been celebrating their degree awards in summer ceremonies.

More than 150 students received their awards at two ceremonies held at the University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall. The events were live streamed for those who were unable to attend in person. 

Undergraduate veterinary students from the School were awarded the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) degrees on Saturday 5 July. 

They were followed on Tuesday 8 July by a cohort of postgraduate students who received their qualifications from within the portfolio of taught and research degrees. The majority of the School’s postgraduate students will receive their awards in the winter graduation later this year. 

Professional declaration

BVM&S graduates attending the celebration made their Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) declaration. The vocal promise, which all vets are required to make, secures membership to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and marks the right to practise  in the UK. 

In the declaration, graduates promise to pursue the work of their profession with integrity, to accept their responsibilities to the public, their clients, their profession and the RCVS, and to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care.

Declarations were overseen by Lizzie Locket, RCVS Chief Executive, and Professor Tim Parkin, RCVS Chair of the Education Committee. 

Prizegiving

The day before graduation, Professor Lisa Boden, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, welcomed more than 300 guests to the School’s Easter Bush Campus for an annual undergraduate prize-giving. The 2025 graduands were joined by friends and supporters at a drinks reception followed by the presentation of over 80 prizes for academic and sporting achievements. 

Honorary degree

The School celebrated an honorary award during graduations. The University conferred an honorary Degree of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery to Dr Christine Middlemass, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr Middlemass was appointed UK Chief Vet in 2017, having previously worked for the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs developing policy solutions to detect, assess and respond to new and emerging animal disease outbreaks on a national and international scale.