The Veterinary Surgeons (Recognition of University Degree) (Harper and Keele) Order of Council 2025
This Order in Council officially recognizes the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) degree jointly conferred by Harper Adams University and the University of Keele, thereby establishing that holders of this degree meet the necessary standards to become registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, provided they meet the prescribed procedural and fee requirements.
Arguments For
Establishes official accreditation for a new joint veterinary degree, ensuring graduate competence is guaranteed through Privy Council endorsement.
Allows graduates of the joint Harper Adams/Keele BVetMS program to automatically qualify for membership and registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Fulfills the regulatory requirement under section 3(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to recognize suitable veterinary qualifications after consulting the RCVS.
Provides clarity and legal status to the qualification, vital for professional practice across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Arguments Against
The decision was made without a full impact assessment, which might obscure minor, unforeseen regulatory burdens on existing veterinary practices or educational bodies.
The Order depends on future fee and procedural compliance set by the RCVS under separate regulations (Section 11 of the 1966 Act), creating a reliance on another body's ongoing regulatory framework.
The Order applies to a specific, joint institutional arrangement, potentially setting a precedent that requires further detailed assessment if other universities seek similar joint degree recognitions in the future.
At the Council Chamber, Whitehall, the 13th day of October 2025
By the Lords of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council
Harper Adams University and the University of Keele are universities in the United Kingdom providing courses of study and examinations leading to the joint award of a veterinary degree.
It appears to the Privy Council, after consultation with the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, that the courses of study and examinations are sufficient to guarantee that holders of the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) jointly conferred by Harper Adams University and the University of Keele will have acquired the knowledge and skill needed for the efficient practice of veterinary surgery.
The following Order is made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
The document records the proceedings of the Privy Council on October 13, 2025, at Whitehall.
It establishes that both Harper Adams University and the University of Keele offer a joint veterinary degree program.
Following consultation with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Privy Council deems the joint curriculum sufficient to ensure graduates possess the necessary skills for veterinary surgery practice.
This recognition is formally enacted using powers granted under section 3(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Citation, commencement and extent
1.
(1) This Order may be cited as the Veterinary Surgeons (Recognition of University Degree) (Harper and Keele) Order of Council 2025.
(2) This Order comes into force on 5th November 2025.
(3) This Order extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This section specifies the formal name of the legislation: the Veterinary Surgeons (Recognition of University Degree) (Harper and Keele) Order of Council 2025.
The order becomes legally effective on November 5, 2025.
Its jurisdiction covers all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Recognition of university degree
2.
The content: Anyone on whom Harper Adams University and the University of Keele jointly confer the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) is qualified to be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and is, on application in the manner and on payment of the fee prescribed by regulations of the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons made under section 11 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, entitled to be registered in the Register of Veterinary Surgeons and on so being registered becomes a member of that College.
This section grants official recognition to the joint BVetMS degree awarded by the two named universities.
Graduates receiving this specific joint degree automatically qualify for membership in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
To complete this, graduates must formally apply, follow the prescribed procedure, and pay the fee established by the RCVS under separate regulations derived from the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which leads to registration as a veterinary surgeon.
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