Major coup for university most popular with Laois school leavers

South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to be selected to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme, marking a significant milestone for both the University and the future of veterinary education in the region.

The university which operates mainly at Carlow and Waterford welcomed the announcement of SETU's selection as a location for for a veterinary school at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. 

SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, said it as a significant vote of confidence in the university’s vision for the future.

“Veterinary medicine is a highly sought-after programme of relevance to our region that will attract top talent from the south east and beyond. As the only university in the region, SETU is delighted to be chosen to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme,” she said.

SETU say the announcement aligns with SETU’s strategic plan and significantly builds on the University’s established expertise in agricultural sciences, bolstered by a 50-year partnership with Teagasc at Kildalton College in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.

Prof Campbell thanked the Government and the HEA as well as public representatives for their support.

“SETU is now poised to deliver an innovative veterinary medicine degree that prepares students for the realities of veterinary practice in rural Ireland. Our distributed model of clinical teaching, where students will complete their clinical rotations in practices across the south east, will be transformative for both the University and the region,” the SETU President said.

Prof Campbell praised a large team across SETU worked tirelessly on the application.

“We very much look forward to bringing this programme to fruition and are actively working towards accreditation from the Veterinary Council of Ireland with the inclusion of the new programme in the CAO listing in 2025/26 to provide for an annual intake of 40 students. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

In the lead-up to South East Technological University’s (SETU) selection to provide a new veterinary programme, SETU and Teagasc Kildalton College hosted Veterinary Ireland for an informative tour of the Piltown college’s facilities. Pictured were Prof. Veronica Campbell, SETU President, Tim Ashmore, College Principal of Teagasc Kildalton College, and representatives of Veterinary Ireland. Photograph by Mary Browne, Browne’s Photography

“We would also like to congratulate Atlantic Technological University (ATU) on their successful application to introduce a veterinary programme to the north-west region. This milestone paves the way for future collaboration between our universities. Together, we can advance veterinary education, research, and practice across Ireland, while addressing the needs of rural and agricultural communities nationwide. We look forward to the collaborative opportunities that lie ahead.,” she said.

Meanwhile, SETU has also been shortlisted as a potential new provider of pharmacy education with a Government decision expected shortly. “We are confident that our strong application for pharmacy is also approved and that SETU can contribute to the skills requirements of the health sector and vibrant pharma industry of the region,” said Prof. Campbell.

Both SETU campuses attracted hundreds of Laois undergraduate and postgraduate students annually when they were institutes of technology. SETU continues to the most popular third level choice for Laois leaving certs.