The faculty is proud that knowledge generated through our research initiatives feature as cornerstones to the sustainable development of our country’s economy, while our primary animal health programmes are drivers of social development for rural small-scale farmers in South Africa. With the country being part of a global economy and its focus on international excellence, the faculty’s strategic aim is to continuously improve the quality and impact of our research to further our international recognition and continue to be acknowledged as such. In achieving our training and research mandate, the faculty is situated on its own campus in Onderstepoort to the north of Pretoria. The campus is host to five academic departments, three research centres, two research chairs, an extensive specialist hospital supported by a number of on-site diagnostic laboratories, and a major research station at the Kruger National Park.
For the last few years, in the subject field of veterinary science, the faculty has been globally ranked in the top 51-75 band of the only two independent global veterinary ranking systems as well as being ranked first in Africa. In achieving both the faculty’s notion of being a top veterinary school and aligned with the University of Pretoria’s Strategic Plan–2025, the faculty places emphasis on the quality of its research publications, as well as its master’s and doctoral graduates. The faculty has experienced an increase in the output of master’s and doctoral-level graduates during the past few years, in particular in our master’s programmes. We strive to give our students the best exposure in postgraduate veterinary education, which is facilitated in our numerous on-campus laboratories, our specialist referral hospital and our satellite research facility at the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park.
The faculty’s campus compares quite favourably with the best in the world. Here we promote an excellent study environment and enhance the academic experience of our students. Our quest remains to be perceived as a highly productive, world-class veterinary seat of excellence. We accept the local challenges of animal health, poverty and food security and strive to make an impact internationally with innovative research, collaboration and networking.
We look forward to welcoming you as a new postgraduate student.
Prof Vinny Naidoo
DEAN
