Increasing student numbers, welfare concerns and the decreasing availability of teaching animals were all factors that led, in 2015, to the establishment of the Clinical Skills Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Worldwide, there has been a dramatic shift in the way we teach clinical skills across veterinary curricula, leading to the development of veterinary-specific simulators and models. 

In the Clinical Skills Lab, students are able to practise repeatedly on commercial and in-house-produced veterinary training models and simulators, increasing both students' competence and confidence before they are exposed to live animals. Appropriate support is provided by instruction manuals, QR codes linked to YouTube videos and structured and unstructured practicals.

The Clinical Skills Laboratory provides an engaging, safe and stress-free learning environment where veterinary and veterinary nursing students can practice their clinical skills.