More than 3,000 first-year students are preparing to begin their studies at South East Technological University this September.

This year’s intake will include the first students to study Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy at SETU.

Both courses will welcome an inaugural class of 40 students, marking the introduction of the two professional programmes to the university.

The MVB in Veterinary Medicine and integrated Master of Pharmacy are both five-year degrees.

SETU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Derek O’Byrne said the arrival of the two programmes represents a significant development for higher education in the region.

He said the courses will add to SETU’s existing professional degree offerings, which include Law, Engineering, Business, Architecture and Psychology.

Students joining the university this year will study across its campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford.

SETU has also confirmed that a limited number of courses remain open through the CAO Available Places facility.

Places are available across a selection of programmes in areas including Arts, Product Design, Business, Computing and Early Years Education.

Dr O’Byrne said the facility provides another option for students who are still considering their choices following the release of CAO offers.