There are a significant number of veterinarians carrying out research of a high standard in the course of their professional work for whom this degree provides an opportunity to present their work and obtain a formal degree. Eligibility is restricted, as the candidate must have either a University of Cambridge degree and an approved veterinary degree or hold an appointment at the Cambridge Veterinary School in addition to an approved veterinary degree. Research projects undertaken for the degree should be designed to build on candidates' veterinary expertise and professional experience. The standard of work expected and the level of originality demanded is high, and the examinations procedure ensures that work is genuinely of doctoral standard. Examination of the VetMD consists of the submission of a thesis of the research work and an oral examination on the subject of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls. The examination of the VetMD consists of the submission of a thesis of the research work and an oral examination on the subject of the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls. The thesis must be no longer than 60,000 words. These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. The thesis cannot be submitted until four years have elapsed since the date of the candidate's admission to their approved veterinary degree.