Life at the RVC
Studying at the RVC is a fantastic opportunity to learn about animals and develop your career. But what's it really like? Find out here...
Daily life
Students at the RVC study their subjects through a mix of lectures, practical lessons, group projects and even experiencing clinical work (e.g. in our animal hospitals). Around study times they enjoy social events, sports clubs and more. There are lots of different kinds of people to meet, ways to learn, and social activities to take part in, so everyone can find the right opportunities for them! We're even part of the University of London, so as well as the RVC clubs and events, you could take part in bigger ones with students all across London. See the for what our students are up to right now.
Listen to current students tell their stories about starting at RVC, and what made them feel welcome and at home. There is also lots of information about what we do to support students, from money advice to access needs, inclusive events, and being there to listen!
A group of RVC students run , to promote diverse role models and encourage people from all backgrounds to study veterinary and animal science. Their website has lots of tips, resources and experiences all from the students themselves - or see what they're up to .
Campuses
Camden Campus (Central London)
The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ is made up of two campuses; the Camden Campus, which houses the first two years of the BVetMed course, the Gateway year, and the majority of the Biological Sciences students. Next door is the .
Hawkshead Campus (Hertfordshire)
The Hawkshead campus has a more ‘countryside’ setting, near Potters Bar, north of London. Here the final three years of the vet degrees are carried out, as well as the full vet nursing degrees, and some Biological Sciences. Here we have the (the largest small-animal referral hospital in Europe), and , where we teach all about livestock animals.
Travelling between the campuses
Getting between the two campuses is a simple 15-minute direct train from Kings Cross to Potters Bar, where a free shuttle bus collects students on a regular schedule: dropping off at the campus, the farm, a big Tesco and even a local gym.
Courses
The RVC is known around the world as a centre of excellence in teaching animal science. You can learn more about the different options below, and download our undergraduate prospectus here. Then look at Applying to the RVC after you have selected your course.
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (5 years)
To be able to practice as a Vet, you would need to take either this course, or the Veterinary Gateway course below. For detailed information about the course and entry requirements click here.
Learn more about what this course is like:
What the curriculum covers:
Hear from some of our students, and their experiences of the degree:
Veterinary Gateway (1 year before the BVetMed course)
This course recognises that some students with the capacity to be fantastic vets, may not be able to achieve the entry requirements for BVetMed, due to their personal circumstances. Gateway is an additional year before the BVetMed course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to study veterinary medicine: from communication and problem solving skills, to handling and care of farm animals. To find out more about the course and the Entry Requirements, click here.
Hear from some of our students, and their experiences of the course:
Veterinary Nursing (3 or 4 years)
These courses qualify you to work as a Veterinary Nurse, covering clinical skills, diagnostic techniques and applied science. You can study either the Foundation (FdSc) 3 year degree, or add on an additional year carrying out research in an area of clinical interest in the 4 year BSc.
Biological Sciences (3 or 4 years)
These degrees train you as a scientist, and lead to a wide variety of careers. They all follow the same modules for the first two years, to learn the core of animal science, then each one specialises - see below for examples:
Hear from a student on the Bioveterinary Science course:
Hear from a student on the ABBWE course:
| BSc | Biological Sciences | 3 years | Our biological sciences courses follow a ‘Pathway’ approach: all courses learn together during their first and second years, to give an understanding of the fundamentals of animal science. Then each course specialises and has modules designed around your interests. |
| Bioveterinary Sciences | 3 years | ||
| Animal Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics | 3 years | ||
| Wildlife Health | 3 years | ||
| Biological Sciences with a certificate in work-based learning | 4 years | During this course you take a year out (usually your third year) to develop your work place skills and expertise. | |
| Bioveterinary Sciences with a certificate in work-based learning | 4 years | ||
| MSci | Biological Sciences | 4 years | The MSci’s focus on scientific methods and analysis which will prepare you for a PhD or career in research. They include a research project and taught module undertaken at the RVC. |
| Bioveterinary Sciences | 4 years | ||
| Wildlife Health | 4 years | ||
| Biological Sciences in Applied Research | 4 years | These include a fourth-year research project undertaken within an industry setting (applying your knowledge) as well as a distance learning module in advanced research methods. | |
| Bioveterinary Sciences in Applied Research | 4 years |
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