Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed) programme offers world-leading scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. This exciting course builds on our extensive veterinary history, and takes a fresh approach in bringing together technological change, clinical and scientific progress, and stimulating teaching and learning methods.
You will gain a thorough understanding of the science underpinning veterinary practice and research, and develop fundamental problem solving, communication and team-working skills. In our busy RVC hospitals and collaborative practices, you will gain the broadest and best possible practical experience.
This comprehensive programme will help you acquire an understanding of the basic biological principles of normal body function and disease, and the ability to distinguish the pathological from the normal, to prevent disease and safely manage the processes of animal production. You will also explore opportunities to further veterinary knowledge through research, and develop the expertise to diagnose and treat disease and alleviate suffering along with the professional skills you need to work and communicate effectively in practice.
In the first two years, you will primarily be based at the Camden Campus studying basic veterinary sciences, acquiring introductory skills in handling and examining horses, farm animals and companion animals as well as developing your communication and team working skills. In your third, fourth and fifth year you will mainly be based at our Hawkshead Campus where you will acquire knowledge and practical skills in clinical science necessary for you to participate fully in clinical practice at the RVC, collaborative practices, and in private veterinary practice.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine course is delivered across both of our campuses. You will spend the first two years primarily based at our Camden Campus, before being based at the Hawkshead Campus in the latter years.
Adam Robbins, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
I love that within the spiral curriculum you revisit strands regularly so you are constantly adding to your knowledge the further you get along the course. I also enjoy the number of opportunities which are open to you as an RVC student. Being a student here teaches you so much more than how to be a vet and lets you explore and get involved with whatever makes you happy.
There are so many sports and societies to join which really is what gives RVC the community feel that it has. I joined the RVC Boat Club when I joined the university (having never even thought about rowing before) and it really has been what has made my first 3 years here so great.
Sarah Lewis, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
I knew upon arrival that RVC was the place for me. I was honoured to have had the chance to attend the Pre-Vet Summer School and would recommend every student interested in veterinary medicine to attend.
This past year I worked the Pre-Vet Summer School as a student ambassador and had the unique opportunity to experience the program from a different perspective. I am proud of what I have accomplished at the RVC and I owe it to the very first day I arrived on campus for the Pre-Vet Summer School program.
Accreditation
We were the first veterinary school in the world to achieve full accreditation by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and full recognition by the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), as well as a reciprocal arrangement between the RCVS and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC). Currently we hold full recognition or accreditation from RCVS, AVBC, AVMA and EAEVE.
What does this mean for you? It means that when you graduate in veterinary medicine at the RVC, you will be qualified to practise in Europe, North America and many Asian and African countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand – a real advantage for those looking to develop an international career.
Sign up to hear more from RVC
If you’re interested in studying this course, and would like to stay informed, sign up to our RVC For Me mailing list to receive relevant information about upcoming events, students stories and life at the Royal Veterinary College.
Our BVetMed programme is a strand-based course that follows a ‘spiral’ curriculum. This means that key concepts are presented repeatedly to you as you progress through the course, at deepening levels of complexity and in different contexts.
The progression of knowledge and understanding from preclinical basic concepts to clinical knowledge and reasoning skills is achieved by revisits to each strand at different stages of the course.
For example, when learning about the kidney, you will learn basic anatomy and physiology during the preclinical phase of the course and then learn about the common diseases of the kidney and how they are diagnosed and treated during the clinical phase. This is then enriched by working with animal patients presented with kidney disease in our first opinion and referral hospitals, or other practices, during clinical rotations and extra-mural rotations.
In Year 4 and 5 of the course, you will undertake intramural clinical rotations. These rotations will focus on:
- Observation, discussion and practical experience as a member of the clinical team in the College’s hospitals, and in clinical enterprises in which the College is a collaborating partner
- Placements in veterinary practices
- Attendance at lectures, seminars and workshops
- Completion of a major research project
The curriculum is currently undergoing review; these pages will be updated as more information becomes available. Information provided is for a general indication based on current course.
The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments. The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments. AHEMS is undertaken during the first two years (pre-clinical years) of the programme. AHEMS placements are designed to help you consolidate your learning about animal husbandry, develop animal handling skills, and learn about animal industries. You must complete 12 weeks of AHEMS before entry to Year 3 of the course, comprising: ClinEMS is the time dedicated to gaining practical clinical experience in the latter years of your veterinary medicine programme to support your learning and clinical experience gained in the College’s animal hospitals. ClinEMS will allow you to gain experience in a variety of different clinical and other veterinary-related organisations, where you will consolidate your learning about diagnosis and management of animal diseases, enhance your practical clinical skills, and acquire greater understanding of how veterinary organisations operate. You will undertake ClinEMS placements in your third, fourth and fifth years of the BVetMed programme, totalling 26 weeks of placements.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Animal Husbandry Extra-Mural Studies (AHEMS)
Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS)
Learning
This course is delivered through whole-class lectures, small group tutorials, group work in directed learning classes, computer-assisted learning, demonstrations, practical work in laboratory and dissection classes, practical classes utilising live animals, directed and self-directed reading, directed and self-directed practice in the Clinical Skills Centre, self-evaluation, animal husbandry placements, placements in veterinary practices, and production of project reports.
Self-directed learning
Outside of your timetabled lectures and practical sessions, you are expected to undertake self-directed learning. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.
Teaching staff
The RVC has three outstanding academic and clinical departments. Lecturers in each department are not only world-class researchers and clinicians who are passionate about their field; they are highly qualified teaching professionals. All RVC students are assured teaching of the highest standard.
Assessment and feedback
The curriculum is currently undergoing review; these pages will be updated as more information becomes available. Information provided is for a general indication based on current course.
In the final year of your course, your assessment will comprise:
- Assessment of knowledge, problem solving and professional behaviour on clinical rotations
- Examination of practical skills through OSCEs (objective structure clinical examinations)
- Completion of a 4000-word research project
- Written examination testing clinical and professional decision making
You should fulfill our requirements in each of the following areas to be considered for interview:
Academic qualifications
The standard academic requirements for entry to the BVetMed programme are outlined below.
A Levels
AAA in three A Level subjects:
- Biology at grade A
- Chemistry at grade A
- A third subject of your choice*
We also require a 'pass' in the science practical for each subject, where taking the English curriculum.
Contextual Offers
Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click here.
*The third A Level subject should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry, and cannot be General Studies.
We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations.
- A* grades are not required and predictions for A* will not give advantage at selection or offer stage over applicants predicted A.
- There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.
- Restrictions apply to re-sits to all qualifications - see ’FAQ' tab.
See additional GCSE requirements below.
Welsh, Scottish and Irish Applicants
Welsh Baccalaureate
Applicants who achieve the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with grade A will be accepted with two A Levels:
- Biology at grade A
- Chemistry at grade A
Please also see notes under the 'A Levels' tab above.
Contextual Offers
Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
Advanced Highers at grades AA in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
In addition to 5 Highers at AAAAB grades including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
and at least National 5* grade B in:
- English
- Mathematics
* If you have bypassed one or more of these subjects at National 5, you will need this subject/grade at Highers level.
Contextual Offers
Offers of AB in Biology and Chemistry will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology and Chemistry. H1 required in one of these sciences.
Minimum O3 is required in:
- English
- Mathematics
International Baccalaureate
666 at Higher Level including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- A third subject of your choice
Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score.
There is no third subject which is preferred or gives any special advantage in the selection process.
See additional GCSE requirements below.
Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to the IB Diploma, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:
- EITHER MYP Mathematics (standard or extended) OR SL Mathematics Analysis and approaches OR SL Mathematics Applications and interpretation.
- SL English A (or grade 6 in English B)
Diplomas and Further Certificates (including Access and L3 Extended Diploma)
Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)
It is expected that applicants undertaking the Access to HE Diploma will normally be returning to education after a period of at least three years absence. If have extenuating circumstances which mean you do not fulfil this please contact the Admissions team on admissions@rvc.ac.uk before you submit your application.
Diplomas must be Science-based and include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction. You must achieve at least Merit in all other graded Level 3 credits.
See the Access to Higher Education website to search for possible courses in your area.
SWAP Access to Medical Studies(Scotland)
You must complete the “SWAP Access to Medical Studies” course and achieve a Pass overall. You must achieve AAA in the three graded components of the course – Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics with at least 80% in each subject.
Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine
Distinctions must be achieved in the Chemistry and Biology modules.
See the Birkbeck website for further details.
Level 3 Extended Diploma
Applied Generals
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science / Applied Science (Biomedical Science): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Principles and Applications of Science I (90)
- Principles and Applications of Science II (120)
- Science Investigation Skills or Contemporary Issues in Science (120)
- Two of: Applications of Organic Chemistry; Applications of Inorganic Chemistry; Practical Chemical Analysis (120)
In addition:
For Applied Science: at least three units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved.
For Applied Science (Biomedical Science): at least four units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved in three of them.
Tech Levels
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science*): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Biological Systems of Animals
- Synoptic Assessment (1)
- Synoptic Assessment (2)
- Theory Exam (2)
- Undertake Investigative Project in the Land-Based Industries
*Please ensure that you are enrolled on the correct pathway - you must be on the Science pathway and taking the mandatory Science pathway modules listed in this document:
https://www.cityandguilds.com/-/media/productdocuments/land_based_services/animal_management/0172/0172_level_3/animal_management/centre-documents/0172-33-l3-adv-tech-ext-dip-in-animal-management-qhb-1080-v4-10-september2023-pdf.ashx
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080)**: D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Animal Biology (120)
- Animal Breeding and Genetics (120)
- Animal Welfare and Ethics (120)
- Practical Skills in Animal Science (60)
- Animal Metabolism (60)
- Advanced Animal Nutrition (60)
- Investigative Research Project (60)
**Previously, only the Science pathway was accepted. In light of this no longer being available, please note the unit requirements carefully as not all colleges deliver what were previously mandatory units.
Level 3 Extended Diploma (unreformed syllabus)
Pearson Applied Science (2010 syllabus) QCF
D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Physiology of Human Body Systems AND/OR Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques AND/OR Chemistry for Biology Technicians
- Biomedical Science Techniques AND/OR Chemical Laboratory Techniques
- Using Statistics in Science AND/OR Informatics in Science
Pearson Animal Management (2010 syllabus) QCF
D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:
- Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Understand the Principles and Carry Out the Practice of Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Understand the Principles of Inheritance and Genetic Manipulation
- Fundamentals of Science
- Chemistry for Biology Technicians OR Understand the Principles of Chemistry for Biological and Medical Science
Cambridge Pre-U
Distinctions (D3 or higher) in three Principal Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- A third subject of your choice
There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.
Applications are welcome from those who meet our science requirements and are taking a combination of A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U. Offers will be made on an individual basis, depending on the combinations.
T-Levels
We have considered the programme specifications and assessment materials for the T-level subjects currently available and these do not provide suitable preparation the degrees that we offer at the RVC. We are therefore currently unable to accept T-levels as entry qualifications to any of our courses.
As further T Level subjects are introduced the specifications will be reviewed and, if they are suitable for entry to the RVC, they will be added to the lists of acceptable qualifications.
GCSE (only in addition to other qualifications)
At least five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) including:
- 7-7 in Combined Science/AA in Science (Double Award) or Biology and Chemistry or Science and Additional Science.
with at least a grade 6 (B) in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click here.
Welsh applicants
Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
International and EU Applicants
For advice on the acceptability of your qualifications please send details, referring to each of the required subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and English) to admissions@rvc.ac.uk
For more information useful to international applicants, please go to the International students section.
North America
College students attending a US or Canadian university must apply through the VMCAS application system and will be considered for both the four-year Graduate Accelerated BVetMed and the five-year BVetMed programme. For more information see here. Please note that different deadlines apply to the VMCAS system.
High school students may only apply to the five-year BVetMed programme through UCAS, with the entry requirements as follows:
USA
High school graduation:
We will accept any the following combination:
- Graduate High School with at least four full-year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 5544 including Biology and Chemistry both at grade 5. Please note you must be taking official AP exams, not just the classes.
ACT Test:
We will accept either of the following combinations:
- ACT score of 28 in English and Maths (including Writing test) plus AP Biology and Chemistry exams at Grade 5;
- ACT score of 28 in English and Maths (including Writing test) plus IB Higher Level certificates in Biology and Chemistry at Grade 6.
The RVC's institution code for College Board to be used when sending your results is 7970.
The RVC's College Code to be used when sending your ACT results is 8180
Please contact us for the previous SAT requirements, if you sat these prior to the qualification being discontinued.
Canada
As there are regional differences, please contact Admissions for province-specific requirements. British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario are shown below as a guide:
British Columbia
Pass the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation with five academic grade 12 courses including Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A 85% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 85% in Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions). Grade 11 Biology or Life Sciences will normally be expected.
Alberta
Pass the Alberta High School Diploma with five academic grade 12 courses including Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A 85% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 85% in Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions). Grade 11 Biology or Life Sciences will normally be expected.
Ontario
Pass the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 'U' courses including Biology and Chemistry. A 85% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 85% in Biology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions).
Québec
Pass the Diplôme d’Etudes Collègiales with five academic grade 12 courses including Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. An 85% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 85% in Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions). Grade 11 Biology or Life Sciences will normally be expected.
Caribbean
Obtain Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) unit 2 grades of I, I, I (one, one, one) in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject, in addition to Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) grade II (two) in English A, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.
Europe
Where an English grade is not specified, applicants will need to meet one of our accepted English Language qualifications. Where not specified, applicants must also demonstrate they have studied Mathematics to the equivalent standard of GCSE grade B.
European Baccalaureate
Pass the Baccalaureate with 85% overall, and 8.5 in elective Biology and Chemistry. 7.5 required in Maths. 7 in L1 English is an accepted English language requirement.
Austria
Achieve the Reifeprüfung/Matura from Realgymnasium with Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden and grade 1 in Biology, Chemistry and English. Grade 3 required in Maths.
Belgium
Achieve the Diploma van secundair onderwijs/Certificat d'enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS) with 80% (8/10; 16/20) overall. 85% (9/10; 17/20) required in Biology and Chemistry. 65% (7/10; 13/20) required in Maths.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Obtain the Diploma o završenoj srednjoj školi/Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved 554 in the Matura exams with 5 in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 3 in Maths compulsory subject.
Czech Republic
Achieve the Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce having passed the state maturita exams with 1,1,2,2 including 1 (Výborný) in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should also be demonstrated in Maths (if not included in the maturita).
Denmark
Pass the Bevis for Studentereksamen with grade 10 in four Level A subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Maths is required at minimum Level B grade 7 or Level A grade 7. English required at Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7.
Finland
Pass the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen with Eximia cum laude approbatur in three subjects including Biology and Chemistry, and at least Magna cum laude approbatur in a fourth subject. A minimum of Cum laude approbatur is required in Maths if not part of the four subjects above.
France
Pass the Baccalauréat général with 14 overall. 14 required in Earth & Life Sciences and Physics-Chemistry, both of which need to be one's enseignements de spécialité and taken through to terminale. Mathematics needs to be sat in the penultimate year, and grade 12 achieved. [OIB/BFI Anglais: if 14 is achieved in English, no further English language qualification is required.]
Germany
Pass the Abitur with 1.4 overall. 13 required in Biology and Chemistry, both as Kurse mit erhöhtem Anforderungsniveau/Leistungskurse. Applicants should demonstrate successful completion of grade 10 having achieved at least 3 in Maths.
Iceland
Pass the Stúdentspróf (natural science specialisation) with 9 in Biology, Chemistry and English. 7 is required in Maths.
Italy
Pass the Diploma di Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico with 95 overall and individual grades of 10 in Science and 8 in Maths.
Luxembourg
Pass the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires (Section C) with mention tres bien overall and 52 in Biology and Chemistry. 40 required in Maths.
Macedonia
Pass the Matura with an average of 4.5 and at least 4.9 in Biology and Chemistry. Strong competency should be shown in Maths and Natural Science.
Malta
Pass the University of Malta Matriculation Certificate with AA at Advanced Level in Biology and Chemistry and AAA in three Intermediate Level subjects. If not included as Intermediate subjects, grade 3 must be achieved in Maths as part of the Secondary Education Certificate. Alternatively, IGCSE/O Levels in Maths grade B is accepted. English may be accepted if taken as a first language; please contact admissions.
Monaco
Pass the Baccalauréat (S stream required) with 14 overall and 14 in both Year 12 (première) and Year 13 (terminale) Biology and Physics-Chemistry. 12 in Maths required. [OIB Anglais: English 14]
Montenegro
Achieve the Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths.
Netherlands
Pass the VWO (Natuur profiel) with 8 overall with 8 in Biology and Chemistry. 7 is required in Maths and 9 is required in English.
North Macedonia
Pass the Matura with 5 in Biology, Chemistry and the elective exam. Competency must also be demonstrated in Maths.
Norway
Pass the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring/Skole (Natural sciences and mathematics stream) 5 overall. Biology and Chemistry must be taken as Optional Programme Subjects in both course 1 and 2 (e.g. Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2) and grade 5 must be achieved in both. English at grade 4 and Maths at grade 3 are also required.
Poland
Achieve the Świadectwo Dojrzałości (Matura) with 85% in Advanced Level Biology and Chemistry and one further subject, 75% in Standard Maths.
Portugal
Pass the Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação with 18 overall and 18 in Year 12 Biology and Year 12 Physics-Chemistry. You must also achieve 15 in Y12 Maths or 16 in Y11 Maths.
Serbia
Achieve the Diploma o položenom završnom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths.
Slovakia
Pass the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške with 1,1,2,2 including 1 in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should be demonstrated in Gymnazium-level Maths.
Slovenia
Pass the Maturitetno spričevalo (Matura) with 25 overall, and 5 in Biology and Chemistry. 4 required in Maths.
Spain
Pass the Bachillerato with 8.5 overall with 9 in Biology/Biology-Geology and Chemistry/Physics-Chemistry. You must also achieve 7 in Maths and Physics if Physics-Chemistry not taken.
Sweden
Pass the Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan with 2500 credits taken and an overall score of 19.0. Grade A must be achieved in Biology and Chemistry and C in Maths and English.
Switzerland
Obtain the Federal Maturity Certificate or Federally Recognised Cantonal Maturity Certificate with grade 5 in 'Biology and Chemistry' (Schwerpunktfach/Option Spécifique), and 4 in Maths.
Asia
Armenia
Pass the Araratian Baccalaureate with AAA in three Extended subjects, including Biology and Chemistry . Maths must be passed at grade 8 or above at Certificate of Secondary General Education level.
Hong Kong
Pass the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades 555 in Biology, Chemistry and one other elective subject, plus grade 4 in Maths and grade 5 in English core subjects. We will consider Maths as a third elective subject provided both the compulsory and the extended modules are taken with grades 5* (compulsory section) and 5 (extended section).
Malaysia
Obtain the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades AAA in three Principal level passes including Biology and Chemistry. In addition, grade 4/B is required in the SPM in Maths and 5/A in Biology and Chemistry. Grade B in English (first language) at either O Level (1119), or as part of the STPM is accepted as meeting our English Language requirements
OR
Obtain the Matrikulasi (Matriculation Certificate) with a cGPA of 3.67 and grades A- or GPA of 3.67 in Biology and Chemistry. In addition, grade 4/B is required in the SPM in Maths and 5/A in Biology and Chemistry. Grade B in English (first language) at either O Level (1119), or as part of the STPM is accepted as meeting our English Language requirements
Singapore
Obtain Singapore GCE A Level grades AAA at H2 level including grade A in Biology and Chemistry.*
OR
Singapore Integrated Programme / GCE A levels: AAA at H2 level including grade A in Biology and Chemistry*
OR
Pass the Polytechnic Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience, Veterinary Technology, Biomedical Science or Biotechnology with an overall GPA of 3.0 and with grade B in all Biology and Chemistry modules.
OR
Pass the NUS High School Diploma: NUS High School Diploma with a CAP score of 4.0. Biology and Chemistry must be studied during the Specialization Years and achieve a CAP score of 4.0 in these subjects. English and Maths with a CAP score of 3.5 is required.
*Offers may be subject to IELTS and GCSE equivalency in relevant subjects.
Africa & Middle East
Tanzania
Pass the ACSEE (natural sciences stream) with AAB+ in one of the following principal subject combinations: PCB, CBG, CBA or CBN. Division I must be achieved in the CSEE including B in Basic Mathematics; English Language; Biology; and Chemistry.
Uganda
Pass the UACE with AAA at principal level including Biology and Chemistry. Pass the UCE with Division One, including Distinctions in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 4 (Credit) in English Language and Maths.
Oceania
All references to English below are to first-language English only. If you are studying English as a second language, please see our accepted English Language qualifications.
Australia
Excluding Queensland, an ATAR score of 90 is required. Please see below for state-specific subject/grade requirements:
New South Wales
Pass the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with the following 2-unit Category-A Board Developed Courses: Biology, Chemistry and one other at band 5; English and Maths must be achieved to at least band 3.
Queensland
Pass the QCE including the following core subjects: Biology, Chemistry and one other at HA; English, Maths must be achieved to at least SA. Your OP score should be in bands 1-4.
South Australia
Pass the SACE with the following at Stage 2: 20 credits of Biology and Chemistry at grade A. To at least Stage 1: 20 credits of English and Maths at grade B.
Victoria
Pass the VCE with the following: 3/4 Biology and Chemistry at grade A (average), English and Maths at grade C+ (average).
Western Australia
Pass the WACE with the following: Year 12 Biology and Chemistry at grade A. Year 11 English and Maths at grade B.
New Zealand
Obtain the University Entrance Certificate with National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 with Excellence overall including in Biology and Chemistry. Minimum of NCEA Level 2 Merit grades required in English and Maths.
Some countries' education systems are not equivalent to A Levels in the UK. The programme(s) below are designed to give you that equivalent level of study so you can apply for our programmes:
University of London Foundation programmes for International Students (UK-based)
UCL University Preparatory Certificate for Science & Engineering (UPCSE) for International Students
You must take Biology and Chemistry as Core Units and achieve 70% in both subjects, and 70% overall for the Certificate.
View website for more information on the programme.
These requirements assume that you have met the standard entry requirements for UPCSE: if you have entered that course with special circumstances or through a different route, please see advice for International and EU applicants, above.
Is your country's qualification missing? It might be because it's not equivalent to GCE A Levels. For advice on the eligibility of other qualifications, please contact Admissions at admissions@rvc.ac.uk. Please note, we typically do not accept Foundation years unless they appear above.
Email: admissions@rvc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7468 5147
Graduate Applicants
Applications will not be considered from students currently on a degree programme unless they are in their final year.
Graduates holding related degrees
If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:2, or a Bachelor's without honours at 2:1 or above (e.g. 3-year from Australia, South Africa), you can be considered for the standard BVetMed programme (D100). Applicants will need to be prepared to provide secondary school level transcripts/certificates as these may be used in conjunction with their degree to assess an applicant's viability.
If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:1, you should apply directly to our Graduate Accelerated BVetMed (D102) programme. You are welcome to apply to the standard BVetMed (D100) instead/as well but must be prepared to fund, and study on, the 5-year programme; no transfer to D102 is available post-application.
If you are currently studying for a Masters degree we will only consider your application for deferred entry, as receipt of the Masters results and proof of the completion of the degree occurs too late to enrol on a new course in the same calendar year as the Masters degree is completed.
Graduates holding non-related degrees
Applicants with a degree from a non-related discipline should apply to the standard BVetMed (D100), and will need to meet the standard academic entry requirements stated above (in addition to work experience).
Graduate finance
Graduate applicants eligible for a loan from Student Finance England (SFE) should be aware that financial support is different for applicants taking BVetMed as a second degree. Guidance can be found here. We recommend contacting SFE directly with any further queries.
Transferring into BVetMed
It is not possible to transfer to the BVetMed course from a degree programme partly completed at another university, nor can we use partial qualifications towards entry.
Internationally-qualified veterinarians
International applicants already holding a Veterinary Medicine degree who are seeking to practice in the UK are not eligible to apply for this course and should refer to the registration department of the RCVS.
Work experience
To apply for the BVetMed you will need to have prior work experience in order to have developed animal handling skills and obtained an insight into the work of veterinary surgeons. Before you apply, you must have completed the minimum requirements:
- A total of 70 hours (e.g. 10 full days) of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more veterinary practices
- A total of 70 hours in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership)
The above 140 hours must be obtained within the 18-month period directly preceding the application deadline. Earlier experience is welcome but will not count towards the 140 hour requirement.
We encourage you to think creatively about these environments and are interested to hear about any experiences that have helped to give you a sense of the veterinary role in the wider world. Examples of suitable non-clinical environments might include, but are not limited to: kennels, cattery, animal shelter, rural or city farm, stables, pet shop, lambing, intensive livestock, abattoir, animal research laboratory, wildlife park, zoo, etc. You do not have to have gained experience in all these areas.
NB: references will need to be available ahead of interview (see example); we strongly advise obtaining as you go.
Work experience: Applicant Supplementary Form
All applicants applying through UCAS must complete the Applicant Supplementary Form. The form will be available in our application portal and applicants will be given access to this, and notified of the need to complete the form, via email on receipt of their application. The form must be submitted independently of, and in addition to, the UCAS application and within five days of your application being received by the RVC. The RVC will not contact applicants reminding them to submit the form before the deadline given.
The RVC uses email as the primary method for contacting applicants about their application. Emails may be sent from either admissions@rvc.ac.uk or myapplication@rvc.ac.uk and applicants are strongly encouraged to take the necessary steps to ensure emails from these addresses do not end up in spam or junk inboxes, as the RVC cannot accept responsibility for any applications that are unsuccessful as a result of missed information or deadlines.
Mitigating circumstances
If you wish to make us aware of any mitigating circumstances related to your application please see our guidance on mitigating circumstances here: www.rvc.ac.uk/mitigatingcircumstances
Interviews
All applicants to this course must attend an interview if invited and cannot receive an offer without attending an interview. All UK interviews for this course will be held in December (US interviews to be held in November/December and Asian interviews to be held in December/January). Our interviews are held in person; if invited, it is often not possible to rearrange an interview for a different date, so applicants must ensure they are available for interview before applying and inform us by email of any specific days within this time period when they are unavailable
All applicants invited to interview will need to provide their passport (in some cases another valid form of ID will be acceptable), original A-level and GCSE certificates (if already completed) or equivalent qualifications and reference letters (see example) to cover the minimum work experience requirements as stated above.
Please note that if you apply to more than one of our Veterinary Medicine courses (excluding the Bachelor of Veterinary Science) and your application progresses to the interview stage, you will be invited to attend one interview only which will be used in our assessment of each of your applications.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component
All applicants must have an acceptable English Language qualification, many of which are listed under 'Academic qualifications' above. Please see our English Language Requirements page for a list of qualifications we accept as alternatives.
How are applications assessed?
We have put together a document with advice on our process of selecting Veterinary Medicine students, from initial screening of applications through to making offers post-interview. This can be downloaded here.
What will I be able to do with my qualification?
You will be entitled to practice as a veterinarian as soon as you have earned your BVetMed degree and registered as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Our graduates go on to enjoy a wide range of careers positions in veterinary medicine, including:
- Veterinary Surgeon
- Equine Junior Clinical Training Scholar
- Associate Veterinarian
- Nutritionist Equine
- Veterinary Assistant
- PhD Researcher
- Farm Animal Vet
- Locum Veterinary Surgeon
- Science Research Laboratory Volunteer
- Senior Veterinary Inspector
- Small Animal Junior Clinical Training Scholar
- Veterinary Surgeon Intern
They also go on to work for a variety of different employers, for example:
- Kernow Farm & Equine
- CVS (UK) Ltd
- Woodcroft Veterinary Group
- Donnington Grove Veterinary Group
- Westpoint Farm Vets
- Garden Veterinary Group
- Wingrove Veterinary Services
- Companion Care Vets
- NOLA Animal Clinic
- Independent Vet Care
- Banfield Pet Hospital
- Medivet
- Vets4Pets
- Newmarket Equine Hospital
Global careers
The RVC's accreditation status with the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the reciprocal arrangement between the RCVS and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC) allows BVetMed graduates to register to practise in Europe, Australia and New Zealand without requiring any further qualifications.
In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will recognise your degree as equivalent to those awarded by veterinary colleges in the United States. The RVC is the only English veterinary school accredited by the AVMA, and this gives you a unique advantage. Some of the USA’s major veterinary employers recruit actively among our final year students. Please note, however, that you will be required to sit the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) if you intend to work in North America after qualifying.
RVC Destinations
The BVetMed Student Experience
Students from every year of the BVetMed course and from all around the world talk about what they have learned and what they have loved about doing this course at the RVC.
Below are some common queries about entry requirements and application. This section will be added to over time but if you have any queries, we would encourage you to contact us at admissions@rvc.ac.uk if your question is not answered here or on the Entry Requirements tab.
What if I haven't achieved the entry requirements?
Normally applicants need to have achieved our minimum entry requirements at both Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) and Level 3 (e.g. A Level) in order to progress any further in the application process. It does not matter if you achieve these minimum grades by re-sitting modules within the qualification. We do accept applications from those narrowly missing the published entry requirements. For further information on this, including how it will impact the assessment of your application, please refer to this document.
Does it count against me if I re-sit part, or all, of my qualification?
The RVC admissions policy is to accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE, A Level or equivalent without penalty. However, if you do re-sit any qualifications you will be expected to meet our grade requirements on second sitting (for example, AAA at A Level), and we also specify that you must have achieved minimum grades on your first sitting (BBC at A Level, with B in Biology).
Applicants re-sitting other qualifications, or those taking new qualifications following an attempt in an alternative qualification, should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@rvc.ac.uk for information about minimum grades required at first sitting.
I'm a mature applicant. Are the requirements the same for me?
We welcome mature applicants at the RVC and have many on our programme. To be classified as mature student you would need to be 21 years of age on the 1st September in the year you enrol. We cannot apply the mature student criteria to applicants applying for deferred entry, unless they would be classed as a mature student in the year their application is submitted.
Our Level 3 requirements are the same but we understand you may have taken your GCSEs some time ago. Therefore, our requirements for mature students are a minimum of grade C in the following four subjects: Mathematics, English Language and either: Science and Additional Science or Biology and Chemistry or Double Science. If you are resitting, or are newly taking any GCSEs, the grade requirements will be as advertised in the GCSE section.
Is there a health assessment as part of the application process?
If your application is successful following interview, before taking up your place at the RVC you will be required to complete and clear an Occupational Health assessment.
Prior to submitting an application, we would like to draw your attention to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's (RCVS) Fitness to Practice guidance and ask that you familiarise yourself with part two of the document and also their Day One Competences. If you have any concerns about your fitness to practice or anything within the two documents, then please contact us.
Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously?
You may, but in view of the large number and high quality of new candidates coming forward each year, we are normally unable to consider more than one repeat application.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2024/25 are as follows:
|
Home Tuition Fees including Island Fees (Channel Islands & Isle of Man) | International Fees |
|---|---|
| £9,250 |
£44,610 |
The UK Government has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss national students who have started an eligible course in the 2020/21 academic year or earlier academic years remain eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees and claim any financial support for which they are currently eligible for the duration of that course.
EU/EEA and Swiss national students starting studies in the 2021/22 academic year or later academic years may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees and claim any financial support for their studies - but this depends on your personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK) and UK government rules which are currently being developed. For further information on this emerging situation, please visit UK Council for International Affairs Brexit pages.
Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.
- Students from countries outside the UK who wish to undertake full-time study at the RVC are required to pay the international fee for their programme of study (please see Fee status section).
- Information on Fees & Funding can be found here
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
- Student membership of the British Veterinary Association for course duration.
- Access to books and journals essential to your course (print and digital)
- Open access and bookable IT equipment such as PCs and laptops
- Largely paperless curriculum plus £10 p.a. printing allowance
-
Annual membership of College gym (both campuses)
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
- Specialist clothing and equipment £600 for the whole course. This amount includes some likely additional spend on replacement items.
- Travel to AHEMS and EMS placements
- Some AHEMS and EMS placements will also require students to pay for board and lodging
- Travel to various intramural rotations (IMR). While majority of the core IMR take place in the College’s clinical centres, various weeks of core and tracking IMR require you to travel to various parts of London or further afield. Financial support is provided to help offset the likely travel costs entailed and for certain rotations accommodation is also provided.
Accommodation and living costs are not included in the fees. Our Housing Advice pages provide further information on College and private housing.
Canadian Student Loans
The Royal Veterinary College is not involved in processing your application for a loan, however we can confirm your student status; please direct your queries to the Financialaidoffice@rvc.ac.uk
For an overview of the financial aid process for Canadian students, please visit the Campus Access website
Students should apply through their provincial student assistance office or website. When you apply for a loan, you are considered for funding by both the Provincial and Federal Government, meaning you only have to apply once for funding for the year. Federal loans are processed via the National Student Loans Service Centre and provincial loans through the provincial governments and student aid branches.
RVC Bursary for Home Undergraduate Students
RVC Bursaries are customary to assist students from lower income households with the cost of undergraduate study.
RVC International Scholarships for BVetMed
RVC offers one Merit full fee waiver scholarship awarded to one high quality international student entering our BVetMed programme.
This scholarship is based on your performance during the admissions process (taking into account your interview scores, previous academic performance and Grade Point Average and your application as a whole).
Decisions will be made once our International admissions process has been completed, and all of our offers have been made. You will be informed if any additional paperwork needs to be submitted.
UK Government Financial Support for Undergraduate Students
Financial support in the form of tuition loan and maintenance loan is available for students from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and EU countries who normally live in UK.
NB: UK students considering studying on the BVetMed Graduate Accelerated or the BVetMed as a second degree are entitled to maintenance loan (a variable means tested living cost loan) and RVC bursary. However, they are not eligible for tuition fee loans so please consider how you will pay the tuition fees for each year before enrolling. For more info see money-matters.
For full details of the government financial support visit the links below.
Additional important point to note
Maintenance Grant - this is only available to full-time UK undergraduate students who commenced their studies on or before 2015/16 academic year.
USA Student Loans
The RVC participates in the Direct Loan Program in which federal financial assistance is made available from the US Department of Education to US students studying at the RVC. The purpose of this page is to inform you about the process of applying for financial assistance.
The RVC College will originate Direct Stafford loans and Direct Graduate and Parent PLUS loans and full-time students from the USA who are attending at the RVC are normally eligible for funding. The RVC also participates in the VA Educational Benefits programme.