Royal Veterinary College
The RVC offers students some of the best biosciences, veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing training in the world and promises students an unparalleled experience. We put you, our students, at the heart of everything we do.
We are based in London, ranked as the top student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2024) and Hertfordshire, where our students are based on a 575-acre countryside campus, providing a variety of city and country life.
We are an international organisation and welcome students and staff from all over the world. With accreditations from the major global authorities, you can be confident that as a graduate you will possess the expertise and knowledge, as well as the competence and confidence, to work in your chosen field worldwide.
The RVC has always been at the forefront of veterinary science and animal health, and our reputation is testament to our constant efforts to innovate in the delivery of our curricula to our students.
International students
We have a vibrant international community with students from 71 countries and staff from 94 countries.
You’ll learn about life in the UK and the RVC before you arrive, with our online induction KickStart.
We recognise that you may have some additional needs to those who are used to studying in the UK. We will help familiarise you with our national culture, student life, and tour the campuses. We will assist you with setting up everything you need to make the UK your home, and orientate you with your new surroundings. You will also get the chance to meet other students at a range of social activities, making friends that will help you settle in.
Quick Facts
Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary school.
The RVC is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that holds accreditations from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) in the EU, and the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the USA and Canada.
Based in London, ranked as the top student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2024) and Hertfordshire, where our students are based on a 575-acre countryside campus.
Clinical students gain experience of working in the RVC’s four hospitals, including the largest small animal referral hospital in Europe, three first-opinion practices, exotics service and our own farm.
The RVC was ranked #1 in the world for Veterinary Science (QS World University Rankings 2023) and promises you an unparalleled experience.
After successful completion of the FdSc or third year of the BSc Veterinary Nursing, candidates can register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and in the EU by the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nrusing Education (ACOVENE).
We have vibrant international community, with students from 71 countries and staff from 94 countries.
Our courses are internationally recognized – graduate from the RVC and you could work almost anywhere in the world.
Our Biologicl Science programmes are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, with our MSci and placement year options gaining advanced accreditation.
We own the London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC) – home to over 40 biotechnology and life science companies, from small start-ups to established players.
Student
Stories
My time at the RVC taught me a lot about what research really is. My degree provided me with a strong knowledge and practical skills, through practical sessions, my third-year research dissertation in breast cancer and my placement fourth year in industry at GSK. I was able to gain a wide range of experience that enabled me to get my first job out of my degree and now my PhD. All the skills and experience I’ve collected along the way, right from being at the RVC, I use daily in my role as a PhD student.
Callum Oddy, MSci Applied Biological Research
One of my favourite things about the RVC is the anatomy and pathology museums which offer a substantial range of anatomical pots, skeletal and plastinated specimens, most of these come with an online “potcast” which is a video or recording of a lecturer talking you through the specific and what you are observing. This has been extremely useful in my own private study and has aided my revision.
Faynowsh Ghani, Veterinary Gateway and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to work with animals, specifically in the veterinary industry. It’s hard to pin down what I love about my course as I love everything about it! I think because it’s been my dream for so long, it feels surreal that I am finally here studying it, so I just enjoy every moment. The lecturers are amazing, the support offered is really helpful and the resources we use are great. The community is so welcoming and friendly! I love how niche and small it is as this really helps the friendly nature of the community.
Olivia Wimsett, Veterinary Nursing FdSc