RVC Fact Sheet
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
The Royal Veterinary College is one of the world’s leading specialist veterinary institutions. It is the largest and oldest independent veterinary school in the UK and an independent College of the Federal University of London.
The College provides support for the veterinary profession through its referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses.
Our Vision
To provide leadership in veterinary science and education through innovative scholarship and pioneering clinical activity
Leadership
Professor Stuart Reid, Principal
A history of tradition and innovation
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1791 | Founded as the London Veterinary College in Camden Town, signalling the initial development of the veterinary profession in the UK. |
| 1792 | First four students admitted to the College. |
| 1796 | John Shipp becomes the first qualified veterinary surgeon to join the British Army. |
| 1895 | The College acquires its first X-ray machine. |
| 1924 | Construction of the Research Institute in Animal Pathology, headed by Sir John McFadyean. |
| 1932 | The Beaumont Animals’ Hospital (now The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital) opens. |
| 1949 | RVC becomes a school of the Federal University of London. |
| 1958 | The Hawkshead field station is opened. |
| 1986 | The Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals opens to the public. |
| 2001 | Opening of the London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC). |
| 2007 | Launch of the Centre for Excellence in teaching and learning, the LIVE Centre. |
| 2008 | Refurbishment of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. Top UK vet school in the RAE, with 55% of research rated as 'world-class or internationally excellent'. |
| 2009 | RVC staff member wins top teaching award. |
| 2010 | LBIC celebrates its tenth anniversary. |
| 2011 | Opening of the refurbished Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital and the Teaching and Research Centre. RVC wins ‘Most Improved Student Experience’ award. |
| 2012 | RVC granted full EAEVE accreditation – a first for a UK vet school. |
Research Expertise
RVC scientists work at the cutting edge of veterinary and biomedical research and are internationally regarded as experts in their field.
The College has over one hundred research-active staff, involved in programmes that address both basic and clinical problems in the biosciences, with applications across human and veterinary medicine. Their aim is to better understand how animals function and behave and to understand the underlying causes and characteristics of disease.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), over half of submitted academics were viewed as producing world-class or internationally excellent research of 4* or 3*
Degree Programmes
RVC offers a broad range of degree programmes across a number of specialist fields and is the major provider of education for the veterinary professions in the UK.
The College offers 12 degree programmes and has a student population of around 1,800. Junior and Senior Clinical Training Scholarships are provided as well as an impressive range of continuing professional development and short courses for veterinarians and those in related professions.
RVC leads the way in initiatives targeted at encouraging students from all walks of life to consider a career in the veterinary sciences. Our Veterinary Gateway programme is an extended six year veterinary degree programme for students from non-selective state schools, whose parents have not been to university and with a household income of £25,000 or less (gross).
Our BVetMed degree educates the best veterinary surgeons of tomorrow. The College demands high levels of motivation, and in return, promises a rich and rewarding experience.
The College’s BSc Bioveterinary Sciences degree has a strong biomedical emphasis and attracts graduates seeking careers in veterinary science, research, conservation, animal welfare in industry, academia and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In 2011 the College introduced a four-year degree, which includes a work-based placement year.
The RVC’s courses in Veterinary Nursing are offered at undergraduate level and also as a graduate diploma for nurses already working in practice. Students learn alongside some of the brightest and best clinicians in the profession, within the College’s hospitals and in dedicated training centres.
The College offers opportunities for the brightest veterinary students from all UK veterinary schools to enrol on an intercalated Comparative Pathology degree; designed to meet the national demand for professionally trained pathologists from clinical practitioners, industry and academia
RVC offers a portfolio of MRes, Specialist Masters Degrees and Diplomas, designed for veterinary specialists and general scientists seeking to specialise in particular aspects of veterinary science and education. All programmes are taught by internationally recognised staff. Some are delivered solely by RVC and others are run in partnership with other highly regarded academic and professional organisations.
The Doctoral Programme primes excellent scholars for positions in leading veterinary research institutions, universities and Industry. 170 PhD and DVetMed students are currently enrolled at RVC. The College is part of a BBSRC funded Doctoral training programme run by UCL (University College London).
Student scholarships are offered for both one-year junior clinical training scholars (internships) and three-year senior clinical training scholars (residencies). Specific subject areas vary year-on-year.
Clinical Services
The College’s small and large animal referral hospitals treat over 24,000 patients a year and provide important services for both the public and referring vets. RVC graduates enter the workplace having gained essential experience in the College’s hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.
First, second and tertiary clinical services are delivered through a number of facilities including:
- The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals
- The Equine Practice and Equine Referral Hospital
- The Farm Animal Clinical Centre
- Diagnostic Laboratories
Continuing Professional Development
The College is the leading provider of CPD for the veterinary profession and offers a portfolio of practical hands-on specialist and refresher courses designed to update skills and knowledge. These are delivered face-to-face and via interactive e-learning.
Corporate Alliances
The Royal Veterinary College has established links with many companies in the animal health, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other healthcare sectors and provides the opportunity to undertake veterinary clinical trials.
Through strategic partnerships and investment from industry, RVC continues to achieve high standards in its programmes and research. Companies can engage with the College through sponsorships and supporting students and staff.
Innovation
The RVC owns London’s premier incubator for early stage life science companies – The London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC). This puts the College at the heart of biotechnology and other biomedical research in London and opens the door for research collaboration. LBIC’s 40+ client companies include university spin-outs, established players and overseas companies establishing a first UK presence.
Alumni
RVC alumni work in senior positions in veterinary practice, industry, academia and government roles across the UK and internationally.
Academic Staff
| Post | Number |
|---|---|
| Professors | 39 |
| Readers | 3 |
| Senior Lecturers | 35 |
| Lecturers | 67 |
| Veterinary Investigation Officers | 3 |
| Other Academics | 8 |
Staff
RVC employs over 750 staff, representing a wide range of nationalities. The College is a highly regarded institution, employing scientists and veterinarians with international reputations and is the largest provider of veterinary education for the professions in the UK.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes 2011/12 entry
| Course: | BVetMed* | Bioveterinary Sciences | Veterinary Nursing** | Veterinary Gateway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual intake | 246 | 55 | 49 | 34 |
| Average age on starting course | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Women | 77% | 73% | 92% | |
| Non-UK | 26% | 5% | 2% | |
| Work experience required | 4 weeks | None | 4 weeks | Desirable but not required |
| Format | 5 years full -time | 3 or 4 years full-time | 3 or 4 years full-time | 6 years full-time |
| Start date | September | September | September | September |
| Tuition fees (UK) /yr | £9,000 | £9,000 | £7,500 | £9,000 *** |
| Tuition fees (Overseas) /yr | £20,300 | £13,150 | £11,650 | N/A |
| Admissions Deadline | 15th October | 15th January | 15th January | 15th January |
* Includes Graduate Accelerated Entry
** Graduate Diploma for practising veterinary nurses also offered. See course specifics for further information
*** £6,000 in the Gateway year after the NSP fee waiver
Taught Postgraduate Masters Degree Programmes 2012/13
Many of our postgraduate programmes are also available as certificates, short courses and postgraduate diplomas.
| MSc: | CIDA | LHP | VE | VEPH | WAB | WAH | VEd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Intake | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | |
| Veterinary degree required? | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Average age on starting course | 29 | 36 | 29 | 35 | 23 | 30 | |
| Non-UK | 50% | 40% | 50% | 50% | 15% | 20% | |
| Format | Full or part time study | Distance Learning | Full or part time study | Distance Learning | Full time | Full time | Distance Learning or part time |
| Start date | Autumn | Feb | Autumn | Feb | Autumn | Autumn | Autumn |
| Total MSc tuition fees (UK/EU) | £6,300 | £9,730 | £tbc | £9,730 | £7,500 | £9,950 | £5,540 |
| Total Msc tuition fees (Overseas) | £16,165 | £9,730 | £tbc | £9,730 | £19,700 | £19,700 | £5,540 |
| Admissions Deadline | 30 Jul | 1 Nov | 30 Jul | 1 Nov | 30 Jul | 30 Jul | 30 Jul |
CIDA = Control of Diseases in Animals, LHP = Livestock Health & Production, VE = Veterinary Epidemiology, VEPH = Veterinary Epidemiology & Public Health, WAB = Wild Animal Biology, WAH = Wild Animal Health, VEd = Veterinary Education
The Royal Veterinary College
Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary college—with a proud heritage of innovation in veterinary science, clinical practice and education.