Biosciences at the RVC tops rankings for careers and student satisfaction
25 May 2012
Bioscience students from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are more likely to be in industry relevant employment six months after graduation than those from any other institution in the UK, according to new university rankings.
The Guardian's University Guide 2013 places the RVC's Bioveterinary Science programme eighth overall, out of 97 institutions across the UK. This represents a sustained and significant improvement on previous years for the College - in the 2012 University Guide the RVC ranked 31st overall and in 2011 was placed 46th.
The RVC also ranks top for student satisfaction of both the course overall and the standard of teaching - 100% and 99% respectively. This success follows a focus on improving student experience across the College with the RVC picking up the 2011 Times Higher Education award for Most Improved Student Experience.
Professor Stephen May, vice-principal for teaching at The Royal Veterinary College, said: "It is a fantastic achievement to see our Bioveterinary Sciences programme performing so well, especially in terms of student satisfaction and employment. The success of this programme indicates the College's firm belief that veterinary science is much bigger than just veterinary practice; the combination of veterinary medicine, human medicine and environmental science will, in future, be essential to tackling some of the biggest health issues in society."
"The RVC is becoming increasingly involved in the One Health agenda both from a research perspective and in the education of graduates equipped with the skills to deal with disease at animal and human population levels, in addition to herd and individual animal levels."
Lorna Smith, who studied Bioveterinary Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College from 2008-2011, said: "At the age of 17 I had a keen interest in biology, animals and watching evolution and nature documentaries, so I liked the fact that the Bioveterinary Sciences course didn't just focus on human sciences and allowed me to continue my interest in all these things. Plus I felt this course initially offered the chance to try a wide range of topics, then allowed me to gradually focus my learning as I discovered what I enjoyed most."
"The focus on producing thinkers and problem solvers rather than individuals who simply regurgitate really makes the course stand out. Also, both ourselves and our direct lecturers had a real say in how the course was designed, which along with small class sizes, made both sides feel engaged and inspired in the learning process."
Notes for editors
- The Royal Veterinary College is the UK's first and largest veterinary school and a constituent College of the University of London. It also provides support for veterinary and related professions through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses. www.rvc.ac.uk
- The Guardian University Guide. www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguide
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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.