| Combined Degree Programme | UCAS Code: | D101 |
| Institution Code: | RVET R84 |
Teaching and Programme Structure
How is the programme taught?
In order to keep learning stimulating and exciting, the Combined BSc/BVetMed programme is taught in a variety of formats depending on the material being covered. Sessions include:
- clinical skills development.
- directed learning sessions.
- dissections.
- lectures.
- tutorials (some of which involve live animals).
- practical classes (in the laboratory and at our working farm).
- practical experience.
- research projects (as coursework).
- work experience placements (AHEMS and EMS)
Programme content
The RVC wants you to succeed throughout your time at university and uses a Personal Development Planning (PDP) system to support this. PDP encourages you to take responsibility for your own learning experience and allows potential issues to be identified and resolved at an early stage. You will also be able to monitor your progress by using the handheld voting systems in our lecture theatres, an enjoyable and effective way to test your own knowledge.
You'll be taught by some of the UK's most prominent veterinary scientists, and benefit from studying in an environment of cutting-edge veterinary research. During the programme you will learn, amongst other things;
- to diagnose and treat sick animals,
- the importance of preventative medicine,
- critical business and communication skills,
- to be a lifelong learner, an essential attribute in a rapidly changing world.
All of this is designed to produce practising veterinary surgeons who have the knowledge and skills to make a significant contribution to animal health and welfare.
The combined degree includes more laboratory practical classes than the BVetMed programme and has weekly tutorials in groups of three to four people. The course still covers animal health and disease, but tackles it from a different research-based perspective, which will significantly enrich your understanding of clinical science in later years. You will find where others 'know', you 'understand'! All of this is designed to produce practising veterinary surgeons who have the knowledge and skills to make a significant contribution to animal health and welfare.
Programme structure
| Pre-clinical years 1-2 (Camden campus) | |
|---|---|
| Elements | Comments |
| Basic veterinary sciences | Taught in an integrated manner on body systems basis with the clinical relevance of the sciences highlighted at every stage. |
| Animal health and handling (visits to the Hawkshead campus for lectures and practicals) | The healthy animal in its normal environment Basic skills in handling and examining horses, farm animals and companion animals. |
| Animal Husbandry Extramural Studies (AHEMS) | Takes place over 12 weeks during holiday time. Tackle real-life problems in a variety of settings such as dairy and sheep farms, pig farms, stables and catteries. |
You will be taught the following modules:
|
You will be taught these modules, usually with students on the BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences. |
| Pre-clinical year 3 (Camden campus) | |
| Elements | Comments |
You will be taught the following modules:
|
You will be taught these modules with appropriately qualified graduate entrants on the four year BVetMed accelerated programme. |
| Research project | In your third year you must also complete a major project for to gain your BSc degree. Upon completion of your three year Preclinical studies (Years 1-3) you will graduate with a BSc Honours degree in Veterinary Sciences. |
| Pre-clinical years 4-5 (Hawkshead campus) | |
| Elements | Comments |
Clinical science:
|
Necessary for your full participation in clinical practice at the RVC and in private veterinary practice. |
| Clinical skills | Much time at this stage will be spent in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Centre practising a wide range of skills in a "safe" setting under expert guidance. This will stand you in good stead when you start your clinical placements. |
| Research project | During your fifth year, you will spend at least 8 weeks devising and executing a research project on any aspect of veterinary sciences that interests you. Self-motivation is important but a supervisor will be assigned to provide help and support as you need it. |
| Intra-mural rotations (IMR) - hands-on experience in RVC clinics | Our clinical facilities provide students with the opportunity to be exposed to as many as 20,000 cases each year. |
| Clinical Extra Mural Studies (ClinEMS) | This is the compulsory time that all veterinary students have to spend off-campus gaining practical experience. During years 4, 5 and 6 you must complete 26 weeks of clinical Extra Mural Studies via a balanced programme of placements at general veterinary practices, specialist veterinary centres, the State Veterinary Service, research institutes and the Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VLA). |
| Pre-clinical year 6 (Hawkshead campus) | |
| Elements | Comments |
Lecture free final year:
|
A lecture free final year is devoted to developing practical skills and problem based learning in the RVC's hospitals and private veterinary practices. |
