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BSc Bioveterinary Sciences
with a Certificate in
Work-based Learning & Research		 UCAS Code: D301
Institution Code: RVET R84

What is the BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences with a Certificate in Work-based learning and Research programme?

"It was all thanks to my experiences at the RVC that I was accepted onto a scholarship at Imperial College London. I was selected from over 2000 other applicants for an interview and was one of only 3 students awarded the place"

Amy Day, BSc Graduate 2011

Biological study of Zebra fish used heavily by Bsc Bioverterinary Science students.
© Kim Wager, Annie Cavanagh and David McCarthy. Zebrafish (depicted) are biologically explored by RVC's Bioveterinary Science students to study a neurodegenerative disease that kills children through Batten's disease.

  • Ranked in the top 10 of UK institutions offering courses in the Biosciences (Guardian)
  • Ranked as the top animal science course in the UK (Unistats)
  • No. 1 Biosciences course in the country for graduates gaining industry relevant employment within six months (Guardian)
  • 100% student satisfaction with the quality of the BSc Bioveterinary Sciences degree (National Student Survey 2012)
  • Recognised by the Society of Biology's Degree Recognition Scheme
  • Certificate in Work-based Learning and Research (4 Year Course), described by the Society of Biology as “a superb course”.

Bsc Bioveterinary Course is accreditted by the Society of Biology

An exciting curriculum by design

The BSc Bioveterinary Sciences programme is a unique blend of the biological sciences relating to animals, the way they work, their health, their diseases and their relationships with humans. You will be taught by an extensive range of scientists and clinicians who are knowledgeable from their own experience of animal disease and research. This means we will cover virtually every aspect of animal biology, management and disease that is likely to interest you.

The BSc Bioveterinary Science programme is a full-time 3 year undergraduate degree programme taught at our Camden campus, although you will have to make occasional visits to our Hawkshead campus. Please note that this degree does not qualify graduates to be a practising veterinary surgeon.

Horse Embryo. Biologically explored by Bsc Bioveterinary Science Students at RVC.

"It's always great to see our students embrace the scientific process, and become immersed in learning to be analytical and creative thinkers. The Bioveterinary Sciences course is so research-intensive from day one, that by the time the students reach their final year studies, they are accomplished in critically reviewing scientific publications, designing experimental approaches and even writing grant applications."

Dr Rob Fowkes, BSc Bioveterinary Sciences Final Year leader

Hands on experience

a western blot experiment

As well as lectures on the latest scientific theory and techniques, you can expect plenty of practical ‘hands on' laboratory experience, taught by leading experts in their field. The result is a unique degree course that will equip you with the latest skills for a range of careers in the veterinary sphere of employment.

 

"The RVC was a natural first choice for me - I wanted to study the Bioveterinary Sciences, and so where better to do so than at the oldest, most prestigious veterinary school in the UK? I knew I'd be gaining great academic and research skills, with the added benefit of being taught by some of the best minds in the veterinary and scientific professions."

Umaymah Hewitt, BSc Bioveterinary Science (Graduate 2011).

 

In November 2012, the BSc Bioveterinary Science course was featured in British national newspaper, ‘The Guardian’. The article was, “Science students gain practical skills on postgrad courses”.

"The RVC has built in reasearch assignments during the second and third years of undergraduate degrees, and the offering of a module on 'biobusiness', focusing on commercial needs and innovation. Practical skills has led to our high level of success with doctoral students and departmental research output, and our high level of employment six months after graduation."

Dr Donald Palmer, BSc Bioveterinary Science Course Director.

The work-based placement year

“Having completed a year-long industrial placement can vastly improve a candidate's employability.” The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), August 2010.

A placement must last a minimum of 30 weeks and you are required to be pro-active in searching for, applying to and securing a placement. Support and guidance will be provided in specific timetabled sessions and further advice will be available during lecturers' office hours.

Most placement students are paid between £8,000 and £15,000 salary. A placement can lead to an offer of a position after graduation or future sponsorship for studying a PhD and you can also expect to extend your professional network.

You will need to complete a placement project during the year.

This course enables you learn on-the-job whilst spending a year working in industry, charity, a government institute or research institute. During this year you will further develop your employability skills, gain an understanding of the workplace and the sector you are placed in, and form new contacts, all of which are likely to increase your chance of securing your chosen job on graduation.

For more information about how a placement can help you be more prepared for the world of work, see the Future Fit report (available from the CBI website) 'Preparing graduates for the world of work' (PDF)

The Educational aims of the Placement year are to:

  • Foster an awareness of your own skills, strengths and weaknesses, and position in the workplace
  • Develop an appreciation of the sector in which you are working and your role within it
  • Gain experience within the biological sciences that is relevant to your degree and a broader understanding of the field
  • Gain a deep understanding of one topic within the employers field

After the Placement Year, you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of professional conduct within the workplace
  2. Discuss the placement provider’s strategic aims, finances and profitable activities
  3. Understand the importance of intellectual property and confidentiality in business and research
  4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the culture of the placement provider and of the relevance of the project to the organisation
  5. Clearly communicate your project aims, background, results and proposals for future research
  6. Discuss the relevance of the project aims and results with respect to recent literature and formulate your own ideas for future project.

What's next...

Hopefully this is just the start of your relationship with the RVC and we hope to meet you in the near future at RVC on tour, a UCAS Convention, an RVC Campus tour, an Open Day or at interview. To see all of the opportunities that are available for you to visit the RVC take a look at the Visit Us page.

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