How to apply

Application information for students applying to the Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing programme (D310) can be found below.

Applying via UCAS
References and certificates
Admissions calendar

UCAS

You should apply via UCAS online - go to the UCAS website for further information. The UCAS course code for the three year Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing programme is D310. The Royal Veterinary College's Institution Code is R84. You do not have to use a campus code.

The deadline is 15th January for the following September's entry. Do apply earlier if you can, especially if you have international qualifications as it can take some time to check whether these meet our minimum requirements.

Late applications will be considered only if space is still available on the programme but applicants must ensure that they have completed our work experience requirements (with necessary references) before applying. This is because of the limited amount of time available for them to complete the RCVS processing, and arrange placements, before the end of August.

(Veterinary nursing)

References and certificates

At certain stages of our selection process we may require additional information and documentation that is not included in the UCAS application form. To ensure an efficient application, please have the following documents ready to send to us if and when requested:

Work experience references
Certificates for RCVS enrolment purposes

Work experience references:

You must state clearly in the personal statement section of your UCAS application the type of work experience you have undertaken, and the length of time spent on each work experience placement. However, after you have applied we may also send you a supplementary form to complete in order for us to gain more information about these placements.

You will need to attach detailed written references from your placements (see our work experience entry requirements for details). A good reference should not just clearly state how long you were at the practice, but also tell us what sort of tasks you undertook, what your attitude was to your duties, and what your communication skills were like with staff and the public/clients.

If you would like to give your referee a Work Experience Evaluation Form to complete, rather than ask for a letter-style reference, feel free to use these forms below (or use them to get an idea of the sort of information we are looking for):

Work Experience Evaluation Form (veterinary practice)
Work Experience Evaluation Form (non-clinical)

Certificates for RCVS enrolment purposes:

The RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) is the professional and awarding body for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses in the UK. When enrolling with us, our nursing students will also have to enrol as a Student Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS (we will assist with this).To check as far as possible that all our applicants have the required qualifications and paperwork for this enrolment we will ask all our interviewees to send us the following:

Copy of their birth certificate
Copies of Certificates for (completed) academic qualifications e.g. GCSEs as well as A-levels.
Originals will be required for enrolment in September.

Further information will be included in any request. Please do not send any of the above until requested.

Admissions calendar

Date	Comments
15th October	Deadline for submitting your application to UCAS if also applying for conventional entry into veterinary medicine degrees. Please be aware that Veterinary Nursing is an alternative career to Veterinary Medicine and is not normally a suitable first degree for graduate entry to Veterinary Medicine. Please contact enquiries@rvc.ac.uk if you have any queries.
15th January	Standard Deadline for submitting your application to UCAS, but do submit it earlier if you can, especially if you have non-traditional or international qualifications as we may require extra time to check that you meet the minimum requirements of the professional body (the RCVS). Please note that late applications will be considered if space is still available on the course.
Normally January - end of March (although some early applicants may be interviewed Oct-Dec)	Selected candidates will be invited for a group interview, which is compulsory, at our Hawkshead campus. If you are selected for interview, you will have to demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of the veterinary nurse within the veterinary profession, and a genuine enthusiasm for the course. You will also get the opportunity to find out more about the course and what the RVC has to offer. Note: If you have alternative or international qualifications we may require extra time to check that you meet the minimum requirements of the professional body (the RCVS).
Mid-April	Most applicants will have found out whether or not their application has been successful through UCAS Track.
To see all the opportunities that are available for you to visit/meet the RVC visit: www.rvc.ac.uk/visitus

Undergraduate Courses