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Student Profiles

Katy Butler

BSc Bioveterinary Sciences

I've always wanted to live in London and so the RVC was always a first choice for me. Also, the Veterinary Science degree is very unique and so there aren't many other universities that do it.

At A Level I took Biology, Psychology and Chemistry and got AAB. I also took English Literature and Environmental Science to AS. I did voluntary work for the RSPCA and a local donkey sanctuary as well as placements at a sheep and pig farm. I also spent time watching practice in small and mixed animal practices. To get this experience, I wrote to all of the veterinary practices near me until one of them replied! I also looked up local charities and farms and either wrote to these or phoned them up.

The interview for Veterinary Science was informal, more like a chat for me to find out more about the university and vice versa. This put me instantly at ease and confirmed to me that RVC was where I wanted to go.

The Veterinary Science course is very broad in the topics it covers in the first two years, which to me was part of its appeal. In the first year we covered the various 'systems' in the body; digestive, reproductive and nervous systems which was supplemented with a series of very good dissections. We also did a module on the immune system and epidemiology. The second year looked at the 'enemy within', which included problems with development and disease and also the 'enemy without', which looked at viruses, bacteria and their spread. In the third year you choose all the modules you study and are given the opportunity to study at Kings College and UCL.

The practical side to the veterinary science course is very good as it supplements the lectures well. The Immunity & Infection and Reproduction modules I’ve done were very good. Academically things aren't easy but with the right amount of commitment and work out of university hours the workload is completely manageable.

In years two and three you have to undertake 6 and 12 week (respectively) lab projects in which you spend time in a lab researching your chosen topic. I found both of these placements very interesting as they allow you to experience the life of a research scientist.

Outside of studies, I am a member of the RVC boat club and am currently running as social secretary for them. In addition to this there are many trips into Camden and central London to the various pubs, bars and clubs that London has to offer students! Life in London is fantastic. The capital is not only vibrant but it's buzz supplies students with everything they need and it's normally only a fifteen minute tube ride away!!

The atmosphere at the RVC is very good, because it is a smaller college than your average university, so I think it's easier to make friends. All the staff are very approachable and so there is always someone on hand if you need help with any aspect of student life.

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