Introduction
Some students who wish to progress to University face a number of barriers and obstacles. For example, if you come from a lower socio-economic background you are less likely to study at University than your more affluent peers. In addition, if you are disabled, come from a Black or Minority Ethnic (BME) background or you have grown up in care then the path to higher level learning is one you are less likely to take. Other barriers to HE include being the first in the family to consider University, finding the cost of study prohibitively expensive or taking vocational qualifications.
At the RVC, we are committed to attracting the best and brightest students no matter where they come from. We want to ensure that our student cohort is as diverse as possible and reflects the society we live in, which is why we engage in activities, events and courses that widen participation at the College.
Further information on these activities can be found by clicking on the links to the right. Below you will also find a document outlining the RVC's Widening Participation Menu of Activities for 09-10.
As a Higher Education Institute our widening participation aims are:
- to ensure that its commitment to equality of opportunity is reflected fully in the recruitment, admission, and subsequent support, both academic and non-academic, of students from all backgrounds;
- to make information about the veterinary and related professions, and about the requirements of entry to these professions, more widely available;
- to continue to facilitate the development of the profile of the veterinary and related professions so that they more closely reflect the communities that they serve;
- to make a positive contribution to the quality of education and student aspirations in the districts in which its campuses are located;
- to provide a national lead and focus in widening participation in the veterinary and related disciplines.
If you would like to visit the RVC, but do not come from a Widening Participation background, take a look at the Education Liaison pages for information about taster courses and open days.
For additional information about courses and careers in animal and veterinary education, visit the CAVE website: CAVE | Courses in Animal and Veterinary Education
For additional information about how to make the most of your personal statement, work experience and university interview (particularly if you come from a vocational background), check out the So You Want to be a Vet website: So you want to be a vet?