At the Royal Veterinary College, our study abroad and exchange students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cutting-edge research environment, whilst cementing their knowledge of essential scientific processes.

  • Our global reputation draws students and staff from over 50 different countries, so whilst studying and researching at the RVC, you can be assured of a familiar welcome
  • The RVC has a central London location giving students access to the No.1 student city in the world, and provides excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe
  • London’s diverse and friendly culture provides a safe hub for study, and exploration of enjoyable activities such as sports, social clubs, history, fantastic food, and business.

Please see the relevant sections below which includes information for Study Abroad, International exchange, and visiting international students - or enquire further at studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk  

What should I apply for?


At the RVC, we have a variety of study schemes and opportunities, the main differences that you will need to consider are
:

  • whether you're currently studying at an EU institution or not
  • how long you wish to study at RVC for
  • whether your institution has an exchange agreement with us or not


STUDY ABROAD

This opportunity is available if you:

  • wish to study with RVC for a semester, but you study at an institution that does not have an exchange agreement with RVC.
  • full international tuition fees apply, although you will not be required to pay the annual rate as you will be staying for one semester.


INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

This opportunity is available if you:

  • wish to study with RVC for a semester, your institution is outside the EU, and you study at an institution that does have an exchange agreement with RVC
  • you will not be required to pay tuition fees to RVC directly, but rather to your home institution as normal. 

For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

Study Abroad Academic Programmes


The academic programme comprises a wide range of modules and projects, that will help you to become engaged with the latest research in your field.

Most students choose to study in accordance with the main academic calendar, either studying abroad during Term 1 or Term 2, or the full academic year.
** please note these dates are subject to change, but shouldn't change significantly from the format below **


PROGRAMME DATES 2024-25

TERM 1   2.5 months

  • Welcome Week and orientation: w/c 23.09.24
  • Teaching: 30.09.24 – 06.12.24
  • Term 1 module exams will be held in w/c 06.01.25
  • Application deadline: 31 May

TERM 2   2.5 months

  • Welcome and orientation: w/c 06.01.25
  • Teaching: 13.01.25 – 21.03.25
  • Term 2 module exams will be held in the Summer Exam period (between 21.04 – 30.05.25)
  • Application deadline: 31 October


Students are also able to study short term throughout June and July, via our STEM Summer Research Internships, please see more information in the next section.
 

STEM SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME   1.5 months

  • Welcome induction: 24.06.24
  • Teaching and project work: 25.06.24 – 02.08.24
  • Deadline for final project reports: 16.08.24
  • Application deadline: 30 April

CREDIT LOAD

The regular course load at RVC for a typical study abroad semester comprises 60 UK Credits:

  • One full module (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)
  • One half project (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)  

Where possible, you will be able to combine two half modules in lieu of one of our whole module offerings.
If your home university does not use ECTS, the US Credit system or the UK system, we will provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of courses.
The course content on offer will depend on the semester in which you plan to attend the RVC. Please note it is not possible to take a module outside of the term in which it is offered at RVC.
At the end of your programme, you will either complete your assessment at RVC, or at your home university. A full transcript of your courses and results will be provided.

ACADEMIC MODULES

Our current modules for each term are shown in the tables below ** please note that modules may be subject to minor changes **

TERM 1 MODULES WEIGHTING CAMPUS TERM DAY
Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (ACIR) 15 credits Camden 1 Thur
Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology (ASP) 15 credits Camden 1 Thur
Animal Behaviour & Cognition (ABC) 15 credits Hawkshead 1 Thur
Applied Molecular Microbiology (AMM) 15 credits Camden 1 Thur
Comparative Animal Locomotion (CAL) 30 credits Hawkshead 1 Mon/Fri
Development & Disease (D&D) 15 credits Camden 1 Tues
Endocrine & Metabolic Syndromes (E&MS) 15 credits Camden 1 Fri
Omic Approaches to Biology (OAB) 15 credits Camden 1 Wed
Parasitology of Human & Veterinary Tropical Diseases (PHTVD) 15 credits Camden 1 Mon
Science of Animal Welfare (SAW) * 15 credits Hawkshead 1 Tues

* ABC is strongly recommended as a co-requisite of SAW

TERM 2 MODULES WEIGHTING CAMPUS TERM DAY
Advanced Concepts in Biobusiness (ACBB) 15 credits Camden 2 Fri
Animals & Human Society (AHS)  15 credits Hawkshead 2 Mon
Applied Animal Welfare (AWW) 15 credits Hawkshead 2 Thur
Applied Wildlife Sciences (AWS) 15 credits Camden 2 Mon
Comparative Anatomy (CA) 15 credits Camden 2 Wed
Comparative Models of Disease (CMoD) 15 credits Camden 2 Thur
Ecology (E) 15 credits Camden & Hawkshead 2 Tues
Epidemiology: The Bigger Picture (E:TBP) 15 credits Camden 2 Fri
Infection & Immunity (I&I) 30 credits Camden 2 Mon/Tues

Please note, that some modules may have an upper limit in terms of student numbers.

 

  • If you would like to apply from a university that is not a partner university of the RVC, or an academic programme provider, please contact us in advance for guidance: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk

  • If you are applying through an academic programme provider, you should follow the programme provider's application processes, as these vary from RVC: Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies

STEM Summer Research Internship


At the RVC you have the fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself by studying abroad and taking a research project
.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The academic programme typically commences late June and runs until early August.
We offer an array Biological Science focused projects, that will help you to develop your research skills and knowledge.
The projects will also involve clinical or laboratory research on a topic selected by your supervisor.

At the end of the programme you will learn how to present your results as a research article and oral presentation and shortly after your return home we will send you an academic transcript and grade.
The equivalent of 15 UK Credits (4 U.S credits), If you do not use the US Credit system or the UK system we can provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of programme.

We have campuses in
 London: Camden Campus, and in Hertfordshire: Hawkshead Campus.  Both offer outstanding word-class facilities to research at, as well as the perfect setting for you to enjoy London and the English countryside. 

ACCOMMODATION

We are happy to provide assistance in searching for accommodation.

There is limited availability for accommodation at the Hawkshead Campus Odiham Hall, requests cannot be guaranteed unless rooms are available.  Alternatively, you may choose to live in London and take a short 20 minute commute to Potters Bar station to access our Hawkshead Campus.

There is no availability for accommodation at our Camden Campus however, however, we can provide assistance in searching for private accommodation in London.

TO APPLY

You will need to be in the 2nd year of your degree and meet the standard entry requirements for the study abroad programme.  


INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

For more information please contact us at studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

If you require any further information about this research programme, please visit:
https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/find-a-program/programs-by-country/england/stem-summer-research-london/

Study Abroad and International Exchange - Entry Requirements


We are delighted that you are interested in studying at the Royal Veterinary College
Our entry requirements are listed below - please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying. 

  • If you would like to apply from a university that is not a partner university of the RVC, or an academic programme provider, please contact us in advance for guidance: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk

  • If you are applying through an academic programme provider, you should follow the programme provider's application processes, as these vary from RVC: Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency in spoken and written English. You will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS (Academic) with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-test or Pearson Test of English overall score of at least 65.
  • Students applying from an American education system should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. We welcome applications from students from other countries and we advise on particular entry requirements for students from all systems. Generally we expect applicants to have at least a B average or equivalent.
  • Students should be undergraduate level currently enrolled at a Higher Education Institution.


APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Please note that our deadlines are subject to change however they should follow the format below:

  • STEM Summer Internship Programme: 30th April
  • TERM 1 / Full year: 31st May
  • TERM 2: 30th October


For further guidance, please contact
: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk

Study Abroad - Fees

STUDY ABROAD FEES

HEADLINES FEES 2024-2025
BSc Module (30 credit) £6,100
BSc Project (60 credit) £13,180
Registration fee applies £200


LOWER CREDIT VALUES

BREAKDOWN 2024-2025
BSc Module (15 credit) £3,050
BSc Module (30 credit) £6,100
BSc Project (30 credit) £6,590
BSc Project (60 credit) £13,180
Registration fee applies £200

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

All inbound exchange students who apply from one of the RVC’s partner universities, pay fees directly to their home university.
Please contact your home university to clarify the tuition fees.  Students are nominated as per the partner agreement.

STUDENTS STUDYING WITH ARCADIA

 If you are applying via an academic programme provider, you will pay fees directly to the provider. Please contact Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies for more information.

For information about the current fees, please view: Student Finance Information

Tuition fees can change on an annual basis, for further guidance please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

Study Abroad Pre-Arrival Information


All study abroad and exchange students are provided with a thorough induction that we hope will help you prepare for an amazing experience at the RVC.

The orientation period for students starting in Term 1 generally commences from mid to late September.
Students studying in Term 2 will start orientation from early January.
 

ORIENTATION
For information about orientation, healthcare, academic issues, and opening a bank account, please see: Pre-Arrival Information ** LINK NOT WORKING **

VISA AND IMMIGRATION
Please see our Visa and Immigration information to help you through the steps to apply for a Visa, if required.

INSURANCE
You should ensure before you arrive in the UK that you have a comprehensive travel and health insurance policy for the duration of your time abroad. 

ACCOMMODATION
There is limited availability for rooms within RVC accommodation, therefore you should source private accommodation.  
You are able to use the
 University of London Housing Service: The Private Sector Housing Unit, to seek information on private accommodation, tenancy agreements, landlords, and letting agents in and around London. They also have a forum on their website for people advertising or looking for accommodation. 

If you are applying via Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies, you should contact the academic programme provider for accommodation, as these arrangements are made directly by them.  

For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

Steps: application to arrival

PROCESS FOR APPLICATION TO ARRIVAL

PRE APPLICATION
• you will either be nominated by a partner institution, or enquire via studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 
• you will then receive an email including a link to our application portal

APPLICATION
• complete the online application via the portal link, within the stipulated deadlines
• upload all mandatory evidence/documents - incomplete applications will result in delays

OFFER ACCEPTANCE
• upon application approval, you will receive an offer letter via email containing study dates
• once accepted, RVC will be able to issue an official letter of support for your visit

TRAVEL PLANS
• check entry/visa requirements for your dates - you may need to apply for a student or visitor visa
• once you have received our invitation letter, check flight options and ensure you have insurance

ACCOMMODATION
• our accommodation in London is often oversubscribed, however we are happy to assist you
in exploring any available options with RVC, unless you wish to make your own arrangements

PRE ENROLMENT
• as your visit approaches, you will need to look out for an email from our Student Records team,
containing instructions for online pre-enrolment and documents required for in person enrolment

ARRIVE AT RVC
• plan to arrive in the middle of the week prior to the start of your study period
• settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself with the local surroundings

CAMPUS INDUCTION
• you will be invited to attend an onsite induction, towards the end of the week prior to study
• this will include a tour with Student Ambassadors, and a meeting with our Study Abroad Director

Visiting International Students


GRADUATE VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are interested in applying for research programmes, please contact the RVC Graduate School Office: researchdegrees@rvc.ac.uk

OTHER VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are seeking admission as a visiting international student, please contact the Admissions Team: admissions@rvc.ac.uk 

For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

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