Bachelor of Veterinary Science
This new Veterinary Science degree will combine the considerable resources of Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College.
For all enquiries relating to the course content and teaching please contact Aberystwyth University vet-info@aber.ac.uk.
All applications should be made to the RVC and will be dealt with by RVC Admissions
Students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to be effective practitioners in a profession where there is an increasing demand for appropriately qualified staff.
The Veterinary Science course has been designed to train students to identify, medically and surgically treat, and prevent diseases of animals, including household pets, farm animals, zoo animals, and horses.
Aberystwyth University is the leading Welsh University in veterinary related areas with a strong research and teaching reputation in the area of animal health. The University’s track record in veterinary related research spans over one hundred years, with particular expertise in livestock, such as parasitology and, with the recent establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Bovine TB, also microbiology. The new Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science will be the first of its kind in Wales.
This degree is being offered in partnership with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The RVC is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London.
This new degree is designed to meet the growing needs for competent practitioners to work in rural mixed practices. For those students who wish, there will also be the opportunity to learn about specific areas of veterinary science in the Welsh medium during years 1 and 2.
Student Satisfaction and Employment Results
- 91% / 92% Aberystwyth / RVC overall student satisfaction (NSS 2019)
- 98% of Aberystwyth and RVC graduates in work/study six months after graduation (HESA 2018)
Sign up to hear more from RVC
If you’re interested in studying this course, and would like to stay informed, sign up to our RVC For Me mailing list to receive relevant information about upcoming events, students stories and life at the Royal Veterinary College.
For all enquiries relating to the course content and teaching please contact Aberystwyth University vet-info@aber.ac.uk.
All applications should be made to the RVC and will be dealt with by RVC Admissions
You should fulfil our requirements in each of the following areas to be considered for interview:
Academic qualifications
The standard academic requirements for entry to the BVSc programme are outlined below.
A-Levels
AAA in three A Level subjects:
- Biology at grade A
- Chemistry at grade A
- A third subject of your choice. The third A Level subject should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry.
We also require a 'pass' in the science practical for each subject, where taking the English curriculum.
Contextual Offers
Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click here.
*The third A Level subject should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry, and cannot be General Studies.
We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations.
- A* grades are not required and predictions for A* will not give advantage at selection or offer stage over applicants predicted A.
- There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.
- Restrictions apply to re-sits to all qualifications - see ’FAQ' tab.
See additional GCSE requirements below.
Welsh, Scottish, Irish applicants
Welsh Baccalaureate
Applicants who achieve the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade A will be accepted with two A Levels:
- Biology at grade A
- Chemistry at grade A
Please also see notes under the 'A Levels' tab above.
Contextual Offers
Offers of ABB (with an A in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
Advanced Highers at grades AA in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
in addition to five Highers at AAAAB grades including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
and at least National 5* grade B in:
- Physics
- English
- Mathematics
* If you have bypassed one or more of these subjects at National 5, you will need this subject/grade at Highers level.
Contextual Offers
Offers of AB in Biology and Chemistry will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology and Chemistry. H1 required in one of these sciences.
Minimum O3 is required in:
- Physics*
- English
- Mathematics
* where Physics is not available at Leaving Cert level, we'll consider a high grade in Junior Cert or Junior Cycle Science.
International Baccalaureate
666 at Higher Level including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- A third subject of your choice
Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score.
There is no third subject which is preferred or gives any special advantage in the selection process.
Contextual Offers
Offers of 655 (with a 6 in Biology or Chemistry) will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
See additional GCSE requirements below.
Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to the IB Diploma, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:
- SL Mathematics: Analysis and approaches
- SL English A (or grade 6 in English B)
and must also demonstrate competency in Physics (e.g. MYP Science grade 6+).
Mathematics: Applications and interpretation cannot be accepted in lieu of Mathematics: Analysis and approaches.
Diplomas and Further Certificates (including Access and L3 Extended Diploma)
All qualifications below are considered on top of existing Level 2 requirements (e.g. GCSEs, National 5s, O Levels, etc). If you are not sure you have equivalent qualifications, please contact us at vet-info@aber.ac.uk
Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)
It is expected that applicants undertaking the Access to HE Diploma will normally be returning to education after a period of at least three years absence. If have extenuating circumstances which mean you do not fulfil this please contact the Admissions team on admissions@rvc.ac.uk before you submit your application.
Diplomas must be Science-based and include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction. You must achieve at least Merit in all other graded Level 3 credits. .
See the Access to Higher Education website to search for possible courses in your area.
SWAP Access to Medical Studies (Scotland)
You must complete the “SWAP Access to Medical Studies” course and achieve a Pass overall. You must achieve AAA in the three graded components of the course – Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics with at least 80% in each subject.
Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine
Distinctions must be achieved in the Chemistry and Biology modules.
See the Birkbeck website for further details.
Level 3 Extended Diploma
Applied Generals
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science / Applied Science (Biomedical Science): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Principles and Applications of Science I (90)
- Principles and Applications of Science II (120)
- Science Investigation Skills or Contemporary Issues in Science (120)
- Two of: Applications of Organic Chemistry; Applications of Inorganic Chemistry; Practical Chemical Analysis (120)
In addition:
For Applied Science: at least three units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved.
For Applied Science (Biomedical Science): at least four units from Group A must be taken with Distinctions achieved in three of them.
Tech Levels
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science*): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Biological Systems of Animals
- Synoptic Assessment (1)
- Synoptic Assessment (2)
- Theory Exam (2)
- Undertake Investigative Project in the Land-Based Industries
*Please ensure that you are enrolled on the correct pathway - you must be on the Science pathway and taking the mandatory Science pathway modules listed in this document:
https://www.cityandguilds.com/-/media/productdocuments/land_based_services/animal_management/0172/0172_level_3/animal_management/centre-documents/0172-33-l3-adv-tech-ext-dip-in-animal-management-qhb-1080-v4,-d-,11-september-2024-pdf.ashx
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080): D*D*D* overall with Distinctions in:
- Animal Biology (120)
- Animal Breeding and Genetics (120)
- Animal Welfare and Ethics (120)
- Practical Skills in Animal Science (60)
- Animal Metabolism (60)
- Advanced Animal Nutrition (60)
- Investigative Research Project (60)
Level 3 Extended Diploma (unreformed syllabus)
Pearson Applied Science (2010 syllabus) QCF
D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Physiology of Human Body Systems AND/OR Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques AND/OR Chemistry for Biology Technicians
- Biomedical Science Techniques AND/OR Chemical Laboratory Techniques
- Using Statistics in Science AND/OR Informatics in Science
Pearson Animal Management (2010 syllabus) QCF
D*D*D* overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units:
- Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Understand the Principles and Carry Out the Practice of Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Understand the Principles of Inheritance and Genetic Manipulation
- Fundamentals of Science
- Chemistry for Biology Technicians OR Understand the Principles of Chemistry for Biological and Medical Science
Cambridge Pre-U
Distinctions (D3 or higher) in three Principal Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- A third subject of your choice
There is no third subject which is preferred by selectors or gives any special advantage in the selection process. Science and non-science subjects are treated equally for the third subject.
Applications are welcome from those who meet our science requirements and are taking a combination of A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U. Offers will be made on an individual basis, depending on the combinations.
T-Levels
We have considered the programme specifications and assessment materials for the T-level subjects currently available and these do not provide suitable preparation the degrees that we offer at the RVC. We are therefore currently unable to accept T-levels as entry qualifications to any of our courses.
As further T Level subjects are introduced the specifications will be reviewed and, if they are suitable for entry to the RVC, they will be added to the lists of acceptable qualifications.
GCSEs (only in addition to other qualifications)
At least five GCSEs at grade A including:
- AA in Science (Double Award)/7-7 in Combined Science or Biology and Chemistry or Science and Additional Science.
with at least a grade 6 (B) in:
- English Language or Welsh Language (with at least grade 4 in the other language, if both are taken)
- Mathematics
- Physics (if taken as a separate GCSE)
For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, see Qualification Reforms – The RVC’s policy.
Welsh applicants
Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
International and EU applicants
For advice on the acceptability of your qualifications please send details, referring to each of the required subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and English) to vet-info@aber.ac.uk
For more information useful to international applicants, please go to the International students section.
North America
USA
We will accept any of the following combinations:
High School Diploma:
- Graduate High School with at least three full-year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 555 including Biology and Chemistry. Please note you must be taking official AP exams, not just the classes.
ACT Test:
We will accept either of the following combinations:
- ACT score of 28 in English and Maths plus three full-year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 555 including Biology and Chemistry. Please note you must be taking official AP exams, not just the classes.
- ACT score of 28 in English and Maths plus three IB Higher Level certificates at Grade 6 including Biology and Chemistry.
SAT Test:
- SAT score of 630 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', plus three full-year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 555 including Biology and Chemistry. Please note you must be taking official AP exams, not just the classes.
- SAT score of 630 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', plus three IB Higher Level certificates at Grade 6 including Biology and Chemistry
The RVC's institution code for College Board to be used when sending your results is 7970.
The RVC's institution code to be used when sending your ACT results is 8180.
Please contact vet-info@aber.ac.uk for the previous SAT requirements, if you sat these prior to the revised qualification.
Canada
As there are regional differences, please contact vet-info@aber.ac.uk for province-specific requirements. BC and ON are shown below as a guide:
British Columbia
Pass the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation with five academic grade 12 courses including Biology/Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A 90% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 90% in Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English, Physics and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions). Grade 11 Life Sciences will normally be expected.
Ontario
Pass the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 'U' courses including Biology and Chemistry. A 90% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 90% in Biology and Chemistry. A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 or grade 12 English, Physics and Mathematics (e.g. Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Functions, Advanced Functions).
Caribbean
Obtain Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) unit 2 grades of I, I, I (one, one, one) in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject, in addition to Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) grade II (two) in English A, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Europe
Where an English grade is not specified, applicants will need to meet one of our accepted English Language qualifications. Where not specified, applicants must also demonstrate they have studied Physics and Mathematics to the equivalent standard of GCSE grade B.
European Baccalaureate
Pass the Baccalaureate with 85% overall, and 8.5 in elective Biology and Chemistry. 7.5 required in Maths and 8 required in Year 5 Physics (or 7.5 in elective Physics). 7 in L1 English is an accepted English language requirement.
Austria
Achieve the Reifeprüfung/Matura from Realgymnasium with Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden and grade 1 in Biology, Chemistry and English. Grade 3 required in Maths and Physics.
Belgium
Achieve the Diploma van secundair onderwijs/Certificat d'enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS) with 80% (8/10; 16/20) overall. 85% (9/10; 17/20) required in Biology and Chemistry. 65% (7/10; 13/20) required in Maths and Physics.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Obtain the Diploma o završenoj srednjoj školi/Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved 554 in the Matura exams with 5 in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 3 in Maths and Physics compulsory subjects.
Czech Republic
Achieve the Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce having passed the state maturita exams with 1,1,2,2 including 1 (Výborný) in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should also be demonstrated in Maths (if not included in the maturita) and Physics.
Denmark
Pass the Bevis for Studentereksamen with grade 10 in four Level A subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Maths and Physics are required at minimum Level B grade 7 or Level A grade 7. English required at Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7.
Finland
Pass the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen with Eximia cum laude approbatur in three subjects including Biology and Chemistry, and at least Magna cum laude approbatur in a fourth subject. A minimum of Cum laude approbatur is required in Maths if not part of the four subjects above. Competency must also be demonstrated in Physics.
France
Pass the Baccalauréat général with 14 overall. 16 required in Earth & Life Sciences and Physics-Chemistry, both of which need to be one's enseignements de spécialité and taken through to terminale. Mathematics needs to be sat in the penultimate year, and grade 12 achieved. (OIB Anglais: if 14 is achieved in English, no further English language qualification is required.)
For those graduating with the Baccalauréat général from 2021: one's enseignements de spécialité through to terminale will need to be Earth & Life Sciences and Physics-Chemistry to be eligible for this course. One's Maths grade will be taken from the penultimate year.
Germany
Pass the Abitur with 1.4 overall. 13 required in Biology and Chemistry, both as Kurse mit erhöhtem Anforderungsniveau/Leistungskurse. Applicants should demonstrate successful completion of grade 10 having achieved at least 3 in Maths and Physics.
Iceland
Pass the Stúdentspróf (natural science specialisation) with 9 in Biology, Chemistry and English. 7 is required in Maths and Physics.
Italy
Pass the Diploma di Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico with 95 overall and individual grades of 10 in Science, 8 in Maths and 8 in Physics.
Luxembourg
Pass the Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires (Section C) with mention tres bien overall and 52 in Biology and Chemistry. 40 required in Maths and Physics.
Macedonia
Pass the Matura with an average of 4.5 and at least 4.9 in Biology and Chemistry. Strong competency should be shown in Maths and Natural Science.
Malta
Pass the University of Malta Matriculation Certificate with AA at Advanced Level in Biology and Chemistry and AAA in three Intermediate Level subjects. If not included as Intermediate subjects, grade 3 must be achieved in Maths and Physics as part of the Secondary Education Certificate. Alternatively, IGCSE/O Levels in Maths and Physics at grade B are accepted. English may be accepted if taken as a first language; please contact admissions.
Montenegro
Achieve the Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths and Physics.
Netherlands
Pass the VWO (Natuur profiel) with 8 overall with 8 in Biology and Chemistry. 7 is required in Maths and Physics, and 9 is required in English.
Norway
Pass the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring/Skole (Natural sciences and mathematics stream) with 5 overall and 5 in Biology and Chemistry. 4 required in Maths, English and Physics.
Poland
Achieve the Świadectwo Dojrzałości (Matura) with 80% average in the Egzamin dojrzalosci. 85% is required in Advanced Level Biology and Chemistry, and 75% in Standard Level Maths. Competency should be also demonstrated in Physics.
Portugal
Pass the Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação with 18 overall, and 19 in Biology and 19 in Physics-Chemistry. 15 is required in Maths.
Romania
Pass the Diplomă de Bacalaureat (science stream) with 9 overall and individual grades of 9 in Biology and Chemistry, and 8 in Maths and Physics.
Serbia
Achieve the Diploma o položenom završnom ispitu having achieved the following in the Matura: 5 in Biology and Chemistry, 4 in Maths and Physics.
Slovakia
Pass the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške with 1,1,2,2 including 1 in Biology and Chemistry. Competency should be demonstrated in Gymnazium-level Maths and Physics.
Slovenia
Pass the Maturitetno spričevalo (Matura) with 25 overall, and 5 in Biology and Chemistry. 4 required in Maths. Competency should be demonstrated in Gimnazija-level Physics.
Spain
Pass the Bachillerato with 9 overall and individual grades of 9 in Biology/Biology-Geology and Chemistry/Physics-Chemistry. Achieve 7 in Maths and 7 in Physics if Physics-Chemistry not taken.
Sweden
Pass the Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola (Naturvetenskapsprogrammet) with ABB in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject. A minimum of grade C should be achieved in Mathematics, Physics and English C.
Switzerland
Obtain the Federal Maturity Certificate or Federally Recognised Cantonal Maturity Certificate with grade 5 in 'Biology and Chemistry' (Schwerpunktfach/Option Spécifique), and 4 in Maths and Physics.
Asia
If not specified, you must also demonstrate you have studied English (first language), Physics and Mathematics to the equivalent standard of GCSE/O Level grade B.
Hong Kong
Pass the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades 555 in Biology, Chemistry and one other elective subject, plus grade 4 in Maths and grade 5 in English core subjects. We will consider Maths as a third elective subject provided both the compulsory and the extended modules are taken with grades 5* (compulsory section) and 5 (extended section).
Malaysia
Obtain the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades AAA in three Principal level passes including Biology and Chemistry. In addition, grade 4/B is required in the SPM in Maths and 5/A in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Grade B must be achieved in English (first language) at either O Level (1119), or as part of the STPM.
Singapore
Obtain Singapore GCE A Level grades AAA at H2 level in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject. O Level Maths, English (first language) and Physics at grade B. In place of O Level English, we can accept grade B in Secondary 4 IP Language Arts/English Language.
OR
Pass the Polytechnic Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience, Veterinary Technology or Biotechnology with an overall GPA of 3.0 and with grade B in all Biology and Chemistry modules.
Africa & Middle East
Tanzania
Pass the ACSEE (natural sciences stream) with AAB+ in one of the following principal subject combinations: PCB, CBG, CBA or CBN. Division I must be achieved in the CSEE including B in Basic Mathematics; English Language; Biology; and Physics or Chemistry.
Uganda
Pass the UACE with AAA in the principal subjects including Biology and Chemistry. Pass the UCE with Division One, including Distinctions in Biology and Chemistry, and at least grade 4 (Credit) in English Language, Maths and Physics.
Oceania
All references to English below are to first-language English only. If you are studying English as a second language, please see our accepted English Language qualifications.
Australia
Excluding Queensland, an ATAR score of 90 is required. Please see below for state-specific subject/grade requirements:
New South Wales
Pass the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with the following 2-unit Category-A Board Developed Courses: Biology, Chemistry and one other at band 5; English, Maths and Physics must be achieved to at least band 3.
Queensland
Pass the QCE including the following core subjects: Biology, Chemistry and one other at HA; English, Maths and Physics must be achieved to at least SA. Your OP score should be in bands 1-4.
South Australia
Pass the SACE with the following at Stage 2: 20 credits of Biology and Chemistry at grade A. To at least Stage 1: 20 credits of English, Maths and Physics at grade B.
Victoria
Pass the VCE with the following: 3/4 Biology and Chemistry at grade A (average), English and Maths at grade C+ (average), as well as 1/2 Physics.
Western Australia
Pass the WACE with the following: Year 12 Biology and Chemistry at grade A. Year 11 English, Maths and Physics at grade B.
New Zealand
Obtain the University Entrance Certificate with National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 with Excellence overall including in Biology and Chemistry. Minimum of NCEA Level 2 Merit grades required in English, Maths and Physics.
Some countries' education systems are not equivalent to A Levels in the UK. The programme(s) below are designed to give you that equivalent level of study so you can apply for our programmes:
University of London Foundation programmes for International Students (UK-based)
UCL University Preparatory Certificate for Science & Engineering (UPCSE) for International Students
You must take Biology and Chemistry as Core Units and achieve 70% in both subjects, and 70% overall for the Certificate.
See: Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (International Foundation)
These requirements assume that you have met the standard entry requirements for UPCSE: if you have entered that course with special circumstances or through a different route, please see advice for International and EU applicants, above.
Graduate Applicants
Applications will not be considered from students currently on a degree programme unless they are in their final year.
Graduates holding related degrees
If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:2, or a Bachelor's without honours at 2:1 or above (e.g. 3-year from Australia, South Africa), you can be considered for the BVSc programme (D105). Applicants will need to be prepared to provide secondary school level transcripts/certificates as these may be used in conjunction with their degree to assess an applicant's viability.
If you have a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in a relevant biological sciences discipline, equivalent to a 2:1, you can apply directly to the RVC's Graduate Accelerated BVetMed (D102) programme. You are welcome to apply to the BVSc (D105) instead/as well but must be prepared to fund, and study on, the 5-year programme; no transfer to D102 is available post-application.
If you are currently studying for a Masters degree we will only consider your application for deferred entry, as receipt of the Masters results and proof of the completion of the degree occurs too late to enrol on a new course in the same calendar year as the Masters degree is completed.
Graduates holding non-related degrees
Applicants with a degree from a non-related discipline will need to meet the standard academic entry requirements stated above (in addition to work experience).
Graduate finance
Graduate applicants eligible for a loan from Student Finance England (SFE) should be aware that financial support is different for applicants taking BVSc as a second degree. Guidance can be found here. We recommend contacting SFE directly with any further queries.
Transferring into BVSc
It is not possible to transfer to the BVSc course from a degree programme partly completed at another university, nor can we use partial qualifications towards entry.
Internationally-qualified veterinarians
International applicants already holding a Veterinary Medicine degree who are seeking to practice in the UK are not eligible to apply for this course and should refer to the registration department of the RCVS.
.
Work experience
To apply for the BVSc you will need to have prior work experience in order to have developed animal handling skills and obtained an insight into the work of veterinary surgeons. Before you apply, you must have completed the minimum requirements:
- A total of 70 hours (e.g. 10 full days) of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more veterinary practices
- A total of 70 hours in one or more non-clinical working environments with live animals (excl. the home environment/family business/pet ownership), with at least 35 in large animal (excluding horse riding and horse ownership/family farm).
The above 140 hours must be obtained within the 18-month period directly preceding the application deadline. Earlier experience is welcome but will not count towards the 140 hour requirement.
We encourage you to think creatively about these environments and are interested to hear about any experiences that have helped to give you a sense of the veterinary role in the wider world. Examples of suitable non-clinical environments might include, but are not limited to: kennels, cattery, animal shelter, rural or city farm, stables, pet shop, lambing, intensive livestock, abattoir, animal research laboratory, wildlife park, zoo, etc. You do not have to have gained experience in all these areas.
NB: references will need to be available ahead of interview; we strongly advise obtaining as you go.
Applicant Supplementary Form
All applicants are required to submit a supplementary form as a part of the application process. This form will be available from Friday 18 October to Wednesday 23 October 2024. You will be emailed with the link to the form on Friday 18 October (we cannot confirm the time, but it will be by 5pm BST) and will need to have submitted it by 23:59 (BST) on Wednesday 23 October. If you do not complete the form within this window your application will be made unsuccessful.
We recommend that you make some form of reminder to check your emails and complete the form during this time. If you have not received the email containing the form by 5pm on Friday 18th you must get in contact with us on aberbvsc@rvc.ac.uk. Please ensure that you allow sufficient time to complete the form and do not leave it until the last minute. Forgetting about the form and/or last-minute issues will not be accepted as a valid reason for missing the deadline. Please note that the Supplementary Form for the BVSc course is a different form to that required for the RVC’s BVetMed course.
The RVC uses email as the primary method for contacting applicants about their application and applicants are strongly encouraged to take the necessary steps to ensure emails from aberbvsc@rvc.ac.uk do not end up in spam or junk inboxes, as the RVC cannot accept responsibility for any applications that are unsuccessful as a result of missed information or deadlines.
Mitigating Circumstances
If you wish to make us aware of any mitigating circumstances related to your application please see our guidance on mitigating circumstances here: www.rvc.ac.uk/mitigatingcircumstances
Interviews
All applicants to this course must attend an interview if invited and cannot receive an offer without attending an interview. Interviews will be held at Aberystwyth University at a time to be confirmed.
Invited applicants will be required to bring to the interview their passport (in some cases, another valid form of photo ID will be acceptable), original certificates for their GCSEs and (if already completed) A Levels or equivalent qualifications and reference letters to cover the minimum work experience requirements as stated above
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component
All applicants must have an acceptable English Language qualification, many of which are listed under 'Academic qualifications' above. Please see our English Language Requirements page for a list of qualifications which Aberystwyth University and the RVC accept as alternatives to IELTS.
This programme has been designed to train students to identify, medically and surgically treat, and prevent diseases of animals, including household pets, farm animals, zoo animals and horses.
For all enquiries relating to the course content and teaching please contact Aberystwyth University vet-info@aber.ac.uk.
All applications should be made to the RVC and will be dealt with by RVC Admissions
Throughout this comprehensive course we will help you acquire an understanding of the basic biological principles of normal body function and disease, and the ability to distinguish the pathological from the normal, to prevent disease and safely manage the processes of animal production. You will also explore opportunities to further veterinary knowledge through research, and develop the expertise to diagnose and treat disease and alleviate suffering along with the professional skills you need to work and communicate effectively in practice.
In the first two years, you will be based in the heart of Wales at Aberystwyth University, studying the biology underpinning veterinary sciences, acquiring basic farm animal, horse and companion animal handling and examination skills, and developing your communication, problem solving and team working skills. Aberystwyth University has a long history of animal health teaching and research and is committed to educational excellence.
In your third year you will be based at RVC’s Hawkshead Campus where you will acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills in clinical science necessary for you to participate fully in clinical practice at the RVC, collaborative practices, and in private veterinary practice in your fourth and fifth year. Additionally, in your fourth or fifth year you will return to Aberystwyth University for specialist clinical rotation training for limited time.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments. The majority of teaching during the fourth and fifth years of the programme is in the form of clinical rotations, where you will work in small groups in a variety of clinical environments. AHEMS is undertaken during the first two years of the programme. AHEMS placements are designed to help you consolidate your learning about animal husbandry, develop animal handling skills, and learn about animal industries. You must complete 12 weeks of AHEMS before entry to Year 3 of the course, comprising of: A minimum of 50% of your AHEMS will take place in Wales. ClinEMS is the time dedicated to gaining practical clinical experience in the latter years of your veterinary medicine programme to support your learning and clinical experience gained in the RVC’s animal hospitals. ClinEMS will allow you to gain experience in a variety of different clinical and other veterinary-related organisations, where you will consolidate your learning about diagnosis and management of animal diseases, enhance your practical clinical skills, and acquire greater understanding of how veterinary organisations operate. You will undertake ClinEMS placements in your third, fourth and fifth years of the BVSc programme, totalling 26 weeks of placements. Again, a minimum of 50% of your placements will take place Wales.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Animal Husbandry Extra-Mural Studies (AHEMS)
Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS)
Graduates develop an in-depth scientific knowledge that may be applied to a number of different career pathways.
These include mixed clinical practice, equine practices, farm/ livestock practices, veterinary research, veterinary public health and policy, pharmaceutical industry, food security and conservation medicine.
Additionally, having trained partially in Wales throughout the degree, graduates will be extremely well-suited to continuing their career in Welsh practices and other veterinary institutions and employers in Wales or rural practice.
Teaching is organised in ‘strands’. These strands are visited on multiple occasions, initially focusing on the normal animal, and progressing through diseases of different systems, their investigation and treatment.
There are also non-system strands that focus on the underpinning science, professionalism and diseases in groups of animals and their impact on public health. In the first two years at Aberystwyth you will be taught and assessed on these strands in specific modules, while in year 3 at RVC all strands will be assessed together.
The RVC has three outstanding academic and clinical departments. Lecturers in each department are not only world-class researchers and clinicians who are passionate about their field; they are highly qualified teaching professionals.
At Aberystwyth University, veterinary professionals and researchers from the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science and from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) will teach students using the extensive university farms, Lluest Equine centre and other teaching facilities.
For all enquiries relating to the course content and teaching please contact Aberystwyth University vet-info@aber.ac.uk.
All applications should be made to the RVC and will be dealt with by RVC Admissions
Below are some common queries about entry requirements and application.
This section will be added to over time but if you have any queries, we would encourage you to contact us at admissions@rvc.ac.uk if your question is not answered here or on the Entry Requirements tab.
What if I haven't achieved the entry requirements?
Normally applicants need to have achieved our minimum entry requirements at both Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) and Level 3 (e.g. A Level) in order to progress any further in the application process. It does not matter if you achieve these minimum grades by re-sitting modules within the qualification. We do accept applications from those narrowly missing the published entry requirements.
Does it count against me if I re-sit part, or all, of my qualification?
The RVC admissions policy is to accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE, A Level or equivalent without penalty. However, if you do re-sit any qualifications you will be expected to meet our grade requirements on second sitting (for example, AAA at A Level), and we also specify that you must have achieved minimum grades on your first sitting (BBC at A Level, with B in Biology).
Applicants re-sitting other qualifications, or those taking new qualifications following an attempt in an alternative qualification, should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@rvc.ac.uk for information about minimum grades required at first sitting.
I'm a mature applicant. Are the requirements the same for me?
We welcome mature applicants and have many on our programme. To be classified as mature student you would need to be 21 years of age on the 1st September in the year you enrol. We cannot apply the mature student criteria to applicants applying for deferred entry, unless they would be classed as a mature student in the year their application is submitted.
Our Level 3 requirements are the same but we understand you may have taken your GCSEs some time ago. Therefore, our requirements for mature students are a minimum of grade C in the following four subjects: Mathematics, English Language and either: Science and Additional Science or Biology and Chemistry or Double Science. If you are resitting, or are newly taking any GCSEs, the grade requirements will be as advertised in the GCSE section.
Applicants will normally be expected to have completed relevant qualifications for entry within the five years prior to the start of the course, unless they have been working in a relevant field, to ensure that their knowledge and study skills are sufficiently relevant and current to enable success on the course.
Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously?
You may, but in view of the large number and high quality of new candidates coming forward each year, we are normally unable to consider more than one repeat application.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2025/26 are as follows:
Home Tuition Fees including Island Fees (Channel Islands & Isle of Man) | International Fees |
---|---|
£9,535 |
£47,960 |
The UK Government has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss national students who have started an eligible course in the 2020/21 academic year or earlier academic years remain eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees and claim any financial support for which they are currently eligible for the duration of that course.
Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.
- Students from countries outside the UK who wish to undertake full-time study at the RVC are required to pay the international fee for their programme of study (please see Fee status section).
- Information on Fees & Funding can be found here
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
- Student membership of the British Veterinary Association for course duration
- Access to books and journals essential to your course (print and digital)
- Open access and bookable IT equipment such as PCs and laptops
- Largely paperless curriculum plus £10 p.a. printing allowance
-
Annual membership of College gym (both campuses)
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
- Specialist clothing and equipment £600 for the whole course. This amount includes some likely additional spend on replacement items.
- Travel to AHEMS and EMS placements
- Some AHEMS and EMS placements will also require students to pay for board and lodging
- Travel to various intramural rotations (IMR). While majority of the core IMR take place in the College’s clinical centres, various weeks of core and tracking IMR require you to travel to various parts of London or further afield. Financial support is provided to help offset the likely travel costs entailed and for certain rotations accommodation is also provided
Accommodation and living costs are not included in the fees. Our Housing Advice pages provide further information on College and private housing.
Sorry there are no items that match your filters.