- Biology of cells / 15 credits
Gain understanding of cellular structure and function, placing particular emphasis on cellular architecture, cell communication and the processing of signals received by each individual cell, and how cells are affected by the structure and function of the specialised extracellular matrix environment. This will be combined with an introduction to homeostasis at the cellular, extracellular, tissue and organ levels of the body.

- Inheritance, genetics and evolution / 15 credits
Appreciate how different characteristics are inherited leading to a fuller understanding of the mechanisms underlying all biological processes in health and disease. This module will provide a comprehensive overview of genetics from molecules to populations, and how genetics can be applied to increase our understanding of diseases and in the design of new therapies to treat them.

- Developmental biology / 15 credits
An introduction to the principles of developmental biology in humans and other vertebrates. By the end of the module, you will understand the concepts of how a single cell forms an embryo and how genes control this process.

- The moving animal / 15 credits
Locomotion is one of the primary behaviours of daily living in humans and animals, and healthy locomotor function is essential to well-being. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the principles of movement across the range of organisational levels: from the whole organism interacting with its environment, to integrated systems, tissues, and cells. This module will provide a framework to recognise healthy and impaired locomotor function, and highlight interactions among different body systems in the whole organism. You will explore how many fundamental structures and mechanisms are shared between different body systems, and how the different systems interact and influence one another.

- Integrated physiology I / 15 credits
Explore the reproductive physiology in humans and other mammals from fertilisation to an adult capable of reproduction, and study the basic concepts in immunology by defining the components of the immune system, and how they work in concert to eradicate pathogens.

- Integrated physiology II / 15 credits
A comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of physiology using a systems-based approach. Units on fundamentals of cellular biochemistry and metabolic processes, digestive physiology, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neurology and renal physiology, will provide a good overview of how biological processes at the cellular, tissue and organ level contribute to function of the organism as a whole.

- Problem definition and investigation / 30 credits
Develop your critical and analytical thinking whilst consolidating the biological principles learned in Year One. You will work in small groups to answer scientific questions in different areas of current research strength within the various departments of the RVC. Then, you will undertake an in-depth independent library-based project focused on an active area of research, under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Through independent analysis of the scientific literature, you will review why the scientific question that you are focusing on is important, describe the methods by which it is being investigated, and provide an analysis, with appropriate conclusions, drawn from published data.

- The enemy within / 30 credits
Investigate various aspects of health degeneration, through genetic differences present at birth or through changes in the genetic material leading to dysfunctional growth, how ageing affects health, as well as cancer biology and immune dysfunction. You will cover genetics, protein malfunction and disorders, principles of pathology, cell division and transformation, homeostasis, breakdown and repair, and immunopathology.

- The enemy without / 30 credits
Gain insight into how pathogens enter a host and establish infections. You will study examples of bacterial, viral, parasitic and prion diseases; rather than learning a long list of pathogens, you will focus on principles and general concepts, with some illustrative examples. You will cover principles of infection, bacterial pathogenesis, virology and parasitology.

- Principles of pharmacology /15 credits
Build further understanding of physiology and pathophysiology. The module will provide fundamental knowledge of pharmacodynamics (drug action) and pharmacokinetics (the effects of the body on drugs). This module is divided into three units: principles of drug action, drug targets and selectivity of drug action.

- Applied pharmacology / 15 credits
Build on the knowledge gained in ‘Principles of Pharmacology’ and discusses issues that are relevant to the clinical use of drugs. These include drug development, registration and post-marketing surveillance. The module is divided into three units: selectivity of drug action, drugs and diseases, and from drug discovery to patients and beyond. This module will be supported by guest lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry.

- Research project
Undertake a pathway-specific, six-week driven research experience. This will be carried out in groups and will develop a number of different professional skills including team working and leadership skills that are highly sought after in industry, as well as enhancing your practical laboratory skills, data analysis and interpretation, and academic writing and presentation skills.

- Advanced concepts in bio-business / 15 credits
Develop a work-relevant theoretical and practical understanding of commercial innovation, within the context of human and veterinary bio-medical sciences. You will learn and experiment with the knowledge, skills and attitudes scientists need in order to play a more effective and integrated role during the development of innovative life-saving and life-enhancing products and services including new medicines, diagnostics and healthcare provision. You will be required to solve commercial problems in small groups and further develop your understanding of bioscience business, management and enterprise.

- Research project
Undertake an investigative hypothesis driven project or dissertation allied to your own research interests, and at the end of the year present the results in the form of a written report and as an oral presentation. These projects involve a topic selected by an RVC supervisor in light of the areas of expertise and cutting-edge research found within the college. However, you are welcome to propose specific topics for investigation to a supervisor in that area of expertise.

Optional modules:

- Advanced concepts in reproduction / 15 credits
Build upon the knowledge you have gained in the first year in Reproduction. You will concentrate on the veterinary applications of research and highlight how it makes a real impact on animal health and welfare. You will learn cellular and molecular aspects of reproductive biology from gonadal development and function to ovulation, fertilization and embryo and germ cells development, and establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and placental immunology in animals.

- Applied molecular microbiology / 15 credits
In addition to their importance as pathogens, microbes have many beneficial uses. This module will give students the opportunity to explore the beneficial biotechnological use of microbes in the food industry, and in human and animal health. The module will explore the use of microbes as factories, microbes and food, microbes in research and microbes and health. The module will highlight the historical and state of the art applications of microbes as useful organisms, and you will have hands-on opportunities to explore how microbes can be used for the production of biopharmaceuticals.

- Advanced skeletal pathobiology / 15 credits
Failures in the skeletal system, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, provide one of the major challenges to human and animal welfare. Research activities in skeletal pathobiology are commonly directed at understanding the development, growth, ageing and functional maintenance of the skeletal system as well as the evolution of bone and joint pathologies. This module will introduce you to a broad range of skeletal tissues, and explore the anatomy, physiology and functional failure and on occasion include comparative aspects of the skeletal system across species.

- Animal behaviour and cognition / 15 credits
Conduct theoretical and applied training in animal behaviour science and animal cognition. You will focus on wild animals, but relevance to domesticated animals will be made clear and examples will be given. You will cover mammals and birds in depth, but will also build your understanding of reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. This module includes a dog training demonstration and a visit to a professional animal behaviour conference.

- Applied animal welfare / 15 credits
Examine important animal welfare issues from a national and global perspective. Investigate and critically evaluate the demands of current and future practices on the welfare of animals under the domain of humans. This module will include visits to an abattoir, livestock market, London Zoo and to a farm.

- Comparative animal locomotion / 30 credits
An exciting, hands-on introduction to the field of comparative animal locomotion at all levels. If we can understand how brains, muscles, and skeletons work together to produce locomotion, in the full context of other animals and the natural environment, then we will not only have solved one of the great mysteries of the natural world, but we stand to improve the lives of all animals, including humans, through treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal disease.

Animal locomotion is an integrative, dynamic field of study and it is currently at an extraordinary juncture. You will need a willingness to think conceptually about how animals move, and examples will be drawn across the animal kingdom so you can appreciate the breath-taking diversity of movement strategies.

- Comparative models of disease / 15 credits
The role of animal models in the understanding of human and animal physiology and in the treatment of infectious diseases is controversial. Modern society is increasingly re-evaluating the value of animal life and, consequently, questioning the use of animal disease models. In this module, you will be introduced into the rationale behind the use of animal models and the increasing number of alternatives, including cells, isolated tissues, zebra fish and drosophila. You will examine the key aspects that need to be considered when developing and analysing models of disease and its uses and limitations.

- Development and disease / 15 credits
The nervous system is by far the most complex tissue in any animal. By understanding the molecular and cellular basis of nervous system development, we aim to understand how changes in these processes result in developmental defects – both morphological and function. For example, significant change in the morphology of the brain can be seen in conditions such as holoprosencephaly whereas functional changes are seen in autism and schizophrenia. This module will give insight into the latest research in nervous system development, and will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding of how researchers employ animal models in this research and inform you of the latest applications of developmental biology research, including the use of stem cells and molecular editing techniques.

- Endocrine and metabolic syndromes / 15 credits
The increasing problem of obesity in the human and pet population has resulted in a dramatic increase in research efforts to understand and influence metabolism, and treat associated side effects. We will seek to integrate the basic science of endocrinology into more translational topics relating to the diseases and syndromes associated with disorders of endocrinology and metabolism. The module will focus specifically on clinical abnormalities affecting blood glucose regulation and feeding, growth and metabolism, endocrine-related cancers, and reproductive disorders including those affecting sex differentiation and intersex.

- Epidemiology: the bigger picture / 15 credits
Discover more about how diseases affect animal and human populations, and how to select the best ways to try to control diseases. You will explore what One Health is, how to investigate a disease outbreak, pandemic prevention, and what the challenges are of working with wildlife. You to discover the patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in animal populations. The key concepts of epidemiology are taught in a structured way, and case studies of pets, livestock, horses and wildlife will show you how to apply what you learn in the real world.

- Infection and immunity / 30 credits
Infectious diseases continue to be one of the major challenges to animal and human health worldwide, and new pathogens are emerging and spreading to new geographical ranges. An understanding of the biology of pathogens, how they behave in the host animal and animal populations, and an understanding of how the host combats infection are all requirements of modern and successful control strategies. This module will introduce you to key aspects that need to be considered when defining and controlling infectious diseases in individual animals and populations, using examples from virology, bacteriology and parasitology.

- Parasitology of human and veterinary tropical diseases / 15 credits
Study major human and veterinary parasitic tropical diseases from the viewpoints of immunology, epidemiology, pathology, treatment and control. This module will cover major human tropical diseases caused by protozoan and helminth parasites. Major veterinary tropical parasitic diseases that cause significant production losses and/or are significant zoonoses will be covered. For each disease, interesting aspects of research conducted on these organisms will be highlighted.

- Practical investigative biology / 15 credits
An intense training course in cell and molecular biology, with a view to equipping you with the practical and design skills required to undertake research in areas of molecular biology. You will complete a ‘mini-project’, where you will generate a plasmid DNA construct, amplify this in bacteria, purify and analyse the resulting DNA, then transiently express this gene in a eukaryotic cell line before analysing the effects of its expression by cell imaging techniques (confocal microscopy and flow cytometry).

- Science of animal welfare / 15 credits
Undertake theoretical and methodological training in animal welfare science, which is broadly equivalent to the biology of sensations, motivation and emotions. This module will cover a range of behavioural, physiological and other indicators of diverse welfare states, illustrated with examples including wild, farm, companion, and laboratory animals. As part of this module, you will take small group tours of appropriate animals in the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals to observe behavioural indicators of pain and sickness and the efforts made to alleviate suffering.

You can also take several optional modules at King’s College London during your third year.

- Advanced research methods / 15 credits
Training in research methodology, analytical skills and academic writing so that you are well prepared for your extended research project and future research you may be involved in within academia, industry or a graduate career. This will be carried out as distance learning.

- Extended research project
This MSci includes a placement in the fourth year of the course. This placement enables you to gain an extensive research experience in an industry setting. Throughout this research experience, you will be challenged by and stimulated to challenge, the currently accepted wisdom in biological sciences.

It is important to note that you will be responsible for finding and securing your fourth year placement.

EITHER:

ABB* in three A Level subjects including:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade A

OR:

BBB* in three A Level subjects including:

• Biology or Chemistry
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. 
• A third subject of your choice

Contextual Offers

From the 2018/9 application cycle onwards (this does not include Clearing 2017), offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BBB offer would become CCC for WP students, an ABB offer would become BCC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

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*Where one is taking science A Levels as part of the new English curriculum (taught from 2015 onwards), we also require a 'Pass' in the science practical for each subject.

For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click here.

We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations.

The non-prescribed A Level subjects should not overlap with Biology or Chemistry, and cannot be General Studies.  

See additional GCSE requirements.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Applicants who have achieved the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B will be accepted with two A Levels, including:

EITHER:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade A
• Another subject of your choice (excl. General Studies) at grade B

OR:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade B
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths at grade B

We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations.

See additional GCSE requirements.

Contextual Offers

From the 2018/9 application cycle onwards (this does not include Clearing 2017), offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become CC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students, an AB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become BC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

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Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

EITHER:

Advanced Highers in:

• Chemistry or Biology at grade A
• Another subject of your choice at grade B

OR:

Advanced Highers in:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade B
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths at grade B

In addition to:

5 Highers at grade B or above

and at least National 5 grade B in:

• English
• Mathematics
• Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Contextual Offers

From the 2018/9 application cycle onwards (this does not include Clearing 2017), offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB offer would become CC for WP students, an AB offer would become BC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.

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Irish Leaving Certificate

H2,H2,H3,H3,H3,H3 including:

• Biology or Chemistry
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

If not included in the above, O3 is required in:

• A second natural science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
• English
• Mathematics

Pre-2017 scheme:

At Higher level, grades of BBBBBB including:

• Biology or Chemistry
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

At Ordinary level (or Higher level) grade B:

• Physics*
• English
• Mathematics 

* where Physics is not taught at this level at your school, please contact us prior to submitting your application.

For those on the pre-2017 scheme, it should be clearly stated on the UCAS form which subjects are being studied at Higher level and which at Ordinary level.

EITHER:

655 at Higher Level including:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade 6

OR:

555 at Higher Level including:

• Biology or Chemistry
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths
• One other subject of your choice

Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score.

See additional GCSE requirements below. 

Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to IB, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:

• SL Mathematics
• SL English A Lang-Lit

Candidates from outside the UK may sit one of the English language qualifications listed further down the page in place of the English A subjects above. Mathematical Studies and English A Literature or English B cannot be accepted in lieu of our English Language and Mathematics requirements, but can be taken on top of existing qualifications that meet our requirements. 

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 admissions@rvc.ac.uk 

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Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)

Diplomas must be Science based and include a minimum of:

15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction or 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction, and with Merits achieved in all other Level 3 modules.

See the Access to Higher Education website to search for possible courses in your area. We do not accept on-line versions of the course. 

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Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine

Merits must be achieved in the Chemistry and Biology modules.

See the Birkbeck website for further details.

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Level 3 Extended Diploma (syllabus for students starting this qualification from 2016)

Pearson 'Applied Science' or 'Biomedical Science': DDD overall with Distinctions in:        

• Principles and Applications of Science I        
• Principles and Applications of Science II        
• Science Investigation Skills        
• Contemporary Issues in Science

Candidates must also pass the following units:         

• Genetics and Genetic Engineering        
• Physiology of Human Body Systems or Human Regulation and Reproduction        
• Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques or Diseases and Infections        
• Biomedical Science or Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways     
• Two of: Applications of Organic Chemistry; Applications of Inorganic Chemistry; Practical Chemical Analysis

Pearson 'Animal Management with Science': DDD overall with Distinctions in:         

• Animal Biology   
• Animal Breeding and Genetics         
• Animal Welfare and Ethics        
• Practical Skills in Animal Science        
• Animal Metabolism

City & Guilds 'Animal Management (Science)': D overall with Distinctions in:         

• Biological Systems of Animals        
• Principles of Health and Safety        
• Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-Based Industries        
• Three of: Inheritance and Genetics; Chemistry for Biological Technicians; Cell Biology and Genetics; Biochemistry and Microbiology  

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BTEC/Level 3 Extended Diploma (syllabus for students who started this qualification in 2010-2015)

Animal Management (2010-2015 syllabus)

DDM (Distinction Distinction Merit) overall required, including Distinctions in the units marked by an asterisk (*):

• 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*

Applied Science (2010-2015 syllabus)

DDM (Distinction Distinction Merit) overall required, including Distinctions in the units marked by an asterisk (*):

•  Genetics and Genetics Engineering
• *Biomedical Science Techniques and/or
• *Chemical Laboratory Techniques and/or
• *Chemistry for Biology Technicians
• *Physiology of Human Body Systems and/or
• *Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Using Statistics in Science and/or Informatics in Science

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Cambridge Pre-U

EITHER:

M1, M2, M2 in three Principal Subjects including:

• Biology or Chemistry at grade M1

OR:

M2, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including:

• Biology or Chemistry
• Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
• One other subject of your choice

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.

At least grade B in:

• Science & Additional Science or two individual sciences, if taken separately
• English Language
• Mathematics

New GCSE curricula (teaching starting 2015-2017)

England

Where we currently ask for grade B, we will require a grade 6 under the numerical grading system. 

Wales

Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of an A or B in GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it.

International entry requirements below are in line with our double-science 'BBB' offer at A Level. Those taking a single science should contact us for details of the standard offer for their qualification. 

Candidates must meet the entry requirements by means of the prescribed qualifications listed or acceptable alternative qualifications.

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 admissions@rvc.ac.uk.

For more information useful to international applicants, please go to the International students section.

North America

USA

Graduate High School with at least four full-year Advanced Placement examinations at 4443 with Grade 4 in Biology or Chemistry, and either Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Calculus.

Alternatively, the following combinations can be accepted:

• ACT score of 26 (including Writing test) plus APs in two sciences (as above) at Grade 4;
• ACT score of 26 (including Writing test) plus IB Higher Level certificates in two sciences (as above) at Grade 5;
• SAT score of 570 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', and an Essay score of 5,5,5 - plus APs in two sciences (as above) at Grade 4;
• SAT score of 570 in each of 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' and 'Math', and an Essay score of 5,5,5 - plus IB Higher Level certificates in two sciences (as above) at Grade 5.

The RVC's institution code for College Board to be used when sending your results is 7970.

Please contact us for the previous SAT requirements, if you sat these prior to the revised qualification. 

Canada

As there are regional differences, please contact Admissions for province-specific requirements. BC and ON are shown below as a guide:  

British Columbia

Pass the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation with five grade 12 courses including Biology and Chemistry. An 86% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 86% in Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 English and Mathematics if not achieved as part of the above.  

Ontario

Pass the Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 'U' courses including Biology and Chemistry. An 86% average is required across grade 12 courses, with 86% in Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). A minimum of 73% is required in grade 11 English and Mathematics if not achieved as part of the above.  

Caribbean

Obtain Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) unit 2 grades of II, II, II (two, two, two) in Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) plus a third subject of your choice in addition to Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) grade II (two) in English A, Mathematics and two individual sciences from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

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Europe

Where an English grade is not specified, applicants will also need to meet one of our accepted English Language qualifications: 

European Baccalaureate

Pass the Baccalaureate with 75% overall, and 7.5 in elective Biology or Chemistry and Maths 5/Advanced Maths. 7 in L1 English is an accepted English language requirement.

Denmark

Pass the Bevis for Studentereksamen with grades 10,10,7,7 in four Level A subjects including Biology or Chemistry, and Maths. English required at Level B grade 10 or Level A grade 7.

France

Pass the Baccalauréat 'S' stream with 12 (mention assez bien) overall and individual grades of 13 in two out of: Biology, Physics-Chemistry or Maths. If not achieved at grade 13 as part of this requirement, Maths is required at grade 12. [OIB Anglais: if 14 is achieved in English, no further English language qualification is required].

Iceland

Pass the Stúdentspróf (natural science specialisation) with 7 in Biology or Chemistry and 7 in Maths. 9 is required in English. 

Italy

Pass the Diploma di Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico with 80 overall and individual grades of 8 in Biology or Chemistry, and 8 in Maths. 

Malta

Pass University of Malta Matriculation Certificate with BB at Advanced Level in Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths), and BBB in three Intermediate Level subjects. If not included as an Intermediate subject, grade 3 must be achieved in Maths as part of the Secondary Education Certificate. Alternatively, IGCSE/O Levels in Maths and a science at grade B are accepted. English may be accepted if taken as a first language; please contact admissions. 

Netherlands

Pass the VWO (Natuur profiel) with 7 overall and grades 7 and 8 in two sciences from: Biology or Chemistry, and Maths, and 9 is required in English. 

Norway

Pass the Vitnemal - videregaende opplaering (Natural sciences and mathematics stream) with 4 overall and 4 in Biology or Chemistry, and 4 in Maths and English. 

Poland

Pass the Polish Świadectwo Dojrzałości (Matura) with 70% average and 75% in Advanced Level Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths), plus 75% in Standard/Basic Level Maths where not taken at Advanced Level. 

Portugal

Pass the Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação with 16 overall and 17 in Biology or Physics-Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Physics-Chemistry or Maths). 15 must be achieved in Maths if not used as the second science. 

Romania

Pass the Diplomă de Bacalaureat (science stream) with 8 overall and individual grades of 8.5 in Biology or Chemistry, and 8.5 in Maths. 

Serbia

Pass the Diploma o položenom završnom ispitu/Matura with 4 overall and 4 in Biology or Chemistry, and 4 in Maths. 

Slovakia

Pass the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške with 2,2,2,2 including 2 in Biology or Chemistry, and 2 in Maths.

Slovenia

Pass the Maturitetno spričevalo (Matura) with 20 overall and 4 in Biology or Chemistry, and 4 in Maths.

Spain

Pass the Bachillerato with 8 overall and individual grades of 8 in Biology/Biology-Geology or Chemistry/Physics-Chemistry, and 8 in Maths. 

Sweden

Pass the Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola (Naturvetenskapsprogrammet) with BCC in Biology or Chemistry, a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics) and a third subject. A minimum of grade C should be achieved in Mathematics, Physics and English C.

Switzerland

Pass a Federal Maturity Certificate or Federally Recognised Cantonal Maturity Certificate with an overall average of 4.6 (on the 6-point scale) including 4.5 in Biology and Chemistry as the Schwerpunktfach/Option Spécifique. A minimum of 4.0 in Maths.

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Asia

Hong Kong

Obtain the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades 544 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 an elective subject in place of either Biology or Chemistry, provided both the compulsory and the extended modules are taken with grades 5* (compulsory part) and 5 (extended part).

Malaysia

Obtain the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades BBB in three Principal level subjects including Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). In addition, grade 4/B is required in the SPM in Maths and two of 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 grades BBB at H2 level in three Singapore A Level subjects including Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). In addition, O Level grade B is required in Maths, English (first language) and two out of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

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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

As there are significant regional differences, please contact Admissions for state-specific requirements. NSW is shown below as a guide:  

New South Wales

Pass the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with the following 2-unit Category-A Board Developed Courses: Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) plus one other at band 4; English and Maths must be achieved to at least band 3 if not part of the above. An ATAR score of 75% is required. 

New Zealand

Obtain the University Entrance Certificate with National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 with Merit overall including in Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths). Minimum of NCEA Level 2 Merit grades required in English and Maths.

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Some countries' education systems are not equivalent to A Levels in the UK. The programmes 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 Chemistry and a second Science subject as Core Units. You must achieve 65% overall in the Certificate, and 65% in Chemistry and the second Science Unit.

View website for more information on the programme. 

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.

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Other qualifications

For advice on the eligibility of other qualifications, please contact Admissions at admissions@rvc.ac.uk. Please note, we typically do not accept Foundation years unless otherwise advertised.

Email: admissions@rvc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7468 5147