Biology of Cells (15)

This module will provide you with the basic information necessary to understand 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. These aspects are integrated into a holistic framework through an introduction to homeostasis at the cellular, extracellular, tissue and organ levels of the body.

Inheritance, Genetics and Evolution (15)

Appreciating how different characteristics are inherited is key 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)

The overall aim of this module is to introduce the student to principles of developmental biology in humans and other vertebrates. By the end of the module, students should be able to understand the concepts of how a single cell forms an embryo and how genes control this process.

The Moving Animal (15)

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. We will also highlight interactions among different body systems in the whole organism. Throughout this module you will be thinking about 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)

This module is split into two units. The first unit explores reproductive physiology in humans and other mammals from fertilisation to an adult capable of reproduction. The second unit provides 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)

The module is designed to provide 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 (includes first-year project) (30)

The aim of this module is to encourage development of your critical and analytical thinking whilst consolidating the biological principles learned in the previous modules. The approach to learning in this module is problem-based.   For the first three weeks you will work in small groups to answer scientific questions in different areas of current research strength within the various departments of the RVC.  For the second three weeks of this module, you will undertake an in-depth independent library-based project focused on an active area of research within the college, 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.

Academic tutorials and professional skills workshops 

The Enemy Within (30)  

This module investigates 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. Topics likely to be covered: Genetics; Protein Malfunction and Disorders; Principles of Pathology; Cell Division and Transformation; Homeostasis, Breakdown and Repair; Immunopathology. 

The Enemy Without (30)

This module provides further insight into how pathogens enter the 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. Topics likely to be covered: Principles of Infection, Bacterial Pathogenesis, Virology and Parasitology. 

Principles of Pharmacology (15)

The Principles of Pharmacology module builds upon knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology gained earlier in the course. 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)

This module builds on the Principles of Pharmacology module and discusses issues that are relevant to the clinical use of drugs. These include drug development, registration and post-marketing surveillance. It is integrated with coverage of the fundamental skills on which the development of innovative pharmacology products and services depend, thus broadening the scope from learning to employability in the field. The module is divided into three units: Selectivity of Drug Action; Drugs and Diseases; From Drug Discovery to Patients and Beyond, and will be taught by RVC lecturers with guest lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry. 

Second-Year Research Project (30)

All students will undertake a pathway-specific six week hypothesis driven research experience in the third term. 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.

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NB: The modules above are as planned and illustrate the type of content one can expect but some alterations are possible.

Core modules

Advanced Concepts in Biobusiness (15) 

This module will enable students to develop a work-relevant theoretical and practical understanding of commercial innovation, within the context of human and veterinary bio-medical sciences. Put another way, to 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. Students will be required to solve commercial problems in small groups and further develop their understanding of bioscience business, management and enterprise. This will allow students to link their scientific expertise with their new found understanding of commercial innovation and enterprise. These outcomes are crucial as numerous surveys of graduate employers in high technology disciplines state that science graduates lack important business and management competencies.   

Third-Year Project (60)

The aim of the project is to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a research project of their own interest, outline a hypothesis, design the experiments to test the hypothesis, and at the end of the year present the results in the form of a dissertation and as an oral presentation. These projects involve 12 weeks of laboratory or field-based research on a topic selected by the supervisor in light of the areas of expertise and cutting-edge research found within the RVC. However, students are welcome to propose a specific project to a supervisor in that area of expertise.

Optional modules (to add up to 45 credits)

Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (15) 

This advanced module is designed to build upon the knowledge you have gained in the 1st year in Reproduction. It concentrates on the veterinary applications of research in these two exciting fields and highlights how they make a real impact on animal health and welfare. To 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)

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) 

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. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to a broad range of skeletal tissues. This will touch on the anatomy, physiology and functional failure and on occasion include comparative aspects of the skeletal system across species. Throughout the course, examples of skeletal pathobiology will be used to emphasise specific aspects of skeletal function. The course has at its centre the desire to unite cellular and tissue aspects of skeletal health and disease, achieved by addressing cutting edge aspects as well as traditional understanding.   

Animal Behaviour and Cognition (15)

The module will provide theoretical and applied training in animal behaviour science and animal cognition. It will focus on wild animals, but relevance to domesticated animals will be made clear and examples will be given. The course covers mammals and birds in depth, but also includes information on reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Practicals/ field trips will include a dog training demonstration and a visit to a professional Animal Behaviour conference.

Animals and Human Society (15)

The module will provide theoretical and applied training the ethics and law associated with animals and society. It will focus on the interactions between, and uses of, animals and society at large, including the political and legal frameworks that govern this. The module will be divided into the different areas of animal use, such as companion, working, industrial, research and culinary; and particular focus on the different approaches by society to these animals will be addressed. The course covers ethical theories, the social contract and jurisprudence; legal case studies of breaches in animal care will be used to highlight this understanding. Additionally, social science research and political tools will be used to demonstrate how society may respond to scientific research and how to improve impact. Practicals/field trips will include a trip to Parliament or Court to view animal welfare impacts and debates or an away day of criminal cases.

Applied Animal Welfare (15)

The module will examine important animal welfare issues from a UK and global perspective. Investigating and critically evaluating the demands of current and future practices on the welfare of animals under the domain of humans. Independent learning will be encouraged with the use of small group student-lead learning, directed learning, use of learning resources and self-directed independent study. Field trips/practicals will include visits to an abattoir, livestock market, London Zoo and to a farm.

Comparative Animal Locomotion (30) 

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. This module will provide an exciting, hands-on introduction to the field of comparative animal locomotion at all levels. It does not rely on a background in maths or physics, but instead requires a willingness to think conceptually about how animals move. Examples will be drawn across the animal kingdom, so students will gain an appreciation for the breath-taking diversity of movement strategies.   

Comparative Models of Disease (tbc) 

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 as a consequence questioning the use of animal disease models. In this module students will be introduced into the rationale behind use of animal models and the increasing number of alternatives, including cells, isolated tissues, zebra fish and drosophila. Students will be introduced to the key aspects that need to be considered when developing/analysing models of disease and the following things discussed: uses and limitations of comparative models of disease; analysis of comparative models of infectious diseases, genetic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and neoplasia; models of lifestyle diseases including obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; the use of animal models in the development of new therapies and the production of research tools.   

Development and Disease (15) 

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, 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 & Metabolic Syndromes (15) 

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. In every unit, we will stress the importance of endocrine research in establishing the molecular and physiological basis of these conditions.   

Epidemiology: The Bigger Picture (15) 

If you want to discover more about how diseases affect animal (and human!) populations, and how to select the best ways to try to control diseases, then this half-module is for you! The sorts of questions that you will know the answers to if you undertake this half-module include: What is ‘One Health’ all about? How do you investigate a disease outbreak? Can we prevent the next pandemic? What are the challenges of working with wildlife? This module will help you to discover the patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in animal populations. The key concepts of epidemiology 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 & Immunity (30) 

Infectious diseases continue to be one of the major challenges to animal and human health worldwide. While several infectious diseases have been controlled in some countries, others still remain challenging. In addition, new pathogens continue to emerge and spread to new geographical ranges. An understanding of the biology of the pathogen(s) involved, 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. The overall purpose of the course is to introduce students 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. Students should then be able to apply similar principles to additional pathogens of both animals and man.   

Parasitology of Human and Veterinary Tropical Diseases (15) 

Study major human and veterinary parasitic tropical diseases from the viewpoints of immunology, epidemiology, pathology, treatment and control. The 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, for example, immune evasion by malaria using vargenes, granuloma pathology of schistosomes is necessary to protect host but also to allow egg release into the gut, intestinal parasitic helminths downregulate host immune responses and this has proved beneficial for treating inflammatory disorders such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, methods of resistance to chemotherapy.   

Practical Investigative Biology (15) 

This module has been designed to deliver an intense training course in cell and molecular biology, with a view to equipping students with the practical and design skills required to undertake research in areas of molecular biology. The two week module involves the completion of a ‘mini-project’, whereby the student 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). The learning environment is critical to the success of this module, and students will be closely supervised, with a staff student ratio of no more than 1:5 for practical components of module. 

Science of Animal Welfare (15)

The module will provide theoretical and methodological training in Animal Welfare Science, which is broadly equivalent to the biology of sensations, motivation and emotions. It will cover a range of behavioural, physiological and other indicators of diverse welfare states, illustrated with examples including wild, farm, companion and laboratory animals. Visits include 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; practicals will include using heart rate to measure mild psychological and physical stress in oneself, developing and applying a welfare assessment protocol to a horse, measuring physiology, and examining available tissue pathologies to assess the likely pain caused by the pathology in the animal.

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Students on this programme can also take several optional modules at King’s College London, up to a total of 60 credits. 

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NB: The modules above are as planned and illustrate the type of content one can expect but some alterations are possible.

The aim of the MSci year is to enable students to gain a deep and systematic understanding of the research environment, whilst contributing to cutting edge research within the biological sciences. Students will spend a minimum of 36 weeks engaged in laboratory or field-based projects as well as receiving training in advanced research methodology and critical analysis, to prepare them for careers in academic, clinical, or industrial settings.  

Advanced Research Methods (15)  

This research skills module will include 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.

Extended Research Project (105)  

A large hypothesis driven, laboratory or field-based research project, which will be undertaken whilst on placement. Formative assessment of your project will be via participation in lab meetings, journal clubs, supervisory meetings and tutorials; self-assessment and self-reflection of skills. Summative assessment will be via a final project report and placement provider report, as well as an oral defence and a Supervisor’s assessment.  

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NB: The modules above are as planned and illustrate the type of content one can expect but some alterations are possible.

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