The Higher Education Review

In the United Kingdom, the landscape of higher education encompasses a diverse array of institutions, each offering unique programs and opportunities. Among them stands the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), renowned as the UK's largest and most established independent veterinary school. As a proud Member Institution of the esteemed University of London, the RVC holds a prestigious position within the academic realm. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest independent veterinary school. It has been rated the number one university in London by The Student Crowd and is currently rated as the No.1 Vet School in the world by QS World Rankings.

The RVC has been a profession-leading organization throughout its history. In the 19th century, John McFadyean, Professor of Pathology and Bacteriology and later Principal of the Royal Veterinary College, commercially produced proteins to treat tuberculosis. In cardiothoracic medicine, the first open-heart surgery performed in 2005 was by RVC surgeons.

In 2014 teams of vets and nurses working together at the RVC were the first to effectively cure a canine patient with New Forest Syndrome – a disease which had previously always proved fatal. In 2016, the RVC became the first veterinary service in the world to successfully treat a dog’s stenotic (narrowed) tricuspid valve with open-heart surgery.

The RVC is dedicated to encouraging curiosity-driven research that contributes to global knowledge and advancements that benefit the lives of humans and animals. Its scientific and clinical researchers are among leaders in the fields of One Health, antimicrobial resistance, virology, and zoonotic disease. The breadth and depth of research excellence at the RVC was recognized in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results by rating 88 percent of work as world-leading (4) or internationally excellent (3).

As a vibrant community, in pursuing a mission to educate, undertake research, and provide clinical care, the RVC is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse and welcoming community, where students and staff work together to ensure professionalism, mutual respect, and collegiality are at the core of all activities. The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing and Biological Science.

Veterinary students gain outstanding clinical experience in the RVC’s four hospitals – including the largest small animal referral hospital in Europe, three first-opinion practices, an exotics service, and its own farm close to the Hawkshead campus.

Career Making – Accreditation
The RVC is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that holds accreditations from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) in the EU, and the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the USA and Canada for Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed) Programmes. Furthermore, RCVS accreditation ensures RVC BVetMed graduates are licensed to work in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as South Africa (subject to visa requirements).

All RVC Biological Science programs are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, with the MSci and placement year options gaining Advanced Accreditation. This recognition of excellence is highly regarded by employers and demonstrates the ability to develop skills and expertise throughout the course.

In Veterinary Nursing, students follow an accredited curriculum leading to registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) by the RCVS and Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nursing Education (ACOVENE) in the EU.

Outstanding Offering
Biological Science programs include extensive practical laboratory time for hands-on skill development. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the subject, and will also have the opportunity to contribute to advancements in science through research projects.

In Veterinary Medicine, Animal Husbandry Extra- Mural Studies (AHEMS) provide immersive experiences in diverse sectors such as lambing enterprises, dairy farms, and equine facilities, enhancing animal handling skills and industry knowledge.

Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS) further enrich students' clinical training through placements in veterinary practices, bolstering diagnostic abilities and understanding of veterinary operations. Intramural Clinical Rotations offer extensive practical experience and research opportunities in the final years of the BVetMed program.

For Veterinary Nursing undergraduates, the curriculum integrates practical skills with academic knowledge, progressively building expertise. This holistic approach ensures students develop the competencies required for successful careers in veterinary practice.

The RVC provides comprehensive veterinary nursing training, fostering essential skills alongside personal and supervisory capabilities. The curriculum adopts a progressive approach, integrating new information with increasing complexity while emphasizing problem-solving abilities. This hands-on learning environment, guided by passionate experts, ensures graduates are well-prepared for fulfilling careers in veterinary practice.

State of the Art Facilities
Royal Veterinary College is continually investing in campuses and the delivery of its courses to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students with their health and wellbeing as its primary focus. The RVC has always worked to deliver its students the best life experience possible in studying, living, and learning. RVC students gain veterinary skills and knowledge that will count towards work experience.

The Royal Veterinary College's Camden Campus in London underwent redevelopment in 2021 enhancing the facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories alongside more social and learning spaces for students. The adjacent London Bioscience Innovation Centre which is wholly owned by the RVC provides placements for Biological Sciences students among over 40 biotech and life sciences companies.

"The RVC is dedicated to encouraging curiosity-driven research that contributes to global knowledge & advancements that benefit the lives of humans & animals"

In Hertfordshire, the Hawkshead Campus is undergoing major redevelopments, including a brand new Student Learning Centre, with bookable study rooms, open plan workspaces, and a new lecture theatre. The RVC also offers an exciting two-week Pre-Vet Summer School. Students can gain veterinary skills and knowledge that will count towards work experience requirements for courses at the Royal Veterinary College, and get a taste of student life.

All Royal Veterinary College's courses are regularly audited and reviewed. Its accreditations by all professional bodies are redone every four years so the institute is always nurturing its professional graduates with the right skills required by the veterinary and scientific professions.

Professor Stuart W. J. Reid, President & Principal
Professor Stuart W. J. Reid is President and Principal of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), with expertise in veterinary epidemiology and public health. Recognized internationally, he's held key positions including President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European College of Veterinary Public Health.