Royal Veterinary College (UK)
- Sara Cavalieri
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Royal Veterinary College (RVC) isn't the world's top veterinary school by chance.
Founded in 1791, RVC graduates can nowadays work almost anywhere in the world, including the U.S. and Canada.
Its students also gain experience in RVC's four hospitals, including the largest small animal referral hospital in Europe.
And with two campuses (one in the center of London and the other a 20-minute train ride away), RVC students get to study in one of the world's best student cities while also having access to a 575-acre countryside campus with a farm.
Here are some of the highlights from my visit in February 2025!
RVC Camden Campus
Located just a 15-minute walk from the Kings Cross train station, RVC's Camden campus couldn't be in a more central location.
And one of the benefits of RVC is that it's continually investing in its campus.
The historical aspects of the original campus still remain, like the demonstration theatre, which was the original lecture theatre (visitors aren't permitted to take photos of it).
There, students as early as year one get to observe surgery and practice animal handling with all sorts of species.
The silent study room also has furniture from its early days as well as first edition textbooks.
RVC surgeons and vets have also been part of groundbreaking research and technology, such as performing the first canine open-heart surgery in 2005.
It was also the first to effectively cure a canine patient with New Forest syndrome, which had previously always been fatal.
Students from high school apply for the 5-year Veterinary Medicine course, whilst students with a university degree can apply for an accelerated 4-year graduate entry program.
All labs come with a microscope for each student, and a camera is linked to the professor's microscope, which allows students to really see what they need to see in case of any doubt.
In the graduate entry program, the first two years of the 5-year program are essentially combined, and students have a shortened period in which they can complete the mandatory Extramural Studies (EMS), which means it is indeed intense.
Students spend the first two years (or first year of graduate entry) at the Camden campus, and the final three years at the more rural Hertfordshire campus.
RVC also has an anatomy museum, which is fascinating and shows the skeletons and X-rays of various animals.
Because it is such an intense degree, RVC also offers plenty of spaces for relaxation, such as The Pod (below), and free gym access on campus.
Because RVC is part of the University of London network, students can also access the societies (and sometimes libraries) of other U of L institutions.
One student did mention, however, that students do not need to buy textbooks because they're taught everything they need to know in class.
They also do not assign homework over the weekend to be due on Monday.
Even though students are encouraged to attend lectures, they're always recorded (just in case the weather is too inclement to get out of bed that day).
Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire
A 20-minute train ride and 10-minute (free) bus ride away, the Hawkshead campus is where students spend the final three (clinical) years of the program.
Opened in 2023, the new Student Learning Centre offers new teaching labs, a library and impressive large lecture theatre with tons of natural light.
Its modern amenities contrast with the historical facilities at Camden, offering a unique study experience.
Set in an idyllic, open and peaceful field, RVC also offers housing to make it convenient for students working at the on-site hospital.
There is also a student gym, bar (complete with a beer garden), cafe and restaurant.
Here, RVC Equine runs both an equine practice and referral hospital.
The Clinical Skills Centre is made up of two large teaching spaces and is home to an array of models on which students can practice skills such as suturing, holding instruments and more in their own time.
Back in 2004, it was the first veterinary school in Europe to set this up with teaching staff.
Academics
RVC has one of the largest cohorts of Vet Med students, with around 250 per year, which grows to around 320 once the graduate entry cohort merges with students on the 5-year program in Year 3.
It teaches using a spiral curriculum of strands, meaning students continue to build on the basics they learn from earlier years at deepening levels of complexity and can therefore take a more holistic approach to treatments.
Students undertake lectures, small group directed learning as well as practicals.
Timetables change from week to week, but students will always have Wednesday afternoons free starting at 1 p.m.
There are three terms, with exams at the end of each term, and also oral exams to point out organs, etc.
During the first two years, students must complete 10 weeks of EMS outside of their studies and are encouraged to do so in a range of placement settings.
In the last two years, students will complete 20 weeks of EMS, as well as a major research project.
North American students are also given access to Vet Prep to help them prepare for the NAVLE.
Admissions
As the top vet school in the world, RVC does come with hefty minimum requirements.
Always check the RVC website for updated admissions criteria, but at the time of publishing, students applying from high school in the U.S. would need three AP exams with scores of 5 that include Biology and Chemistry, as well as an ACT of 28 or SAT of 630 in each section.
Graduate applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.4.
Students must also have 140 hours of work experience (70 hours in a vet practice and 70 hours in an environment with live animals -- not including one's own pets).
Interviews are MMI format and take place in person in the U.S. on the east coast, central and west coast prior to Thanksgiving.
Do be aware of the early application deadline of October 15 as well.
Summary: Royal Veterinary College
RVC has amazing facilities, a unique curriculum and is renowned for being the top veterinary school in the world.
Students are supported and encouraged every step of the way, learning not only how to treat every possible species but also how to communicate and work effectively with people.
For students that know they want to become a veterinarian, there is truly no better place.
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