Frequently Asked Questions

The BVSc Veterinary Science degree programme offers world-leading scientific and clinical training in veterinary medicine. This exciting course takes a fresh approach in bringing together technological change, clinical and scientific progress, and stimulating teaching and learning methods with an emphasis on preparing practitioners for mixed rural practice.

You will gain a thorough understanding of the science underpinning veterinary practice and research, and develop fundamental problem solving, communication and team-working skills. In the RVC’s hospitals and collaborative practices, you will gain the broadest and best possible practical experience.

This comprehensive programme 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.

The BVSc Veterinary Science degree course is a five-year, full-time programme.

In the first two years, you will be based at Aberystwyth University studying basic veterinary sciences, acquiring introductory skills in handling and examining horses, farm animals and companion animals as well as developing your communication and team working skills.

Your third, fourth and fifth years of study will be based at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire where you will acquire knowledge and practical skills in clinical science necessary for you to participate fully in clinical practice, collaborative practices, and in private veterinary practice.

During the fourth and fifth years, you will return to Aberystwyth to complete a core rotation in Wales, with an emphasis on livestock.

Animal Husbandry Extra-Mural Studies (AHEMS):  AHEMS is undertaken during the first two years of the program. 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. To gain a stronger insight into Welsh veterinary needs, a minimum of 6 weeks of these AHEMS will be performed in Wales.

Clinical Extra-Mural Studies (ClinEMS):  You will undertake ClinEMS placements in your third, fourth and fifth years of the BVSc program (totaling 26 weeks of placements). To gain a stronger insight into Welsh veterinary practices, a minimum of 13 weeks of these ClinEMS will be performed in Wales.

AAA in three A Level subjects to include Biology and Chemistry. 

The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is acceptable alongside A level Biology and Chemistry.

In addition, applicants will require five GCSEs at grade 7(A), including 7-7 in Combined Science/AA in Science (Double Award) or Biology and Chemistry or Science and Additional Science.  A minimum of grade 6 (B) will be required in English Language and Mathematics.

For details of other qualifications that will be considered, please email aberbvsc@rvc.ac.uk 

Applications can be submitted via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) from early September.  Applications will close at 18:00 (UK) on Monday 16^th October 2023.

Please note that when applying for student finance, you must select the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and this course will appear in the drop down list. 

All applicants applying through UCAS will also be required to complete an online Applicant Supplementary Questionnaire by 23:59 (UK) Friday 20^th October 2023.

Will I require 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.

Shortlisted applicants must attend an interview if invited and cannot receive an offer without attending an interview. Interviews will be held at Aberystwyth University (dates TBC).

Invited applicants will be required to bring to the interview their passport, original certificates for their GCSEs and (if already completed) A Levels or equivalent qualifications and reference letters to cover the minimum work experience requirements.

The tuition fees for the BVSc ar available to view here.