The Royal Veterinary College

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has two campuses in North London, one located nearer the centre of the city in Camden and the newer campus further out near Potters Bar. The two campuses are linked by train services from King's Cross station.

Background and History

The RVC is the oldest and largest veterinary college in the country having being established in 1791. The college gained a Royal charter in 1844 and became a full member of the University of London in 1949. Recent years have seen the expansion of the Hawkshead campus with considerable refurbishments and modernisation since it was opened in 1958.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The Camden campus is a short walk from Mornington Crescent and Camden tube stations as well as King's Cross, Euston and St. Pancras for national and international rail services. The Hawkshead campus is about a mile from Brookmans Park rail station.

By Road: Driving to Camden is tricky due to congestion and a lack of parking but access can be gained from the A503. Driving to the Hawkshead campus is much easier, as it is right next to the A1(M).

Most facilities are wheelchair friendly and accommodation is available designed for usage by people with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BSc, BVetMed, Graduate Diploma, PhD.

Entry Requirements

BVetMed: AAA at A-level including Biology, Chemistry and one other subject. Bioveterinary Science: BBB at A-level including Biology, Chemistry and one other subject.

University Accommodation

Accommodation at the Camden campus is available alongside intercollegiate halls through the University of London. Prices include utilities but are at the higher end of the spectrum for student halls in London. The Hawkshead campus has a larger range of accommodation available at a cheaper price.

Private Accommodation

Cheap rented accommodation can be found in Camden but the area does have a reputation for squalid conditions and dodgy landlords so do your research before committing to rent a place. Prices vary as the range of quality in the area is also vast. At the Hawkshead campus pleasant houses and flats can be found in Potters Bar.

Faculties and Departments

The Royal Veterinary College is divided into four different divisions: the Clinical Services Division, the Pathology and Infectious Diseases Division, Veterinary Basic Services and Veterinary Clinical Services.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

As a focused institution, the RVC has excellent teaching standards in veterinary training, veterinary nursing and bio-veterinary sciences. Their research is also similarly focused with most PhD students working in the bio-veterinary sciences and the RVC is ranked as the best veterinary research institution in the country.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are also likely to be considerably higher than those for UK/EU students. For a full list of fees it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.

Financial Support

Financial support is available through the National Scholarship Programme as well as RVC bursaries which are both means tested.

Academic Facilities

The RVC hosts some of the best veterinary research centres in the world including laboratories, operating theatres, hospitals and dissecting rooms, as well as museums and various other collections. Alongside the normal IT, study space and library provisions they have a large collection of historical texts on the veterinary sciences. As part of the University of London students also have access to shared facilities such as the library at Senate House.  

Other on-site Amenities

The rural Hawkshead campus is pretty much self contained and has cafeterias, a bar, social spaces and sports facilities to keep its students entertained when not working. The Camden campus has similar options but also has access to shared facilities with the University of London which offers gyms, social centres and a host of clubs and societies.

Medical and Social Care

The RVC does not have a dedicated medical centre so students should register with a local GP. It does, however, offer access to counselling and occupation health services and a prayer room.

What's on in the Area

Camden hosts some of the best alternative nightlife in London with dozens of gigs and club events held every night; local venues of note include the Lock Tavern, Underworld Club and Electric Ballroom. There are also a number of theatres and museums in Camden and nearby Bloomsbury, not to mention Regent's Park and the London Zoo. Life at the Hawkshead campus is a bit tamer, although Potters Bar does have its fair share of pubs and a number of golf courses in the area. Central London is only a 25 minute train journey away.

Moving On

Employability is extremely high at the RVC with most students going directly into veterinary jobs or further research in the bio-veterinary sciences. There are also opportunities for placements during courses to enhance experience and gain connections in the industry.

The RVC is the oldest Veterinary College in the country. At the time of its founding, the first president, Frenchman Charles Benoit Vial de St Bel, was the only qualified veterinary in the country.  

Is the RVC right for you?

It is a powerhouse for veterinary research and bioveterinary science. It is the largest institution of its kind in the country. Consider Cambridge, Bristol or Nottingham as they also have veterinary schools.