At the Royal Veterinary College, we have a variety of schemes that you can come to study with us on, and all the terminology can be quite confusing, so let us simplify it for you. The main differences you have to be aware of is whether you're studying at an EU institution or not, how long you want to study here for, and where your institution has an exchange agreement with us. 

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is a scheme is for you if you want to study with us for a semester, but you study at an institution that does not have an exchange agreement with the RVC. This is commonly known as 'free mover'. You will have to pay full international tuition fee to us, although you will not pay the annual rate as you will only stay for one semester.

International Exchange

International Exchange is for you if you want to study with us for a semester, your institution is outside the EU, and you study at an institution that has an exchange agreement with the RVC. You do not pay tuition fee to the RVC, but rather to your home institution as normal. 

The academic programme comprises a wide range of modules and projects, that will help you to become engaged with the latest research in your field.

Most students choose to study in accordance with the main academic calendar, either studying abroad during term one or two or the full academic year. Please note these dates are subject to change, but shouldn't change significantly from the dates below: 

Term 1:

• w/c 4th October - w/c 6th December 2020
• Term 1 module exams will be held in w/c 10th January 2021

Term 2:

• w/c 16th January - w/c 20th March 2023
• Term 2 module exams will be held in the Summer Exam period (between 24 April and 2 June).

Students are also able to study short term throughout June and July, via our STEM Summer Research Internships, please see more information in the sections below: 

Credit Load

The regular course load at RVC for a typical study abroad semester comprises 60 UK Credits:

• One full module (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)
• One half project (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)  

Where possible, you will be able to combine two half modules in lieu of one of our whole module offerings. If your home university does not use ECTS, the US Credit system or the UK system, we will provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of courses. The course content on offer will depend on the semester in which you plan to attend the RVC. Please note it is not possible to take a module outside of the term in which it is offered at the RVC. At the end of your programme you will either complete your assessment at the RVC or at your home university and we will provide a full transcript of your courses and results.

Academic Modules

Our current modules for each term are shown in the tables below.

Term One

MODULE	WEIGHTING	CAMPUS	TERM	DAY
Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (ACIR)	15 credits	Camden	1	Th
Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology (ASP)	15 credits	Camden	1	Th
Animal Behaviour & Cognition (ABC)	15 credits	Hawkshead	1	Th
Applied Molecular Microbiology (AMM)	15 credits	Camden	1	Th
Omics Approach to Biology	15 credits	Camden	1	W
Biodiversity Action Plan	30 credits	Camden	1
Comparative Animal Locomotion (CAL)	30 credits	Hawkshead	1	M/F
Development & Disease (D&D)	15 credits	Camden	1	Tu
EMS (Endocrine & Metabolic Syndromes)	15 credits	Camden	1	F
Parasitology of Human & Veterinary Tropical Diseases (PHTVD)	15 credits	Camden	1	M
Science of Animal Welfare (SAW) *	15 credits	Hawkshead	1	Tu

* ABC is strongly recommended as a co-requisite of SAW

Term Two

MODULE	WEIGHTING	CAMPUS	TERM	DAY
Animals & Human Society	15 credits	Hawkshead	2	M
Applied Animal Welfare (AWW)	15 credits	Hawkshead	2	Th
Infection & Immunity	30 credits	Camden	2	M/Tu
Comparative Anatomy	15 credits	Camden	2	W
Comparative Models of Disease (CMoD)	15 credits	Camden	2	Th
Epidemiology: The Bigger Picture (E:TBP)	15 credits	Camden	2	F

Please note, that some modules may have an upper limit in terms of student numbers.

At the RVC you have the fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself by studying abroad and taking a research project. The academic programme typically commences in June and runs until August. We offer an array Biological Science focused projects, that will help you to develop your research skills and knowledge. The projects will also involve clinical or laboratory research on a topic selected by your supervisor. At the end of the programme you will learn how to present your results as a research article and oral presentation and shortly after your return home we will send you an academic transcript and grade. The equivalent of 15 UK Credits (4 U.S credits), If you do not use the US Credit system or the UK system we can provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of programme. We have campuses in London, Camden Campus and in Hertfordshire, Hawkshead Campus both offering outstanding word-class facilities to research at, as well as the perfect setting for you to enjoy London and the English countryside. Please see the list of the research projects and locations below:

To apply you will need to be in the 2nd year of your degree and meet the standard entry requirements for the study abroad programme. For more information and to complete an application form please see the section below Study Abroad 'How to Apply'. 

We will provide you with assistance in searching for accommodation. There is limited availability for accommodation at the Hawkshead Campus, Odiham Hall,  requests cannot be guaranteed unless rooms are available. Alternatively, you may choose to live in London and take a short 20 minute commute to Potters Bar station to access our Hawkshead Campus. There is no availability for accommodation at our Camden Campus however, however, we will provide you with assistance in searching for private accommodation in London.. 

If you require any further information please visit: https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/find-a-program/programs-by-country/england/stem-summer-research-london/ or contact us: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk 

We are delighted that you want to apply to study at the Royal Veterinary College! Applying is straight-forward, and all the requirements are listed below. Please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying. 

 We request that if you are applying from a university that is not a partner university of the RVC or an academic programme provider, you contact us in advance for guidance before completing an application: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency in spoken and written English. You will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS (Academic) with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-test or Pearson Test of English overall score of at least 65.

• Students applying from an American education system should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. We welcome applications from students from other countries and we advise on particular entry requirements for students from all systems. Generally we expect applicants to have at least a B average or equivalent.

• Students should be undergraduate level currently enrolled at a Higher Education Institution.

How to Apply for Study Abroad / STEM Summer Programme

1. Submit an Application Form for : Term 1 , Term 2 , Full year, STEM Summer Programme 

If you are applying through an academic programme provider, you should complete the provider’s application forms and procedures as these vary from the RVC: Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies

Application Deadlines 

Please complete and submit all documents before the deadlines:

• STEM Summer Internship Programme: TBC
• Term One / Full year: 31st May
• Term Two: 30th October

Tuition Fees

Study Abroad Students

For information about the current fees, please view: Student Finance Information

Tuition fees can change on an annual basis, for further guidance please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk   

If you are applying via an academic programme provider, you will pay fees directly to the provider. Please contact Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies for more information.

Whilst studying at the RVC you have the option to take your assessments at your home institution. To facilitate taking your exams at your home institution there is an additional fee of approximately £100.00.

Exchange Students

All inbound exchange students who apply from one of the RVC’s partner universities, pay fees directly to their home university. Please contact your home university to clarify the tuition fees.

For further guidance please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk

All study abroad and exchange students are provided with a thorough induction that we hope will help you prepare for an amazing experience at the RVC. The orientation period for students starting in September generally commences from early September. Students studying for term two will start from early January. 

Orientation

For information about orientation, healthcare, academic issues and opening a bank account, please see: Pre-Arrival Information 

Visa and Immigration

Please see our Visa and Immigration information to help you through the steps to apply for a Visa if required.

Insurance 

You should ensure before you arrive in the UK that you have a comprehensive travel and health insurance policy for the duration of your time abroad. 

Accommodation

There is very limited availability for rooms in the RVC accommodation, you should source private accommodation.  You are able to use the University of London Housing Service, The Private Sector Housing Unit that can advise you on private accommodation, tenancy agreements, landlords and letting agents in and around London. They also have a forum on their website for people advertising or looking for accommodation. 

If you are applying via Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies, you should contact the academic programme provider for accommodation as arrangements are made by them.  

Graduate visiting international students interested in applying for research programmes should contact the RVC Graduate School Office: researchdegrees@rvc.ac.uk

Any other enquires for visiting international students seeking admission should contact the admissions office for more information: admissions@rvc.ac.uk