Royal Veterinary College

Founded in 1791, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the oldest and largest vet school in the English-speaking world, and a constituent college of the University of London The College provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in veterinary medicine and nursing, and is ranked among the top universities in the UK for biosciences. It is also a research-led institution that provides support for the veterinary profession through three referral hospitals, one of which – the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals – is Europe's largest small animal referral hospital. RVC has two campuses - one in the central London borough of Camden and another in North Mymms in Hertfordshire, a 15 minute train journey from London Kings Cross. Both campuses possess first-class facilities, incorporating the London BiosScience Innovation Centre - home to over 60 biotechnology and life science companies - and Boltons Park Farm, a practical teaching facility with 200 hectares of grassland, ancient woodland, sheep, cattle and poultry. The College was the first UK veterinary school to introduce a clinical skills learning laboratory with virtual reality devices to support student learning. It also offers a comprehensive programme of online and traditional Continuing Professional Development courses for vets and veterinary nurses, as well as a summer school for students.  Although headquartered in central London, RVC has a strong community feel with a vibrant Students’ Union, bars, clubs, events and sports facilities. Recent campus developments include new social facilities and a gym on the main Camden site and an award-winning student village on its Hertfordshire campus that was opened in 2011. The college has future plans to develop a £5m sports hall comprising a state-of-the-art gym and dance studio. RVC students are also given free membership to the University of London Union in Bloomsbury and, with a free shuttle bus provided between the campuses, all College students benefit from easy access to the capital’s myriad cultural amenities.