Our objective is to pro-actively facilitate a learning environment that enables PVSS students to develop themselves academically and personally; whilst simultaneously providing an insight into the veterinary course/profession and a comprehensive understanding of the application process to empower students to fulfil their potential.
Students will have five placement days across our state-of-the-art clinical, animal handling and laboratory facilities. We hope to include the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Equine Referral Hospital as well as non-clinal environments such as Boltons Park Farm, Pathology and Microbiology Labs. Typically, these placements equate to 25-35 hours of work experience (a mixture of clinical and non-clinical) that can be used when applying to vet school. NB: we have a requirement that work experience must be completed 18 months prior to the application deadline, therefore for students attending outside of this time frame the practical experience won't count towards an application to the RVC.
In addition to placements, students will undertake 5 academic days of didactic and practical teaching, such as lectures, clinical case studies, animal behaviour workshops, clinical skills activities and observe a dissection. Throughout these sessions students will meet academic staff and support staff, receive valuable insight on the application process and how best to make themselves the best applicant they can. Students will also be a allocated a student mentor so they can find out what life as an RVC student is really like.
To support the comprehensive academic/placement schedule there is also a full social programme running in the evenings and weekend; to facilitate the integration of summer school students as well as providing arenas to develop skills and attributes. In past summer schools this has included; exploring London's famous landmarks, visiting ZSL London Zoo, going to a West End show, competing in an RVC Master Chef competition, games and other experiences with animals.
Students will be based at our Hawkshead Campus, staying at our College Close student accommodation. Each student will be allocated their own private, lockable bedroom in a mixed-gender** house with shared bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen.
*The RVC may (at its sole discretion) change the format of the event at any time, whether or not due to a Force Majeure Event, in each case without liability.
**Subject to demographic of successful applicants.