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The Pre-Vet Summer School is one of our most immersive, preparatory programme for students with an aspiration to study Veterinary Medicine. This 13-day residential Summer School is based at RVC’s Hawkshead Campus, Hertfordshire and offers work experience in cutting-edge animal hospitals and animal handling environments with students gaining between 25 and 30 hours that can be used towards an application. Students, no matter their previous experience, typically undertake placements in our Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Equine Referral Hospital as well as non-clinical environments such as Boltons Park Farm.
To complement placements, students will experience university-level lectures from RVC academics on a wide range of veterinary topics at both our Camden Campus, London and Hawkshead Campus, Hertfordshire. They will also as conduct a research project, engage in group-led teaching, learn practical clinical skills, and try to solve a real-life veterinary case!
Students will be allocated a Student Ambassador as a mentor to support and guide their academic and professional development during the programme. Dedicated RVC professionals will provide comprehensive sessions around the application process with the aim of empowering students to fulfil their potential and join the RVC. Throughout the academic and social programme there will be the opportunity for students to meet and learn from veterinary professionals in order to gain real-life insight into the veterinary profession/career.
To support the comprehensive academic/placement schedule there is also a curated social programme, to facilitate the integration of Summer School students and establish an environment in which to develop skills, attributes and friendships. In past years this has included: exploring London’s famous landmarks, visiting ZSL London Zoo, attending a West End show, competing in an RVC Bake Off competition and experiencing animal handling opportunities.
*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.