The Royal Veterinary College was established in 1791 and is the largest and longest-established veterinary school in the English-speaking world. The RVC was ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World Rankings by Subject in 2021, 2022, and again in 2023.
The RVC is based in the UK and has a campus in London – ranked as the top student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2023) – and a 575-acre campus in Hertfordshire.
The RVC is one of the few veterinary schools in the world whose Veterinary Medicine courses are accredited by the RCVS in the UK (with reciprocal recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada. The Veterinary Nursing courses are accredited by ACOVENE and the RCVS.
In 2021 the Royal Society of Biology renewed its Advanced Accreditation for all of RVC Biosciences courses, including BSc Biosciences courses with placement years and the MSci pathways. The RSB additionally awarded Advanced Accreditation to our new MSci Biological Sciences (Wildlife Health Sciences) pathway.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) of 2021 defined the RVC as a research-led institution, with 88% of research being rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
The RVC supports a practical learning experience where veterinary students gain experience in small animal referrals, first-opinion practice, equine referrals, farm veterinary work, diagnostic services, and the opportunity to intercalate. The small animal referral hospital is the largest and most highly regarded teaching hospital in Europe, with greatest concentration of over 100 veterinary specialists (from over 10 countries) and treats over 17,000 cases each year.
In addition to its Small Animal Referrals service at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, the RVC has an RCVS-Accredited Veterinary Practice in London – the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital – and an RCVS-Accredited Equine Referral Hospital and Ambulatory Practice in Hertfordshire. All RVC veterinary services are rated Outstanding for In-Patient, Client and Diagnostic Services, as well as for Team and Professional Responsibility. RVC Small Animal Referrals is rated Outstanding for Emergency and Critical Care, and the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital for Consultation Services. The Equine Ambulatory Practice is also rated outstanding.
The RVC has a reputation for innovative approaches to teaching, learning and clinical provision, which puts them at the forefront of veterinary and biological science.
Our programmes have international appeal and attract students who go on to become practicing veterinarians, research scientists, veterinary nurses and leaders in industry and government.
The RVC is a vibrant international community, with students from 54 countries and staff from 95 countries. Alumni work in senior positions in veterinary practice, industry, academia, and government roles across the UK and internationally.
The RVC has proudly carried the same name for over 230 years, with veterinary care and education central to our endeavours throughout this time. We are constantly evolving and always strive to be at the forefront of development in our fields of expertise.
Our brand management is designed to endorse and celebrate our history, at the same time as creating opportunities to engage with new audiences across an ever-expanding portfolio of activities on the global stage.
Fundamental to our branding success is discipline in the clarity of our messaging and design, and the role our communities play as ambassadors for the RVC throughout the world – our staff, students, clients, partners, investors, and alumni truly are partners in our brand.