Royal Veterinary College (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1791.

Structural features: College of London University. Joint veterinary nursing with Middlesex University.

Location: Veterinary medicine and veterinary science at Camden Town (north London); clinical studies on 230-hectare campus at Hawkshead (near Potters Bar, Hertfordshire).

Getting there: Camden Town, buses and tubes (Camden Town, Mornington Crescent, Euston and King's Cross stations); Hawkshead, 20 mins by train from King's Cross to Brookmans Park or Potters Bar.

Academic features: Integrated curriculum, including large proportion of directed learning and small group work. New 6-year degree programme combining veterinary medicine with BSc veterinary science. Individual project in final year.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BVetMed, BSc, FdSc.

Length of courses: 5 years BVetMed (6 with intercalated BSc); 3 years BSc, 2 years FdSc.

Library & IT facilities: Learning resources centres and computer suites at both sites; reference copies of standard texts.

Other learning facilities: Animal hospitals at both sites. Large animal clinical centre and small animal referral hospital at Hawkshead.

Study abroad: BVetMed students may carry out components of extra-mural study overseas.

Student advice & services: London University Central Institutes health services (Camden students), local GP (Hawkshead); physician and occupational health team visit both sites regularly.

Amenities: ULU building in Malet Street, college refectory and Students' Union rooms on both campuses. Playing fields and swimming pool at Hawkshead.

Accommodation: Camden: 80% of first years live either in college self-catering accommodation (£90 per week) or London University intercollegiate accommodation. Hawkshead: 3 halls for clinical students: £90-£110 pw for half board plus weekend lunches; £70 pw self-catering. Many prefer to share private accommodation in area; SU keeps database of addresses.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £7000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by College.

Financial help: £5000 government funds and limited college funds (awards range from £500-£3000: average £1000). Applications considered on individual merit.