Incoming Study Abroad and Exchange
At the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, our study abroad and exchange students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cutting-edge research environment, whilst cementing their knowledge of essential scientific processes.
- Our global reputation draws students and staff from over 50 different countries, so whilst studying and researching at the RVC, you can be assured of a familiar welcome
- The RVC has a central London location giving students access to the No.1 student city in the world, and provides excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe
- London’s diverse and friendly culture provides a safe hub for study, and exploration of enjoyable activities such as sports, social clubs, history, fantastic food, and business.
Please see the relevant sections below which includes information for Study Abroad, International exchange, and visiting international students - or enquire further at studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
What should I apply for?
At the RVC, we have a variety of study schemes and opportunities, the main differences that you will need to consider are:
- whether you're currently studying at an EU institution or not
- how long you wish to study at RVC for
- whether your institution has an exchange agreement with us or not
STUDY ABROAD
This opportunity is available if you:
- wish to study with RVC for a semester, but you study at an institution that does not have an exchange agreement with RVC.
- full international tuition fees apply, although you will not be required to pay the annual rate as you will be staying for one semester.
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE
This opportunity is available if you:
- wish to study with RVC for a semester, your institution is outside the EU, and you study at an institution that does have an exchange agreement with RVC
- you will not be required to pay tuition fees to RVC directly, but rather to your home institution as normal.
For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
Study Abroad Academic Programmes
The academic programme comprises a wide range of modules and projects, that will help you to become engaged with the latest research in your field.
Most students choose to study in accordance with the main academic calendar, either studying abroad during Term 1 or Term 2, or the full academic year.
** please note these dates are subject to change, but shouldn't change significantly from the format below **
PROGRAMME DATES 2024-25
TERM 1 2.5 months
- Welcome Week and orientation: w/c 23.09.24
- Teaching: 30.09.24 – 06.12.24
- Term 1 module exams will be held in w/c 06.01.25
- Application deadline: 31 May
TERM 2 2.5 months
- Welcome and orientation: w/c 06.01.25
- Teaching: 13.01.25 – 21.03.25
- Term 2 module exams will be held in the Summer Exam period (between 21.04 – 30.05.25)
- Application deadline: 31 October
Students are also able to study short term throughout the summer, via our STEM Research Internships - please visit the next section, and also the programme provider for more information:
STEM SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 1.5 months
- Welcome induction: 24.06.24
- Teaching and project work: 25.06.24 – 02.08.24
- Deadline for final project reports: 16.08.24
- Application deadline: 30 April
CREDIT LOAD
The regular course load at RVC for a typical study abroad semester comprises 60 UK Credits:
- One full module (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)
- One half project (approx. 15 ECTS Credits, 8 US Credits, 30 UK Credits)
Where possible, you will be able to combine two half modules in lieu of one of our whole module offerings.
If your home university does not use ECTS, the US Credit system or the UK system, we will provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of courses.
The course content on offer will depend on the semester in which you plan to attend the RVC. Please note it is not possible to take a module outside of the term in which it is offered at RVC.
At the end of your programme, you will either complete your assessment at RVC, or at your home university. A full transcript of your courses and results will be provided.
ACADEMIC MODULES
Our current modules for each term are shown in the tables below ** please note that modules may be subject to minor changes **
TERM 1 MODULES | WEIGHTING | CAMPUS | TERM | DAY |
Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (ACIR) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Thur |
Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology (ASP) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Thur |
Animal Behaviour & Cognition (ABC) | 15 credits | Hawkshead | 1 | Thur |
Applied Molecular Microbiology (AMM) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Thur |
Comparative Animal Locomotion (CAL) | 30 credits | Hawkshead | 1 | Mon/Fri |
Development & Disease (D&D) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Tues |
Endocrine & Metabolic Syndromes (E&MS) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Fri |
Omic Approaches to Biology (OAB) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Wed |
Parasitology of Human & Veterinary Tropical Diseases (PHTVD) | 15 credits | Camden | 1 | Mon |
Science of Animal Welfare (SAW) * | 15 credits | Hawkshead | 1 | Tues |
* ABC is strongly recommended as a co-requisite of SAW
TERM 2 MODULES | WEIGHTING | CAMPUS | TERM | DAY |
Advanced Concepts in Biobusiness (ACBB) | 15 credits | Camden | 2 | Fri |
Animals & Human Society (AHS) | 15 credits | Hawkshead | 2 | Mon |
Applied Animal Welfare (AWW) | 15 credits | Hawkshead | 2 | Thur |
Applied Wildlife Sciences (AWS) | 15 credits | Camden | 2 | Mon |
Comparative Anatomy (CA) | 15 credits | Camden | 2 | Wed |
Comparative Models of Disease (CMoD) | 15 credits | Camden | 2 | Thur |
Ecology (E) | 15 credits | Camden & Hawkshead | 2 | Tues |
Epidemiology: The Bigger Picture (E:TBP) | 15 credits | Camden | 2 | Fri |
Infection & Immunity (I&I) | 30 credits | Camden | 2 | Mon/Tues |
Please note, that some modules may have an upper limit in terms of student numbers.
- If you would like to apply from a university that is not a partner university of the RVC, or an academic programme provider, please contact us in advance for guidance: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
- If you are applying through an academic programme provider, you should follow the programme provider's application processes, as these vary from RVC:
STEM Summer Research Internship
At the RVC, you have the fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself by studying abroad and taking a research project.
The STEM Research Programme is currently only available to students from institutions linked to .
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The academic programme typically commences late June and runs until early August.
We offer an array Biological Science focused projects, that will help you to develop your research skills and knowledge.
The projects will also involve clinical or laboratory research on a topic selected by your supervisor.
At the end of the programme you will learn how to present your results as a research article and oral presentation and shortly after your return home we will send you an academic transcript and grade.
The equivalent of 15 UK Credits (4 U.S credits), If you do not use the US Credit system or the UK system we can provide advice on the recommended credit transfer of programme.
TO APPLY
You will need to be in the 2nd year of your degree and meet the standard entry requirements for the study abroad programme.
INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
If you require any further information about this research programme, please visit the programme provider:
For any other queries, contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
Study Abroad and International Exchange - Entry Requirements
We are delighted that you are interested in studying at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Our entry requirements are listed below - please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying.
- If you would like to apply from a university that is not a partner university of the RVC, or an academic programme provider, please contact us in advance for guidance: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
- If you are applying through an academic programme provider, you should follow the programme provider's application processes, as these vary from RVC:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency in spoken and written English. You will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0 in (Academic) with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-test or overall score of at least 65.
- Students applying from an American education system should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. We welcome applications from students from other countries and we advise on particular entry requirements for students from all systems. Generally we expect applicants to have at least a B average or equivalent.
- Students should be undergraduate level currently enrolled at a Higher Education Institution.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Please note that our deadlines are subject to change however they should follow the format below:
- STEM Summer Internship Programme: 30th April
- TERM 1 / Full year: 31st May
- TERM 2: 30th October
For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
Study Abroad - Fees
STUDY ABROAD FEES
HEADLINES FEES | 2024-2025 |
BSc Module (30 credit) | £6,100 |
BSc Project (60 credit) | £13,180 |
Registration fee applies | £200 |
LOWER CREDIT VALUES
BREAKDOWN | 2024-2025 |
BSc Module (15 credit) | £3,050 |
BSc Module (30 credit) | £6,100 |
BSc Project (30 credit) | £6,590 |
BSc Project (60 credit) | £13,180 |
Registration fee applies | £200 |
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
All inbound exchange students who apply from one of the RVC’s partner universities, pay fees directly to their home university.
Please contact your home university to clarify the tuition fees. Students are nominated as per the partner agreement.
STUDENTS STUDYING WITH ARCADIA
If you are applying via an academic programme provider, you will pay fees directly to the provider. Please contact for more information.
For information about the current fees, please view: Student Finance Information
Tuition fees can change on an annual basis, for further guidance please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
Study Abroad Pre-Arrival Information
All study abroad and exchange students are provided with a thorough induction that we hope will help you prepare for an amazing experience at the RVC.
The orientation period for students starting in Term 1 generally commences from mid to late September.
Students studying in Term 2 will start orientation from early January.
ORIENTATION
For information about orientation, healthcare, academic issues, and opening a bank account, please see: Pre-Arrival Information
VISA AND IMMIGRATION
Please see our Visa and Immigration information to help you through the steps to apply for a Visa, if required.
INSURANCE
You should ensure before you arrive in the UK that you have a comprehensive travel and health insurance policy for the duration of your time abroad.
ACCOMMODATION
There is limited availability for rooms within RVC accommodation, therefore you should source private accommodation.
You are able to use the University of London Housing Service: , to seek information on private accommodation, tenancy agreements, landlords, and letting agents in and around London. They also have a forum on their website for people advertising or looking for accommodation.
If you are applying via , you should contact the academic programme provider for accommodation, as these arrangements are made directly by them.
For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
Steps: application to arrival
PROCESS FOR APPLICATION TO ARRIVAL
PRE APPLICATION
• you will either be nominated by a partner institution, or enquire via studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk
• you will then receive an email including a link to our application portal
APPLICATION
• complete the online application via the portal link, within the stipulated deadlines
• upload all mandatory evidence/documents - incomplete applications will result in delays
OFFER ACCEPTANCE
• upon application approval, you will receive an offer letter via email containing study dates
• once accepted, RVC will be able to issue an official letter of support for your visit
TRAVEL PLANS
• check entry/visa requirements for your dates - you may need to apply for a student or visitor visa
• once you have received our invitation letter, check flight options and ensure you have insurance
ACCOMMODATION
• our accommodation in London is often oversubscribed, however we are happy to assist you
in exploring any available options with RVC, unless you wish to make your own arrangements
PRE ENROLMENT
• as your visit approaches, you will need to look out for an email from our Student Records team,
containing instructions for online pre-enrolment and documents required for in person enrolment
ARRIVE AT RVC
• plan to arrive in the middle of the week prior to the start of your study period
• settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself with the local surroundings
CAMPUS INDUCTION
• you will be invited to attend an onsite induction, towards the end of the week prior to study
• this will include a tour with Student Ambassadors, and a meeting with our Study Abroad Director
Visiting International Students
GRADUATE VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are interested in applying for research programmes, please contact the RVC Graduate School Office: researchdegrees@rvc.ac.uk
OTHER VISITING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are seeking admission as a visiting international student, please contact the Admissions Team: admissions@rvc.ac.uk
For further guidance, please contact: studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk