How do I apply and how are allocations made?
You should apply through the standard UCAS process for either start date. You will be given an option under course code D100 to select September or April entry. You should opt for your preferred cohort and then list your preferences in order within the additional information questionnaire that we send to you once you have applied. Due to the volume of applications we receive, not all applicants can be offered their preferred cohort. Therefore, offers are made at random once elite athletes, army funding and extenuating circumstances have been considered.
Can I be considered for both intakes?
Yes, there's an option on the application form to be considered for both intakes.
If I defer entry can I choose to start in September or April?
Yes. If you apply for deferred entry, you can select the option on UCAS under D100 for either September or April entry.
If I apply for the six-year course how does this affect me?
The preliminary and gateway courses only have a single intake in September. You will be expected to progress to year one in the following September intake.
What are the term dates for each intake?
Is the curriculum the same for both intakes?
Yes both cohorts undertake identical teaching, however it is delivered separately.
How does Extra Mural Studies (EMS) work?
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) requires that all veterinary students undertake 12 weeks Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) and 26 weeks Clinical EMS (CEMS) in order to graduate and become MRCVS.
The course includes four weeks of EMS during the synoptic teaching block in years one to three. During these six weeks, a third of the year will be timetabled for teaching in a two-week block, while the remainder of the year undertakes EMS.
All AHEMS and the majority of CEMS is student determined and organised with support from the EMS team. You usually complete AHEMS by the end of year two. This means you need to undertake four weeks of AHEMS during your holidays in year one and two.
Your 26 weeks of CEMS are split across years three to five. You will be required to undertake CEMS in year three holidays - as currently year five starts immediately following the end of year four, and the majority of CEMS is already undertaken during year five.
When will I graduate?
The September cohort will graduate in year five as MRCVS in July, and the April cohort in December.
How does finance work if I start in April?
You can apply to the Students Loan Company as standard. Payments are made to students three times per academic year. We anticipate payments will be made in September, January and March for the September intake; and April, July and October for the April intake.
Please use the course code DA10 when applying for finance for the April intake.
Will I get accommodation on campus if I start in April?
How does catering work?
Catering will be provided as standard identically for both intakes.
Can I bring my horse if I start in April?
For both cohorts, stabling is available only if there is space available, which may become available both during and at the end of year.
Will there be a Fresher’s Week in April?
Yes, there will be a Fresher’s Week. With the exception of one afternoon, the current daytime timetable of Fresher’s Week is entirely delivered and managed by the School - that will continue.
How will integration into the University (societies and sports) be affected if I start in April?
Students who join in April will be joining mid-year, however there are still opportunities to join societies and sports teams in the following September, if not earlier.
There is a project group including the Student Union, SB Guild, VetSoc and other Veterinary students to develop a programme of activities to enhance the student experience including year round clubs and Fresher’s week. The veterinary school is funding a sabbatical/intercalated student post to specifically link the two cohorts together.
Will I get parking?
What if I want to withdraw or transfer to a different course?
Things don't always go to plan. We recommend talking through the options with your Personal Tutor or the Student Welfare Manager before making any decisions. The school adheres to the University process available here.
There is no opportunity to switch between the April and September cohort once registered. Students will therefore re-join the cohort they were originally assigned to should students require a period of interruption.