This is a question many of you want to ask us, and it is a good one, because five years is a long time and you deserve to know what you are signing up for. As a 2017 graduate of the Royal Veterinary College, I can tell you about my own experience, and the spoiler is that I loved it. Each vet school is slightly different in its structure and feel, but students tend to have a genuinely great time wherever they go.
How the degree is structured
A UK veterinary degree is typically five years, or six at Cambridge, and it usually splits into two phases. The earlier preclinical years focus on the science that underpins everything, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and how the healthy animal works, before you move on to disease, pharmacology and the body when things go wrong. The later clinical years shift heavily towards rotations, where you spend time in real practice settings across small animal, farm and equine work, learning by doing under supervision.
It is worth understanding this structure before you apply, because schools vary in how early they get you into clinical work and in their teaching style, from traditional lecture based courses to problem based and case based learning. Our guide on how to choose the best vet school for you walks through how to weigh these differences.
The first year
Your first year passes in a whirl of making friends, joining societies, getting used to independent living and starting a demanding course. It is a big step up from A Levels, and early on you can feel like you are learning a whole new language with all the anatomy and physiology terms. Imposter syndrome is common, but most students adapt quickly, and vet school year groups tend to be small, close knit and very supportive, which makes a real difference.
Extramural studies and the workload
One thing that surprises people is how much of your holidays you spend on extramural studies, usually called EMS. These are placements, mostly unpaid, that the RCVS requires as part of the degree, split between animal husbandry experience in the earlier years and clinical placements later on. They are hugely beneficial to your learning and your confidence, but they do mean your time off is not entirely your own. The contact hours during term are also longer than on many other courses, so good organisation matters.
The best parts, and the challenges
For me, the best part was being part of such a supportive community, where you make friends for life, and learning from leaders in their field. Vet school is not without its challenges, though. It is academically demanding, and many students go from being top of their year at school to feeling merely average among a cohort of equally able people, which takes some adjusting to. Looking after your wellbeing genuinely matters, and every school has support in place for when you need it. My best advice is to enjoy the process. There will be lows as well as highs, but overall it was the best experience of my life.
Advice for future vet students
Keep your friends close, get involved in societies, and do not leave your studying to the last minute. Try not to compare yourself with others, look after yourself, stay open minded, and enjoy every moment, because the five years really do fly by. If you are still at the application stage, our vet school interview tips and our application programme will help you get there in the first place.
Common questions
How long is a veterinary degree in the UK?+
Most UK veterinary degrees are five years. Cambridge runs a six year course, and some students at other schools add a year by intercalating an additional degree. The course splits broadly into preclinical science years and later clinical rotation years.
Is vet school hard?+
It is demanding, with long contact hours, a heavy volume of content and placements during the holidays. That said, the work is supported and the cohorts are small and close knit. Most students find it challenging but genuinely enjoyable, and they adapt to the pace within the first year.
What is EMS at vet school?+
EMS stands for extramural studies, the placements the RCVS requires as part of the veterinary degree. These are split between animal husbandry experience in the earlier years and clinical placements in practice later on, and they take up a good portion of your holidays while adding hugely to your practical learning.
Do you get holidays at vet school?+
You do, but a significant part of them is spent on EMS placements, especially in the later years. You will still get genuine downtime, but vet students generally have less completely free holiday than students on many other courses.