Edinburgh vs RVC: How Do They Compare?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently trying to decide between the Royal (****) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London for my veterinary medicine degree. I would love to hear from current students, alumni, or anyone with insights into how these two schools compare in different aspects.

Here are a few key factors I’m considering, but feel free to add any other points that might be relevant:

1. Reputation & Accreditation

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Both universities are highly regarded, but how do they compare in terms of global rankings, research output, and reputation within the veterinary field?

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Do employers or industry professionals prefer graduates from one over the other?

2. Curriculum & Teaching Style

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Are there major differences in the structure of the veterinary medicine program at each university?

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Which school has a stronger emphasis on hands-on clinical training vs. theory-based learning?

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Do they offer different specializations or elective opportunities?

3. Clinical Experience & Facilities

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What are the teaching hospitals and clinical facilities like at each university?

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Which school provides better practical experience and access to a diverse range of animals (e.g., small animals, exotics, farm animals, equine)?

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How do the externship and placement opportunities compare?

4. Student Life & Campus Environment

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Edinburgh is a historic, student-friendly city, while RVC has campuses in London and Hertfordshire. How does the student experience differ?

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What’s the social scene like, and how easy is it to make friends?

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Do students feel supported by faculty and peers?

5. Cost of Living & Financial Considerations

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London is known to be expensive, but is the cost of living significantly different between the two universities?

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Are there major differences in tuition fees, scholarships, or financial aid opportunities?

6. Career Prospects & Alumni Network

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How well do graduates from each school perform in securing jobs or internships post-graduation?

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Does one school have a stronger alumni network or industry connections?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has attended or researched both schools—what were the biggest factors in your decision? If you had to choose again, would you make the same choice?

Looking forward to your insights! Thanks in advance for your help. 😊

Reply 1

sophieershaw

Hii!
I'm a fellow applicant like you so I would also love to hear more from current students about what it's like to study there, but what I do know is that the schools are very closely ranked and I highly doubt the differences would significantly impact your ability to secure a job. R(D)SVS was ranked higher than RVC (#3 vs #8) for veterinary medicine in the UK according to the university guide league tables, but I read in the VetTimes newsletter the other day that RVC secured the top spot for global veterinary medicine for the fifth year in the row (based on the QS World University Subject Rankings for 2025). I think rankings depend more on the body doling them out than on the school, so I think either school would give you a good start! In my school, we have a saying: uni is what you make of it. Either school will be "better" if you think you can be adventurous and take advantage of what is being offered to you.

The one thing I loved about RVC when I was researching schools was that they really try to champion diversity. I haven't found much of that coming from Edinburgh so far. For some people that's not so important, but it's still something to keep in mind.

(edited 1 year ago)

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