Extra-mural studies

It is both an RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and legal requirement that all UK veterinary students undertake a total of 38 weeks of extra-mural studies (EMS). Here you can find out more about the requirements and costs for EMS.

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It is both an RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and legal requirement that all UK veterinary students undertake a total of 38 weeks of Extra-mural studies (EMS). The majority of these placements will be unpaid and undertaken during holiday periods. The RCVS are currently reviewing EMS requirements.

The two phases of EMS can be split into Animal Husbandry EMS (AHEMS) and Clinical EMS (CEMS). These placements will enhance your practical and professional skills outside of the curriculum and give you opportunities to experience a range of workplaces.

There is also costs from EMS which you can learn more about below.

Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS) is undertaken during the first two years of the BVSci (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) programme. You will need to complete 12 weeks of AHEMS before progressing into the third year of the programme. Working in environments outside of the vet school with different species industries and businesses is designed to develop your knowledge, critical thinking, understanding and importantly at this early stage, your practical and communication skills.

The RCVS requires that during AHEMS a minimum of 1 week is spent in each of the main species' areas (small animal, equine and production animal).

Prior to starting AHEMS the RCVS requires that the school trains you in key animal handling skills and assesses you as being ‘safe’ to proceed with placements in that species. This training will be delivered in the Animal Systems and Husbandry and Essentials of Professional and Clinical Practice modules. The assessment will form a key part of these courses and contribute to your year one assessment mark.

Clinical EMS (CEMS) is undertaken during years 3 to 5 of the BVSci programme. It is a requirement of the RCVS that all students complete 26 weeks of placements within the wider profession. CEMS will give you the opportunity to see a wider range of practice across all practice, industry and business types. These placements will support and develop the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout the degree programme as opportunities in addition to Intra-mural Rotations (IMR).

You will be expected to arrange your own placements however the EMS team will be on hand to assist you if needed. This is an opportunity to really direct your own learning by identifying both areas of interest or areas where you feel you need to develop further skills.

The RCVS guidelines for AHEMS and CEMS can be found here.

EMS costs

Students are responsible for meeting the costs of EMS.

SRUC appreciates the financial and time cost of EMS to students and the commitment made by students of vet schools to this aspect of their personal professional development. Some ways to help reduce costs include:

Consider the location/type of placement you choose.
Doing EMS near home or with friends will save cost.
Certain rural mixed practices may offer free accommodation in return for overnight animal care duties
Some corporate practices may offer EMS bursaries
Other funding/financial support opportunities are actively supported by SRUC and publicised to students by email when available.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) compiled market research for 2019-20 where students were asked to estimate the cost of a two week EMS placement. Their findings are summarised in this chart from the British Veterinary Association (2020).

This is only an indication of the cost of EMS placements and demonstrates the variability you may experience. Any figures provided are only a rough guide and potential costs should be fully explored before confirming placements.