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Extra-mural studies (EMS) requirements

Our policies set out the requirements for your extra-mural studies (EMS), including placement hours, timelines, your responsibilities and your veterinary school’s role.

During your veterinary degree, you’ll gain valuable experience through EMS placements. These practical roles are essential for helping you to understand what the profession really involves.

As a veterinary student, you must complete a set number of EMS hours to graduate. The exact requirements depend on when you started your degree. Find out which requirements apply to you, and how to make the most of your placements.

If you started your degree after August 2024

You'll need to complete 30 weeks of EMS in total, comprising of:

10 weeks of animal husbandry extramural studies (AHEMS) - focusing on getting you comfortable with animal handling and care. You'll typically complete these during your pre-clinical years, working in environments such as farms, kennels or wildlife centres.

20 weeks of clinical EMS - working alongside qualified veterinary surgeons in real-life practice settings. You'll complete these during your final three years, with a recommended minimum of six weeks each year.

This updated policy gives you greater flexibility. There’s no requirement to work with specific animal types, so you can choose clinical placements based on your personal interests and career goals.

If you started your degree before August 2024

You'll need to complete 38 weeks of EMS in total, comprising of:

12 weeks of AHEMS - these placements focus on animal handling and care during your pre-clinical years.

26 weeks of clinical EMS – working alongside qualified surgeons in real-life practice settings. You'll complete these during your final three years, with a recommended minimum of six weeks annually.

Under this policy, your clinical EMS must include experience in three key areas:

  • Equine practice  
  • Production animal practice
  • Small animal practice - Download the full 2023 EMS policy and guidance (PDF)

Flexibility for you

We understand that your journey as a student is unique. If you need help to meet your EMS requirements, your veterinary school can make reasonable adjustments such as:

  • Extended programmes - allowing additional time to complete EMS if you're on a longer course
  • Intercalated degrees - accommodating for an additional year of study
  • Early clinical EMS - starting clinical placements before your final three years, on completion of your animal husbandry assessment
  • Individual circumstances - making case-by-case adjustments, supported with proper documentation

Safety is the number one priority, both for you and the animals in your care. Before you start certain clinical placements, you'll have to show that you can responsibly handle animals, especially less common or higher risk species.

Your veterinary school’s role

Your school has several responsibilities in supporting your EMS journey:

  • Recording and tracking - maintaining accurate records of your EMS placement
  • Guidance and support - helping you find suitable EMS placements and meet your requirements
  • Final approval - signing off your completed EMS before graduation
  • Safety oversight - ensuring you're prepared for placements and that they meet our standards
  • Accreditation compliance - demonstrating EMS management during RCVS accreditation visits

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