Extra-mural studies (EMS) are placements undertaken throughout the veterinary medicine course which help students to develop practical and professional skills in preparation for a veterinary career.
Current regulations from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) require students to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of EMS during the course. This comprises ten weeks of animal husbandry placements, typically undertaken in the first two years of the course, and 20 weeks of clinical placements undertaken in the final three years of the course.
Veterinary schools are responsible for ensuring that students are taught all of the knowledge and skills that are required upon graduation – known as the ‘day-one competences‘ – as part of the curriculum. As such, EMS placements do not involve any formal training or teaching. Instead, they provide an opportunity for students to develop and consolidate their animal husbandry, handling and clinical skills in a real-world context, and to interact with clients and members of the veterinary team.
Veterinary schools recommend that students sign up for BVA student membership, which includes personal accident and personal liability insurance for EMS placements in the UK. The student coverage does not include professional liability insurance as students should be covered by the placement provider’s policy.
Further guidance on EMS is available from RCVS for students and placement providers.
- BVA – Making the most of EMS (guides available to BVA members only)
- EMS Driving Licence – guidance for students before they start EMS
- GVS – Government Veterinary Surgeons
- EMS at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
- EMS in Veterinary Public Health
- AVS EMS Guides
