What are extra-mural studies?
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) requires that all veterinary students complete:
- 10 weeks Animal Husbandry EMS (AHEMS) – animal handling/husbandry and learning about the animal industries
- 20 weeks Clinical EMS (CEMS) – applying your clinical learning
EMS allows students to gain practical experience of working in veterinary medicine. Students must complete a set number of EMS weeks in order to graduate.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Aims of EMS
EMS aims to provide hands-on, real-world experience across a wide range of veterinary disciplines. These may include:
- Animal handling
- Medical and surgical treatments across different species
- Communication skills
- Veterinary practice management
- Animal management systems and animal industries
- Animal welfare in veterinary medicine and animal production
- Herd health and the epidemiological approach to production animal work
- The ethical and legal responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon
- Any areas or species not covered in the university curriculum
How do I arrange EMS?
All Animal Husbandry EMS and the majority of Clinical EMS is student determined and organised with support from our dedicated EMS team. They have a database of suitable hosts which you can access.
You will discuss and agree your personal EMS planning with your tutors and develop intended learning outcomes before each placement.
When will I complete EMS?
You usually complete Animal Husbandry EMS by the end of year two. This means you need to undertake 10 weeks of AHEMS during your holidays in years one and two.
Your 20 weeks of Clinical EMS are split across years three to five.
All throughout the morning, pets are being brought through to the prep room from consults to have blood taken, ears swabbed or lumps sampled, so I can get involved with a lot of different cases and help wherever I can.
Katie Siddons
Completed EMS at a small animal general practice
Related articles
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Katie's student experience
Katie is a final-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery BVMBVS with BVMedSci student. She explains why she chose Nottingham, her love of the Sutton Bonington campus, and her future career plans.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: April entry
Everything you need to know about starting your course in April.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: what is a prelim and gateway course?
Our course, explained.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: facilities
Modern, purpose-built facilities to help you get the most from your course.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: accreditation and working abroad
Discover where your degree can take you.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: work experience requirements
Everything you need to know before you apply.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: clinical associates
Work with local practices to build your skills and confidence.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vet medicine: finance
From additional costs to scholarships and bursaries.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Vets in the Community
Volunteer and put your skills into practice.
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Campus life at Sutton Bonington
Discover your home from home.
