Diplomas

A Diploma holder is someone who has achieved a high standard of academic and professional expertise in their chosen subject, and is therefore entitled to place the appropriate letters after their name to indicate this achievement.

A list of RCVS Diploma holders is included in the back of the RCVS Register of Members and RCVS Directory of Veterinary Practices.

Diploma holders who are available for referrals may apply for inclusion on the List of RCVS Recognised Specialists.

Want to take a Diploma?

If you are interested in taking a Diploma, you will need to download both the general information pack and the subject-specific information related to the qualification concerned.

The general information pack contains: general guidance applicable to all subjects, timetable, E1 enrolment application form and adviser guidance.

The subject-specific information pack includes guidance for the subject concerned, the syllabus, reading list, E1(a) subject specific enrolment form, E2 application form for final approval of experience, and information about advisers.

Please note that, in order to enrol, you will need to complete both the E1 and the appropriate E1(a).

Enrolment closing dates

The closing date for new enrolments, and for applications for final approval of experience is 1 November each year. (Please note that application forms are only accepted between 1 September and 1 November each year).

The closing date for examination entry is 1 March each year. (E3 examination entry forms are sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience in January each year).

Diploma subjects

RCVS Diplomas are available in the following subjects - select the subject that is of interest to you and you will be able to access information on syllabi, reading lists, etc.

Please select your RCVS Diploma subject: Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Cattle Health and Production Equine Internal Medicine Equine Stud Medicine Equine Orthopaedics Equine Soft Tissue Surgery Fish Health and Production Laboratory Animal Science Pig Medicine Poultry Medicine and Production Sheep Health and Production Small Animal Medicine Small Animal Medicine (Feline) Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics or Soft Tissue) State Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Anaesthesia Veterinary Cardiology Veterinary Dermatology Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Veterinary Ophthalmology Veterinary Pathology Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene) Veterinary Radiology Veterinary Reproduction Zoological Medicine

View general information on RCVS Diploma entrance requirements and how to apply for RCVS Diplomas as well as information on RCVS Certificates.

View a list of current Diploma holders across all subjects. (PDF 30Kb)

Diploma in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law

Candidates wishing to sit the Diploma must provide evidence of advanced standards of appropriate training and experience in application of the principles of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law to the practice of good husbandry and veterinary medicine. In order to achieve the Diploma, candidates must demonstrate a broad range of experience in the identification, diagnosis and control of animal welfare problems, a profound knowledge of the fundamental principles of welfare science and ethics, and demonstrate competence in matters of animal welfare law and, above all, the degree of understanding necessary to bring these elements together in the service of those animals committed to veterinary care.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)
  

• View the subject specific information (PDF 223 Kb) for the Diploma in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law.
  

• Application Forms-:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit your proposed training programme with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law. (PDF 86Kb)

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Diploma in Cattle Health and Production

The Diploma in Cattle Health and Production is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding in the subject area to the level of an expert can be acquired through exposure to a wide range of literature and a wide variety of cases.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 112 Kb) for the Diploma in Cattle Health and Production.

• Application Forms-:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Cattle Health and Production. (PDF 237Kb)

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Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine

The Diploma should be attainable by those who have gained the related Certificate and who have spent at least 4 years involved in the study of the subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Diploma level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 150Kb) for the Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine

• Application Forms-:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine.

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Diploma in Equine Stud Medicine

The Diploma in Equine Stud Medicine should be attainable by those who have gained the related Certificate and who have spent at least 4 years involved in the study of the subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Diploma level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 133Kb) for the Diploma in Equine Stud Medicine.

• Application Forms-:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
    

• View past papers for the Diploma in Equine Stud Medicine.

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Diploma in Equine Orthopaedics

The Diploma in Equine Orthopaedics should be attainable by those who have gained the related Certificate and who have spent at least 4 years involved in the study of the subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Diploma level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 106 Kb) for the Diploma in Equine Orthopaedics.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Equine Orthopaedics.

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Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery

This Diploma should be attainable by those who have gained the related Certificate and who have spent at least 4 years involved in the study of the subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Diploma level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 122 Kb) for the Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery.

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Diploma in Fish Health and Production

The Diploma is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding in fish health and production to the level of an expert can be acquired through exposure to a wide variety of cases. Fish health and production covers all fish species, both ornamental and farmed, as well as shellfish, shrimp and aquatic invertebrates. Candidates should have gained a minimum of four years of experience in fish health and production before attempting the Diploma examination. They should have a more detailed knowledge of the following syllabus than is expected at Certificate level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF Format) for the Diploma in Fish Health and Production.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• There are no past papers available for the Diploma in Fish Health and Production.

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Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

While the same subject material will be examined in the Diploma examination as for the Certificate, candidates will be expected to show greater depth of understanding and breadth of knowledge. Of particular importance will be the ability to marshal facts in support of informed opinions and the ability to give a critical assessment of 'received wisdom'. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the practical skills of animal handling and routine ageing and sexing of animals. The Diploma requires great personal commitment, extensive reading and practical experience and should be within the grasp of anyone who practises laboratory animal medicine full time at a senior level.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 103 Kb) for the Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science. (PDF 77Kb)

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Diploma in Pig Medicine

Diploma candidates would be expected to have substantial involvement in the field of pig medicine, i.e. at least 30 hours per week dealing with and advising on pig problems, visits to pig units for this purpose, diagnostic work, epidemiological investigations, research into pig diseases and problems, literature reviews, preparation of reports, papers and articles, and time spent in related activities. It is important that candidates have a broad involvement in and knowledge of the pig industry .

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 195 kb) for the Diploma in Pig Medicine.
  

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Pig Medicine.

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Diploma in Poultry Medicine and Production

The breadth and depth of factual knowledge required for this examination is much greater than for the Certificate. Diploma candidates will be expected to be able to deal with the bird, the flock and the poultry industry as a whole. They must be conversant with epidemiology, flock diagnosis, population monitoring and problem solving, as well as current problems on a national and international basis (and the scientific, practical and political considerations that relate to them).

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 177Kb) for the Diploma in Poultry Medicine and Production.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
    
    

• View past papers for the Diploma in Poultry Medicine and Production. (PDF 10Kb)

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Diploma in Sheep Health and Production

The Diploma is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding of sheep health and production to the level of an expert can be acquired through exposure to a wide range of literature and a wide variety of cases.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)
  

• View the subject specific information (PDF 163Kb) for the Diploma in Sheep Health and Production.
  
  

• Application Forms:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Sheep Health and Production. (PDF 62Kb)

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Diploma in Small Animal Medicine

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

The Diploma is aimed at those graduates who have gained substantial experience in small animal medicine. Achievement of the Certificate is a pre-requisite.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 80Kb) for the Diploma in Small Animal Medicine.

• Application Forms:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Small Animal Medicine. (PDF 88Kb)

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Diploma in Small Animal Medicine (Feline)

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

The Diploma in Small Animal Medicine (Feline) is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding in feline medicine is acquired to the level expected of an expert through exposure to a wide variety of diseases under the close supervision and guidance of Diplomates, or approved experts with equivalent training or experience in feline medicine. Candidates should have achieved the Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 158Kb) for the Diploma in Small Animal Medicine (Feline).

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Small Animal Medicine (Feline).

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Diploma in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics or Soft Tissue)

The Diploma is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding in small animal surgery to the level of an expert can be acquired through exposure to a wide variety of cases.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 166 Kb) for the Diploma in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics or Soft Tissue).

• Application Forms:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics or Soft Tissue).

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Diploma in State Veterinary Medicine

The Diploma is designed so that knowledge, skill and understanding of state veterinary medicine to the level of an expert can be acquired through exposure to a wide range of literature and a wide variety of cases.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF Format) for the Diploma in State Veterinary Medicine.

• Application Forms:Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in State Veterinary Medicine.

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Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

The Diploma is an advanced postgraduate qualification in veterinary anaesthesia, an essential part being a general knowledge in the broad subject of anaesthesia. The clinical emphasis of the Certificate is maintained. Additionally candidates must understand an experimental approach to the subject, in order to fulfil the expectations of those who attain recognised specialist status having a responsibility for advancing knowledge in this subject by research in the clinic or the laboratory.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 182 Kb) for the Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia.

• Application Forms:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia. (PDF 113Kb)

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Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology

This Diploma should be attainable to those who have gained the related Certificate. Candidates would need to devote their whole time to the study and practice of veterinary cardiology, in order to meet the requirements of the Byelaws and Schedules, and to gain the substantial experience required.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 168 Kb) for the Diploma in Veteriary Cardiology.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology. (PDF 110Kb)

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Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology

This Diploma should be attainable to those who have gained the related Certificate. Candidates would need to devote their whole time to the study and practice of veterinary dermatology to meet the requirements of the Byelaws and Schedules, and to gain the substantial experience required.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 193 Kb) for the Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology. (PDF 98Kb)

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Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (formerly Veterinary Radiology)

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

Candidates should have achieved the related Certificate before proceeding to the Diploma. Candidates can choose to concentrate on either large or small animals option upon enrolment, although they will be required to answer questions on both in the examination. The written exam covers advanced radiological physics, advanced techniques and interpretation, radiological interpretation of large and small animals. The practical includes a film reading session, an oral examination and a practical clinical exam.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 175Kb) for the Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

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Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Important Notice

Please note that the RCVS Diploma for this subject has been phased out in favour of the European equivalent (view the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation website for more details).

No new applications to enrol for this subject will be accepted.

This Diploma should be attainable by those who have gained the related Certificate. Candidates would need to devote not less than 75% of their time to the study and practice of veterinary ophthalmology to meet the requirements of the schedules and byelaws. Additionally, periods of time of not less than 2 weeks in duration, making a total of 200 days, should be spent working and being primarily occupied in the study and practice of veterinary ophthalmology.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 167Kb) for the Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

• Application Forms:
  

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology. (PDF 142Kb)

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Veterinary Pathology

The RCVS does not itself offer a Diploma in Veterinary Pathology. Those who wish to pursue further qualifications in this area should contact the Royal College of Pathologists, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF; Tel: 020 7451 6700; Fax: 020 7451 6701; Email info@rcpath.org or refer to the RCPath website.

Veterinary Pathologists are entitled to apply for RCVS Recognised Specialist status. Veterinary surgeons who achieve Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists are also identified in a separate listing in the RCVS Register of Members.

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Diploma in Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene)

Candidates will have a knowledge of all aspects of the meat industry at a standard that would be expected of an experienced Official Veterinary Surgeon (OVS) who has already obtained the Certificate of Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene or Food Hygiene). The syllabus should, therefore, be read in conjunction with that for the Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene / State Veterinary Medicine) since the requirements of that syllabus are pertinent. The Diploma syllabus applies equally to red meat animals, poultry species and wild game.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF Format) for the Diploma in Veterinary Public Health.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene).

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Diploma in Veterinary Reproduction

The Diploma candidate should have the knowledge, skill and understanding in veterinary reproduction to the level of an expert acquired through exposure to a wide variety of cases.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF Format) for the Diploma in Veterinary Reproduction.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)

• View past papers for the Diploma in Veterinary Reproduction. (PDF 98Kb)

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Diploma in Zoological Medicine

Diploma holders in this subject should be in a position to give leadership in the field of Zoological Medicine. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate that they have sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge to meet the demands of their professional role in their chosen field - Avian, Mammalian or Reptilian.

• View the general information document common to all Diploma examinations (PDF Format)

• View the subject specific information (PDF 161 Kb) for the Diploma in Zoological Medicine.

• Application Forms:

  • Enrolment - You will need to complete Form E1 (in general information) AND Form E1(a) (in subject specific information)

  • Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.

  • Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
    

• View past papers for the Diploma in Zoological Medicine. (PDF 183Kb)