This foundation degree is delivered and awarded by the Royal Veterinary College (University of London) with support from The College of Animal Welfare. The Royal Veterinary College are the UK’s largest and oldest veterinary school, and studying this course allows you to be associated with this prestigious organisation.

You will complete clinical practice placements at selected veterinary practices. These placements will be arranged for you by the CAW placement team, and you may be expected to travel up to one hour to reach these. It will be your own responsibility to ensure you are able to travel to the placements agreed. Direct accreditation has been given to this qualification by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) this means graduates will able to apply to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) following completion of the course. There is the option to study for a fourth year to achieve the Bsc Honours Degree in Veterinary Nursing if desired.

Location

The FdSc will primarily be studied at the Hawkshead Campus of the Royal Veterinary College near Potters Bar, London.

Duration

It is expected that this qualification will take three years to complete and you will be studying on a full-time basis attending both University as well as your clinical placements. This course begins in September each year.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements include both academic qualifications and previous work experience. Information on these requirements can be found on the Royal Veterinary College’s website.

Before applying it is essential that all applicants have a basic understanding of what working as a veterinary nurse involves. This is why it is mandatory for all candidates to complete at least two weeks of work experience within a veterinary practice and two weeks experience in a variety of different animal environments before they begin the course.

After applying you may also be sent a further form to provide information about your work experience.

Before you apply also read the RCVS Fitness to Practise Guide for Providers of Veterinary Nursing Education and VN students. This can be downloaded here. Places are limited for this qualification and there are always a high volume of applicants. Therefore places are competitive and each application is carefully considered on its individual merits.

Content

Throughout this three year FdSc degree programme you will develop both your practical understanding and your theoretical knowledge that you need for a successful career as a veterinary nurse. The units you will cover are as listed below:

Year 1:

• Professional Development and Clinical Skills 1
• Clinical Nursing Practice 1 & 2
• Veterinary Nursing Applied Science 1 & 2

Year 2:

• Professional Development and Clinical Skills 2
• Emergency, Critical Care Nursing and Anaesthesia
• Diagnostic Techniques

Year 3:

• Professional Development and Clinical Skills 3
• Applied Nursing Care
• Professional Practice

To successfully complete this degree you will be required to pass all assessments and examinations set by the University.

Fees

To find out about fees please visit the Royal Veterinary College’s website.

Apply

All degree applications are conducted externally through UCAS. Please quote code D310 through your application or when contacting the university directly.