This programme was the first of its kind in Europe and was developed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare. This degree programme has now grown to be available at several locations and is directly accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). As a result completing this respected degree means you will be able to apply to be listed on the RCVS register as a qualified, registered veterinary nurse.

Throughout studying this degree you will gain both practical and theoretical knowledge. You will attend lectures and practical placements within recognised veterinary training practices which will give you a true insight into the challenging role of veterinary nursing.

Location

You can select to study in any of the following locations:

• Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
• Leeds, West Yorkshire
• Middlesex University, Hendon, London

Duration

It is expected for this degree to 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

It is essential that you hold 5 GCSEs at grade C (9-4) or above (or equivalent) including English Language, Mathematics and one Science subject.

In addition you are also required to hold at least one of the following (or equivalent):

1. Three A Levels at CCC, or two A Levels at A*B or AA to include a grade C or above in science (preferably Biology); or;
2. Three Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma subjects at DMM (distinction, Merit, Merit) or two subjects at DD (distinction, distinction); or
3. 30 points overall from the International Baccalaureate; or
4. A Recognised Access to Higher Education qualification in a science or health related subject with an overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which 15 must be at Merit or higher’

If you are aged over 21 and cannot fulfil one of these additional requirements your application may still be considered should you be able to demonstrate high levels of ability and experience within the veterinary care sector.

You are also required to complete a minimum of two weeks work experience in a veterinary practice and an additional 2 weeks in a relevant environment. References for these elements must be able to be provided prior to the course starting.

If you are coming to study in the UK from another country you should have proof of competence in the English Language by holding either the ESOL qualification at levels C1 or C2 or IELTS at a minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all four components) where your international qualifications were not taught and assessed in English.

You will also be required to have your foreign qualifications officially translated into English with a notarised stamp.

If you are from outside the EU or European Economic Area and wish to study in the UK, you must obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa.

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.

This course is very popular and places are offered following an application process including assessments, interview and group discussion. Those students who show a commitment to a career in veterinary nursing and have a greater volume of prior work experience are likely to be considered more favourably.

Content

Throughout this three year course your time will be divided between being in a veterinary practice on placement and studying theory at your chosen location. All placements will be arranged for you and will take place in RCVS approved training practices. To complete the degree it is necessary for you to pass all assessments and examinations set by the University.

Throughout this degree the following modules will be undertaken:

Year 1:

• Introduction to Professional Issues
• Introduction to Nursing Care
• Applied Functional Anatomy
• Working in a Veterinary Environment

Year 2:

• Clinical Nursing
• Pathology for Veterinary Nurses
• Theatre Practice
• Evidence Based Veterinary Nursing

Year 3:

• Pharmacology for Veterinary Nurses SQP
• Principles of Imaging and Anaesthesia
• Dissertation and Professional Practice Module
• Elective Module (choose one of the following: Equine Nursing, Management and Business, Nursing Exotics and Wildlife, Veterinary Education and Professional Development, Companion Animal Behaviour and Training, Applied Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, International Veterinary Nursing)

Fees

Information on fees for this degree can be found on the Middlesex University website.

Apply

Applications for this degree are through UCAS or by contacting the University directly. When applying please use the following codes:

• Study at Hendon, London (Middlesex University) quote course UCAS code: D313
• Study at Huntingdon (Middlesex University) quote course UCAS code: D315
• Study at  Leeds (Middlesex University) quote UCAS code: D316