Veterinary Nursing - Foundation Degree (FdSc) Higher Education

Veterinary Nursing Foundation Degree (FdSc) Location Start Date Day Time Fees Duration Pershore Sep-2016 Various TBA see below 3Year(s) What will I study?

This course is an excellent opportunity for students wishing to qualify as a RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) whilst studying a Level 5 higher education qualification recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Your studies will therefore combine academic study and occupational competence.

Students study a total of 12, twenty credit modules over the normal three year duration of the full time course. Six modules are studied each of the two levels (Levels 4 and 5).

Level 4 modules provide an introduction into Academic Studies as well as Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Animal Welfare, Breeding and Nutrition, Operation of a Veterinary Practice, Introductory Veterinary Nursing Care and Principles and Practice of Diagnostics.

Level 5 modules deepen and consolidate veterinary nursing knowledge and cover Advanced Nursing Care, Applied Anaesthesia and Applied Surgical Nursing. Students must also successfully complete both the Professional Practice for Veterinary Nursing and a Work Related Project.

This course is validated in partnership with Coventry University.

What modules are covered?

Year 1  

Professional and Academic Development (Level 4)

Applied Animal Anatomy & Physiology  (Level 4 )

Introductory Veterinary Nursing (Level 4)

Operation of a Veterinary Practice (Level 4)

17 week block placement

Year 2

Introductory Animal Welfare, Breeding and Nutrition (Level 4)

Principles and Practice of Diagnostics (Level 4)

Applied Anaesthesia (Level 5)

Applied Surgical Nursing (Level 5)

17 week block placement

Year 3

Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Level 5)

Professional Practice for Veterinary Nursing (Level 5)

Reflective Nursing Practice (Level 5)

Animal Behavioural Science (Level 5) option 

Development of a Business (Level 5) option

Equine and Livestock Management (Level 5) option

Management of Exotics (Level 5) option

18 week block placement 

What qualifications will I get?

FdSc Veterinary Nursing

How will I be assessed?

Each module has its own specific assessment profile for instance 100% coursework or 50% coursework and 50% written examination. Modules are assessed using a variety of methods (reports, essays, presentations, practicals etc.) thus allowing students to develop a range of skills related to the subject area and to build confidence in the subject and in themselves.

Students will also complete the RCVS Nursing Process Log (NPL) to fulfil the requirements of the RCVS qualification.

What is the entry process?

Applicants MUST state clearly on the UCAS application their GCSE grades (or equivalent acceptable qualifications i.e. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2) and the grades or expected grades of their level three qualifications.

Applicants must have undertaken two weeks of work experience in an RCVS small animal veterinary practice for applications to progress further. Work experience must have been completed during the 12 months prior to application.

Full details of work experience including dates and length of time, detailed written references from the veterinary practice(s) will need to be presented at interview.

Applications should be made through UCAS using the institution code for Warwickshire College – W25 and the course code(s) shown below:

D311

Applicants will be expected to attend a post application interview/selection day. The interviews are part of a supportive process to help you decide the right course for you and your career goals.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum qualifications: Full level 3

The entry requirements for this course are 160 UCAS points minimum.

This is equivalent to:

BTEC/C&G Level 3 Diploma in an Animal Welfare or related subject.

Two A2  levels (dependant on grades).

Five GCSE grades at C or above including English Language, Science and Mathematics (or equivalent) to fulfil RCVS entry requirements.

Four weeks work experience in an RCVS registered small animal veterinary practice will be required (two weeks prior to application and a further two weeks before the course commences) to give applicants a practical understanding into the role of a veterinary nurse. This must be completed during the 12 months before the course commences.

What else do I need to know?

This is a three-year full-time course validated by Coventry University and accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Students must complete a period at an accredited Veterinary Training Practice. During the final year of the programme, all students will be required to complete a work related project linked to their placement.

To succeed on the Veterinary Nursing Degree courses you must have a work placement and complete 2100 hours in an RCVS registered small animal training practice to fulfil the requirements of the RCVS registration. Work placements are completed during each year of the course on a "block release" basis.

Fees and finance

For information on fees for these courses, please contact us or go to our fees page on the website: HE fees and support information . Most students will pay nothing upfront for their course. For information on government loans and grants available for HE study, please visit the Student Finance England website. Please note that applicants who already hold a higher education qualification may not be eligible for support and should enquire for further details. Different fees apply to international students. If you think this might apply to you then please enquire at Student Services for more details.

There may be additional fees for equipment, clothing and trips. For more information on fees, please contact us.

Warwickshire College offer various scholarships and bursaries, please see our fees page for more information: HE fees and support information . 

Further information

Warwickshire College welcomes all students and will always aim to make reasonable adjustments to meet any specific needs or difficulties. In exceptional circumstances, the learning outcomes of some courses may mean that such adjustments are not possible and the college cannot guarantee that every requirement can be supported. Failure to disclose specific needs or difficulties to the college at an early stage in your application may delay the college in its ability to make reasonable adjustments or may prevent them altogether. Please discuss your individual circumstances with the admissions tutor as early as possible.

It is essential that you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

What can I do after this course?

A degree in Veterinary Nursing can be the means to ‘unlock the door’ to a range of career opportunities such as veterinary nurse, veterinary practice manager, veterinary lecturer, or to a related career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Student may also progress on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing top-up. Progression opportunities are subject to undertaking an additional module (Research Methods). Students will then have the opportunity to complete their Honours degree with just one further year of full-time study.

Got a question about this course?

Call: 0300 45 600 49 or email us nowUCAS code

W25 D311

We make every effort to ensure that these course details are accurate. Warwickshire College reserves the right to make alterations. Fees may be indicative at the time of publishing.

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