This BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing degree programme- jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare was the first of its kind in Europe, and offers a unique opportunity to study a BSc (Hons) in veterinary nursing.
Number 1 in the UK for Veterinary Nursing (National Student Survey 2024)
This programme – jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare, offers students an alternative entry pathway onto the BSc (Honours) Veterinary Nursing programme. It is aimed at those who do not meet the necessary entry requirements, or those who are not yet quite ready to undertake study at degree level.
The first (foundation) year is classroom based and introduces key veterinary nursing topics as well as preparing you to study at degree-level. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress onto the BSc (Honours) Veterinary Nursing programme. All modules in the foundation year are delivered and assessed at level 3 (A-level standard) and, as such, are an ideal stepping-stone onto the first year of the full degree programme.
Students who successfully complete the foundation year but do not to progress on the full degree programme will be awarded a Foundation Certificate in Animal Health Studies. Successful students who gain the grades required in the foundation year may continue on to study the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon.
If you are hard-working and passionate about animals then veterinary nursing could very well be the career for you. You will work alongside veterinary surgeons and other team members to provide vital nursing care and support to a variety of small animal patients. No two days are the same which makes the job varied and rewarding! The demand for registered vet nurses (RVNs) in the UK and overseas continues to be high, meaning that your job prospects on graduation are excellent!
Course Content
Within the foundation year you will study four compulsory modules, all of which are exclusive to, and specifically tailored to, veterinary nursing foundation year students:
Essentials for Learning
This module aims to prepare learners for undergraduate study on their chosen veterinary nursing programme, equipping them with the necessary soft skills and study skills to enable a smooth transition to study at level 4. The module principally aims to address the core subjects of: English and academic writing; use of number and applied mathematics; and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Applied Research
You will engage in a research project specific to the veterinary nursing sector and will apply the knowledge and understanding gained within the other three modules of this foundation programme. Additionally, the module provides an opportunity to develop the soft skills and employability skills that are vital to continuation on to the veterinary nursing degree and within the veterinary nursing profession post-qualification.
Introduction to Animal Science
This module explores the fundamental principles and concepts in animal anatomy, principles of genetics and basic laboratory skills in preparation for future study on veterinary nursing undergraduate programmes.
Fundamentals of Veterinary Nursing
Within this module you will gain a basic overview of what it means to join the veterinary nursing profession alongside essential basics of health, disease, behaviour and welfare. The module aims to ensure that students have a good grounding in subject areas relevant to veterinary nursing in preparation for continued study on undergraduate veterinary nursing programmes.
Students who successfully complete the foundation year will then be able to continue on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme and undertake the following modules:
Year 2:
Body Systems (Gastrointestinal and Integument)
Professional Development (Legal & Professional)
Fundamentals of Working in a Veterinary Environment
Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)
Year 3:
Body Systems (Urogenital & Theatre Practice)
Body Systems (Musculoskeletal, Endocrine and Radiography)
Professional Development (Evidenced-based Veterinary Nursing, Communication & Ethics)
Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)
Year 4:
Body Systems (Neurology & Anaesthesia)
Body Systems (Cardiovascular & Respiratory)
Professional Development (Leadership skills, Wellbeing, Minor Surgical Procedures)
Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)
Year 5:
Applied Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nursing
Contemporary Veterinary Nursing (Including SQP)
Professional Development (Quality Improvement Project Proposal)
Practical Veterinary Nursing (Placement and Clinical Skills)
Modules are taught in semesters, with three semesters per year.
Clinical Experience
The foundation year does not contain any time spent in clinical practice, however there will be opportunity to undertake field trips and develop vital laboratory skills. The remainder of the course blends placement in veterinary practices with theoretical study. This meets and exceeds important requirements of the profession as specified by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
You are offered an opportunity to choose between placements near to your home where possible (potentially a considerable cost saving) or closer to the campus you are studying at. All placements are arranged by the University and, in accordance with the RCVS requirements, may only be undertaken in RCVS approved Training Practices.
Virtual Reality Learning at CAW
The College of Animal Welfare’s new virtual reality technology is changing the way we think about learning. All CAW students will have the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets to prepare for their OSCEs (practical exams). Virtual reality helps create muscle memory, leading to the development of practical skills and alleviating exam anxiety. Students can practise the OSCE tasks that they may come across in their real exam, such as taking x rays, packaging samples and identifying parasites. We are the first veterinary nurse college to use virtual reality and we are very excited about the potential application of it. So, the only question we have left to ask is, are you ready to step into the future of veterinary nurse training and join us?
Assessment
You will be assessed by a variety of means including written examinations, coursework, practical assessments and presentations. You are required to pass all elements of every module in order to complete the programme.
Entry Requirements
The demand for places on this programme is high and, as a consequence, the selection process will be competitive.
All prospective students must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (9-4) including English, Mathematics, and a Science subject.
In addition, you must also have one of the following:
BTEC
MMP
Access requirements
Overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3
Combinations
A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 56 – 64 UCAS Tariff points
Please note that preference will be given to those who have achieved the above additional qualifications in science or animal related subjects.
Work experience requirements
Gaining at least 2 weeks work experience in a veterinary practice will be a distinct advantage for your application, however any animal related or customer focussed work experience will be considered by admissions tutors.
The following types of work experience are useful for your application and future career:
Kennels/catteries
Zoos
Rescue centres (small and large animal, wildlife, reptile)
Equestrian centres/equine yards/riding schools
Farms/city farms
Pet shops
Dog groomers
Dog day care/pet sitting/dog walking
Care work with humans
Customer focussed work experience
Mature students
Prospective applicants who are over 21 years of age and meet the minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics, English, an a Science subject, but do not hold further qualifications, but who can show high levels of ability and experience within the veterinary care sector (evidenced by a supportive reference by a veterinary practice principal or registered veterinary nurse), are also invited to apply.
International students
International students are most welcome to apply. Applicants holding international qualifications are required to have them officially translated into English with a notarised stamp. Furthermore, they must have proof of competence in the English Language by holding IELTS at a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components) or a recognised equivalence such as the ESOL qualification. Please visit the University’s English language requirements page for a full list of accepted English language tests and qualifications.
Students who successfully complete the foundation year may continue to study the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon. Students who successfully complete the foundation year and do not to progress on the degree programme will be awarded with a Foundation Certificate in Animal Health Studies.
For some students, progression onto a Level 4 degree programme may not be the right step. For those wishing to continue to study at Level 3, there will be the option to apply to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing instead.
BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing…
For those students who progress on to, and complete, the veterinary nursing degree you will be eligible to apply to join the Register of Veterinary Nurses held by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are able to use the post nominal letters RVN and will receive a badge that, when attached to their uniform, identifies them to members of the public and their colleagues as being of professional status. Registration also demonstrates to employers and the general public that they are accountable to the RCVS for their professional conduct and are committed to keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date by means of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Progression and Employment Prospects
Due to the high demand for RVNs across the country, job prospects are excellent both within veterinary practice and in other related areas. Many opportunities are afforded to graduate veterinary nurses in relation to working in first opinion veterinary practice, or moving into more specialist areas – such as surgical nursing – in a referral practice or large veterinary hospital. On completion of degree level training and study, your career prospects could also expand into team leadership, research, teaching, sales or even rehabilitation with continued learning.
Remember that, on achieving professional status, it is your responsibility to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on a regular basis. Our CPD and short courses are designed for both registered and student veterinary nurses, allowing you to refresh your veterinary knowledge and understand the latest developments in the profession.
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Testimonials
“I was recently diagnosed with Autism. Despite always knowing I wanted to work in veterinary I struggled through school due to being undiagnosed and didn’t believe in myself. While studying at Middlesex and CAW even before my diagnosis I feel I was treated with grace by my lectures and offered help when needed. It helped me not to feel alone. So far the best part of this course has been my placements! I absolutely adore my job and love learning. It feels like there’s no end to the things I can learn and I’m hoping to one day go into exotics work! If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to believe in yourself! If animals are truly something you love then this is absolutely the course for you!” Lauren Spencer, BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Student
“I enjoy the balance between theory lessons and placement blocks. It gives me the opportunity to apply my knowledge in practice. I chose to study at Middlesex University and The College of Animal Welfare because of the degree curriculum. I would advise to prospective students considering to attend this degree programme to be prepared and consistent with their work.” Christina Papaioannou, BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Student
“I like how the course shows different aspects of veterinary nursing to allow us to have rounded knowledge of the course when we hopefully qualify. I feel the in-depth lectures and balance with studies helps us understand the ins and out of the job role and already network with other people in the industry before we have qualified.” Harriet Wescombe, BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Student
“I’ve enjoyed the course a lot so far. I’ve found some of the theory lessons difficult but I’ve felt supported by my lecturers. I love the support I’ve gotten whilst completing assignments and leading up to exams. I would advise that you contact your lecturers or tutor if you need any help as they are there to support you.” Hannah Scott, BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Student
Application Information
All degree applications are conducted externally through UCAS using the codes and links on the following page.
