Anglia Ruskin University

This four year programme combines the practical training and work experience required to become an RCVS registered veterinary nurse, alongside a broader programme of study for a full Bachelor of Science with Honours Degree.

You will receive a thorough training in scientific theory and principles with a particular emphasis on the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare. In addition, you will be required to develop extensive work-based skills during an extended period of placement within RCVS approved veterinary training practices. The course content will vary depending on your choice of modules within the course, but appropriate module selection could allow you to achieve a considerable percentage of the learning outcomes required for the academic component of the new Pet Behaviour Counselling Award.

Compulsory units: The course content will vary depending on your choice of modules that form part of a graduate training in the life sciences. As a guide areas covered could include Biology and Behaviour, Practical Animal Husbandry, Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation and Animal Behaviour Counselling.

Specialised units: You will receive thorough training in veterinary nursing, with a strong emphasis on practical skills in animal handling and husbandry. You must complete 2,450 hours or more of practice experience within 70 weeks of work placement within an RCVS approved veterinary training practice during the course. Whilst staff at CWA will make every effort to assist students in finding a suitable placement at a veterinary training centre, work placements with an RCVS approved veterinary training practice are not automatically provided for all students accepted onto this course. Students are expected to take responsibility for arranging interviews with suitable local practices.

The academic year at both CWA and Anglia Ruskin is divided into two semesters. Full-time attendance within these semesters is approximately 12 hours per week, usually over three days. The course involves 4 years' full-time study including 70 weeks of work placement at veterinary training practice(s).

Applicants must have a genuine interest in animal health and welfare. They must be keen to learn how to provide expert nursing care for domestic animals as well as education and support for their owners. You should have a clear understanding of the range of practical work required in a veterinary surgery (preferably via work experience), be a good communicator and enjoy teamwork.

Theoretical and practical elements of the course curriculum will be assessed using a variety of methods, including computer based exercises, essays, practical reports, laboratory skills, project reports and seen and unseen examinations. During the 70 weeks of practice placement in an RCVS approved veterinary training practice, you will be under continuous assessment.

To become an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will be required to take the RCVS SVN Level II and Level III external examinations alongside any examinations required for specific course modules, build a VN portfolio of practical experience and complete the required 2450 hours of veterinary practice experience.

Special features

Module delivery is divided between the College of West Anglia (Cambridge) campus located just outside Cambridge at Milton and the Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge) campus in Cambridge city centre.

Links with industry/Professional recognition

A work placement at RCVS approved veterinary training practices.

Entry requirements

220 UCAS tariff points. Required: One A level in Bioloical Science. GCSE(s) Required: Five GCSEs grade C or above including English, Mathematics and Science.
Non-academic conditions: Interview required.

An additional one off payment of £700 is required upon commencement of the first year of the course to cover additional examination fees, clothing costs and RCVS registration.