BSc Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary nurses play a vital role within the veterinary industry in caring for sick, injured and hospitalised animals, and contributing to the ongoing care of animals.
This includes undertaking skilled nursing procedures, delivering medical treatments and diagnostic tests. Veterinary nurses also take on the responsibilities of customer care within a surgery, clinic or hospital setting, and therefore must develop client-facing skills alongside knowledge of animal care.
The BSc Veterinary Nursing course is designed to produce veterinary nurses who have the knowledge and skills to make a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. You will be exposed to practical training within the first three foundation years of the programme, where you have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills within a real-life environment. At the end of this period (providing you have met the assessment requirements), you will achieve your professional veterinary nursing qualification via the award of a FdSc Veterinary Nursing. The FdSc Veterinary Nursing is accredited by the and successful completion of this interim award permits registration with the RCVS as a veterinary nurse.
During your final year, you will undertake a research project on an area of clinical interest and choose from a range of innovative modules taught by 91°µÍø nurse educators and world-renowned clinicians from the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. This is a challenging degree course that delivers a broad programme of learning, and offers a fascinating introduction to veterinary nursing.
Veterinary Nursing courses are delivered primarily at our Hawkshead Campus as well as utilising a variety of placement practices to gain the practical skills required for a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Lyuben Dzhugdanov, BSc Veterinary Nursing
The course is so comprehensive and covers every aspect of the veterinary nursing profession. You navigate so many different topics while learning. Each module gives you the theory to become a knowledgeable nurse while placement allows you to learn and grow clinical skills whilst applying what you’ve learnt on campus to practice.
Undertaking placement at your own local practices and the 91°µÍø’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals will see you experience a range of medical departments that will leave you feeling like an accomplished veterinary nurse by the time you graduate.
Accreditation
You will be entitled to practise as a veterinary nurse as soon as you have earned your degree and registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Our FdSc and BSc courses are also accredited by ACOVENE, setting the standard for the delivery of veterinary nurse education.
Veterinary Nursing at the 91°µÍø
Find out more about what veterinary nursing at the 91°µÍø can offer you, your career and your team. Veterinary Nursing at the 91°µÍø
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The BSc Veterinary Nursing course consists of modules totalling 360 credits. You will also complete at least 1,800 hours of practical training at a range of excellent veterinary practices, giving you real insight into the day-to-day role of the veterinary nurse. To ensure fair evaluation, the skills and knowledge you acquire will be assessed in a variety of ways as the course progresses.
The course is undergoing reaccreditation with the regulatory body and internal review in 2019. While the content covered will remain the same in line with the RCVS day one skills and competencies and the QAA subject benchmarks, the proposed changes will result in changes in module size and style of delivery for the September 2020 intake.
Academic and Professional Development 1 (30 credits) This module will also prepare the student for practical placement and introduce them to the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) day one skills and competencies of a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Applied animal health and welfare 1 (30 credits) Applied animal health and welfare 2 (30 credits) Academic and Professional Development 2 (15 credits) This module builds on the year one introduction, further developing academic skills like writing, reflection, teamwork, and presentations. Students will reflect on placement experiences and connect them to theoretical knowledge. Opportunities to enhance day-one skills are provided through attendance at 91°µÍø hospitals. Understanding Disease and Diagnostic Techniques (45 credits) This module applies first-year anatomy and physiology knowledge to disease processes and treatments, including drug effects, side effects, and patient compliance. Topics include diagnostics, pharmacology, parasitology, virology, and bacteriology, emphasising the RVN’s role in diagnostics and One Health. Theatre Practice & Veterinary Anaesthesia (30 credits) This module covers RVN roles in anaesthesia, from pre-assessment to post-surgery recovery, including drug effects, pain scoring, and monitoring. Students will explore asepsis, surgical suite management, and postoperative care across species. Emergency & Critical Care (15 credits) Building on first-year first aid, this module focuses on triage, fluid therapy, transfusion medicine, and intensive care for critical patients. Monitoring techniques and nursing care for emergencies across species are emphasised. Academic and Professional Development 3 (30 credits) The Professional Veterinary Nurse (15 credits) Research methods (30) Build on the skills gained in the Professional Practice module studied in your third year, or the Introduction to Research module studied in the ‘top-up’ degree. In this module you will enhance your awareness of a range of research methods. Statistical analysis will be introduced and you will undertake small scale analyses of data collected. You will also undertake a number of tasks that enable you to apply generic research skills. Final year project (60) Use the skills examined in the Research Methods module to investigate an area of clinical interest and present information and findings in the form of a project. This may be proposing a project for improvement in clinical nursing practice or by carrying out a project based on a hypothesis concerning clinical practice. At the end of this module, you will have experience of carrying out independent research and be able to relate theory to current practice. You will be able to further development your skills in critical analysis and reflection. Elective pathways (students undertake 2 x 15 credit modules or one 30 credit module) Advanced Practice Toolkit (15 credits) The aim of this module is to encourage students to investigate veterinary nursing in terms of the wider community to allow students to appreciate the role of the veterinary nurse in leadership. Students will be encouraged to evaluate and analyse the frameworks that define veterinary nursing and develop arguments to both challenge and support convention and tradition and, through the process of reflection, develop ideas and plans for the future.  Students will be encouraged to reflect on the role and identify their own strengths and weaknesses in relation to leadership skills and mechanisms for staff development. In addition, the role of training and mentorship within the practice will be explored. Pathology (15 credits) This module is designed to deepen your understanding of the development of diseases and their diagnosis. It will enable you to provide the most appropriate care for your patients and also assist you in supporting the client, to help them understand about the disease process in their pet. The module is designed to build on the skills you have already attained in the earlier parts of the course and to develop new skills where appropriate. BSc Anaesthesia (30 credits) This module consists of two units form the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing course concentrates on developing and integrating theoretical knowledge which can be used to provide advanced nursing support applicable to anaesthesia in all types of veterinary practice. You will cover different types of drugs used during anaesthesia, while using patient scenarios to build upon and develop your newly acquired knowledge. You will also cover different types of anaesthetic maintenance and monitoring equipment, while using patient scenarios to build upon and develop your newly acquired knowledge. Content will be explored by critically reviewing current practice, and problem-solving and thus equipping you with the competence to assess future developments and where they might fit into improving the nursing care of patients. BSc Emergency and Critical Care (30 credits) This module consists of two units form the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing course and will provide you with an advanced level of knowledge of emergency nursing. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques required to provide advanced nursing support to emergency and trauma patients, integrating theoretical and practical knowledge to develop a structured and analytical approach to these patients. You will gain an advanced level of knowledge to enable you to develop a more critical appreciation of, and approach to, emergency and critical care nursing.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
This module builds on the previous two Academic and Professional Development modules ensuring the graduate RVN has the academic and professional skills required for life-long learning.  The focus will be on critical appraisal and evaluation of evidence, independent learning and problem-solving skills.  Students will be expected to complete the RCVS day one skills and competencies, required placement hours and will be summatively assessed on a sample of these skills in a 16 station Objective Structured Clinical Examination. 
This module consolidates the theory and practical experience gain during the course ensuring that the students are prepared to encompass the responsibilities of a Registered Veterinary Nurse. The framework of clinical governance will be explored identifying how this may improve veterinary practice. Reflection on professional identity and the future of the profession. Working in a veterinary practice can be stressful and while this may initially increase productivity, the highly emotional nature of the job can lead to anxiety and compassion fatigue. Methods of coping with this aspect of the role will be explored and development of coping strategies encouraged. Registered Veterinary Nurses are often involved in practice management and so an introduction to running a business is incorporated. This module will be delivered alongside the placement activity in year 3 to enable students to apply their knowledge to practice situations.
Year 4
Teaching
Students learn knowledge and understanding through attendance at lectures, seminars, workshops and through a variety of directed and self-directed learning activities and through placement time.
Self-directed learning
Outside of your timetabled lectures and practical sessions, you are expected to undertake self-directed learning. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.
Teaching staff
World-renowned clinicians and registered veterinary nurses teach the FdSc in Veterinary Nursing, and you will benefit from studying in an environment of cutting-edge veterinary research.
Assessment and feedback
The estimated breakdown of assessment for your course is:
- Written (coursework, tests, essays) - 46.7%
- Examination (written) – 36.1%
- Examination (practical) – 7.6%
- Presentations – 8.8%
- Project supervisor assessment – 0.8%
Feedback is provided at various points throughout the course and will take many forms from discussion in class, small groups or tutorials. Written feedback will be provided for all summative assessments. Students are encouraged to engage with the resources available to ensure they are successful on the course.
You will need to fulfil our requirements in each of the following areas to be considered for interview:
Academic qualifications
The standard academic requirements for entry onto the BSc in Veterinary Nursing are outlined below.
BCC in three A Level subjects including: Two AS Levels at grade C would be accepted in place of one of the further A Level subjects. We also require a 'pass' in the science practical for each subject, where taking the English curriculum. For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click . We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations. The non-prescribed A Level subjects should not overlap with Biology. Northern Irish applicants: A Level ‘Life and Health Sciences (Double Award)’ We welcome applications with A Level ‘Life and Health Sciences’ (double award only) in place of A Level Biology. However, Unit A2 5 is mandatory; Unit A2 6 or A2 8 is also required. The grade requirement is BC and a C in a different A Level that does not overlap in content. See additional GCSE requirements below. Applicants who have achieved the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade C will be accepted with two A Levels, including: We support the opportunity to take additional subjects at AS Level, but do not prescribe or prefer any particular subject choices or combinations. See additional GCSE requirements. Two Advanced Highers at grades BC including: In addition to: Three Highers at grade C or above and at least five National 5* A-C grades including: with at least grade B in: * If you have bypassed one or more of these subjects at National 5, you will need this subject/grade at Higher level. H3 in Biology, plus H4 H4 H4 H5. If not achieved at H4 as part of the above, O3 required in: If not achieved as part of the above, O4 required in: It is expected that applicants undertaking the Access to HE Diploma will normally be returning to education after a period of at least three years absence. If have extenuating circumstances which mean you do not fulfil this please contact the Admissions team on admissions@rvc.ac.uk before you submit your application. Pass a Science-based Diploma with a minimum of: See the to search for possible courses in your area. Pass all modules within this qualification with: See the for further details. This course is based in London. BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science / Applied Science (Biomedical Science) DDM overall (no specific unit requirements). City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science*) DDM overall with Distinctions in: Candidates also need to achieve at least Merit in elective module: **Please ensure that you are enrolled on the correct pathway - you must be on the Science pathway and taking the mandatory Science pathway modules listed in this document: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080) DDM overall with Distinctions in: Candidates also need to achieve at least Merits in elective modules: Applied Science (2010 syllabus) QCF DDM overall required. We would expect applicants to be studying ample units covering the life sciences. Animal Management (2010 syllabus) QCF DDM overall required, including Distinctions in all the following units: Candidates also need to achieve Merits in the following units: If you are not predicted to achieve Distinctions/Merits in the required modules, you may want to see the entry requirements for our . M2, M3, P1 in three Principal Subjects including: Applications are welcome from those who meet our science requirements and are taking a combination of A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U. Offers will be made on an individual basis, depending on the combinations. As further T Level subjects are introduced the specifications will be reviewed and, if they are suitable for entry to the 91°µÍø, they will be added to the lists of acceptable qualifications. Pass the IB Diploma with 544 in the Higher Level subjects, including: Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score. See additional GCSE requirements above. Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to the IB, they will need: Mathematical Studies cannot be accepted in lieu of Mathematics. At least five GCSEs required at Grade 4 (C) or above including: and at least Grade 6 (B) in: For further information on our policy on reformed UK qualifications, please click . Welsh applicants Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of an C in GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. We welcome applications from international students. Where not listed below, for advice on the acceptability of your qualifications please send details to admissions@rvc.ac.uk, referring to each of the required subjects (Biology, Maths and English). Where an English grade is not specified, applicants will need to meet one of our . Pass the Baccalaureate with 65% overall, with 8 in elective Biology and 7 in Maths and L1 English. Pass the Baccalauréat général with 12 overall. 13 required in Earth & Life Sciences, which needs to be taken as an enseignement de spécialité and taken through to terminale. Mathematics needs to be sat in the penultimate year, and grade 12 achieved. [OIB Anglais: if 14 is achieved in English, no further English language qualification is required.] Pass the Titulo de Bachiller with an overall grade of 7 and individual grades of 8 in Biology and 6 in Mathematics. Obtain the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades 444 in Biology and two other elective subjects, plus grade 4 in Maths and grade 5 in English core subjects. We will consider Maths as an elective subject alongside Biology provided both the compulsory and the extended modules are taken with grades 5 (compulsory part) and 4 (extended part). Obtain grades BCC at H2 level in three Singapore A Level subjects including Biology at grade B. In addition, O Level grade B is required in English (first language) and a science. Grade C is required in Maths. In place of O Level English, we can accept grade B in Secondary 4 IP Language Arts/English Language.
A Levels
Welsh, Scottish and Irish Applicants
Welsh Baccalaureate
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
Irish Leaving Certificate
Diplomas and Further Certificates (Including Access and L3 Extended Diploma)
All qualifications below are considered on top of existing Level 2 requirements (e.g. GCSEs, National 5s, O Levels, etc). If you are not sure you have equivalent qualifications, please contact us at admissions@rvc.ac.uk
Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales)
Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine
Level 3 Extended Diploma
Applied Generals
Tech Levels
Level 3 Extended Diploma (unreformed syllabus)
Cambridge Pre-U
T-Levels
We have considered the programme specifications and assessment materials for the T-level subjects currently available and these do not provide suitable preparation the degrees that we offer at the 91°µÍø. We are therefore currently unable to accept T-levels as entry qualifications to any of our courses.
International Baccalaureate
GCSEs (only in addition to other qualifications)
International and EU Applicants
Europe
European Baccalaureate
France
Spain
Asia
Hong Kong
Singapore
If you do not meet the required grades/points in these qualifications, why not check the requirements for our FdSc in Veterinary Nursing?
Work experience
To apply for the BSc in Veterinary Nursing you will need to have prior work experience in order to have obtained an insight into the work of veterinary nurses. You will need to have completed the minimum requirements to enter onto the course:
· A total of 70 hours (e.g. 10 full days) of work experience (paid or voluntary) in one or more small animal or mixed veterinary practices.
In addition, we would strongly recommend applicants gain practical experience of handling animals through hands-on animal-related work experience and gaining some experience in this field prior to interview would be advantageous. We are aware that opportunities may differ between candidates and therefore we have no specific hour requirements in this area and there are no specific environments that we require you to gain experience in. If you are looking for experience in this areas, examples of environments you could visit include kennels and catteries (both charities and commercial options), farms, stables, lambing, pet shops, wildlife parks, zoos etc.
All applicants will be sent a Work Experience Form to complete in order for us to gain more information about their work experience placements and applications will not be assessed until this form is returned. Applicants successful in getting to interview will be required to provide references (see example) to support the information given on this form.
NB: We strongly advise obtaining references as you go as they can be difficult to obtain later on. Failure to produce a satisfactory reference will result in the placement becoming void for the purpose of meeting the entry requirements.
Preference is given to those who have completed all required work experience by the application deadline. Applications are still encouraged from those whose work experience is ongoing, but to be considered for interview, you must have completed at least 35 hours in a small animal or mixed veterinary practice.
The 91°µÍø uses email as the primary method for contacting applicants about their application. Emails may be sent from either admissions@rvc.ac.uk or myapplication@rvc.ac.uk and applicants are strongly encouraged to take the necessary steps to ensure emails from these addresses do not end up in spam or junk inboxes, as the 91°µÍø cannot accept responsibility for any applications that are unsuccessful as a result of missed information or deadlines.
Interviews
All applicants to this course must attend an interview if invited and cannot receive an offer without attending an interview. Our interviews are held in person during February and March. If invited, it is often not possible to rearrange an interview for a different date, so applicants must ensure they are available for interview before applying and inform us by email of any specific days within this time period when they are unavailable.
All applicants invited to interview will need to provide their passport (in some cases another valid form of ID will be acceptable), original A-level and GCSE certificates (if already completed) or equivalent qualifications and reference letters (see example) to cover the minimum work experience requirements as stated above.
Please note that if you apply to more than one of our Veterinary Nursing courses and your application progresses to the interview stage, you will be invited to attend one interview only which will be used in our assessment of each of your applications.
Mitigating circumstances
If you wish to make us aware of any mitigating circumstances related to your application please see our guidance on mitigating circumstances here:
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component
All applicants must have an acceptable English Language qualification, many of which are listed under 'Academic qualifications' above. Please see our for a list of qualifications we accept as alternatives.
FAQs
How are applications assessed?
We have put together a document with advice on our process for selecting Veterinary Nursing students, from initial screening of applications through to making offers post-interview. This can be downloaded here.
Does it count against me if I do re-sits?
The 91°µÍø admissions policy is to accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE, A Level or equivalent without penalty. We would expect applicants to achieve the required grades on the second sitting.
If you are regularly finding it hard to pass exams, or indeed if you struggle to motivate yourself to do school/college work, then you should consider whether studying veterinary nursing at university degree level is the right training route for you. See the website for details of the work-based training route.
Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously?
We accept repeat applications for this course and new applications will be treated separately from any previous one.
What will I be able to do with my degree?
Our BSc in Veterinary Nursing has a very high employment rate post qualification.
You will be entitled to practise as a veterinary nurse as soon as you have passed the requirements of the first three years of your BSc and have been awarded the FdSc Veterinary Nursing. It is the FdSc Veterinary Nursing that is accredited by the and permits registration with the RCVS as a veterinary nurse.
Our graduates go on to enjoy a wide range of careers in the veterinary field, including positions in:
- Small animal practices
- Mixed practices
- Equine practices
- Wild animal environments
- Wildlife conservation
- Research
- Education
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2025/26 are as follows:
|
Home Tuition Fees including Island Fees (Channel Islands & Isle of Man) | International Fees |
|---|---|
| £9,535 |
£18,870 |
The UK Government has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss national students who have started an eligible course in the 2020/21 academic year or earlier academic years remain eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees and claim any financial support for which they are currently eligible for the duration of that course.
Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.
- Students from countries outside the UK who wish to undertake full-time study at the 91°µÍø are required to pay the international fee for their programme of study (please see section).
- Information on Fees & Funding can be found here
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
- of the
- Access to books and journals essential to your course (print and digital)
- Open access and bookable IT equipment such as PCs and laptops
- Largely paperless curriculum plus £10 p.a. printing allowance
- Annual membership of College gym (both campuses)
-
RCVS student enrolment fees
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
- Specialist clothing (student veterinary nurses' uniform) and equipment c £150. This can be purchased through the Student Union shop once you have enrolled.
- RCVS Registration £100
- Travel to placements
- Placement accommodation (if required)
Accommodation and living costs are not included in the fees. Our Housing Advice pages provide further information on College and private housing.
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