Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc Veterinary Nursing Program

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. This program is offered by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Key Information

• Qualification: BSc (Hons)
• UCAS Code: D313
• Institution Code: RVET R84
• Study Mode: Four years full-time
• UK Tuition Fees: £9,790 (2026 fees)
• EU and International Tuition Fees: £19,810
• Course Location: Hawkshead
• Application Deadline: 14 Jan 2026

Course Outline

The BSc Veterinary Nursing course consists of modules totaling 360 credits. Students will also complete at least 1,800 hours of practical training at a range of excellent veterinary practices.

Year 1

• Academic and Professional Development 1 (30 credits): Study skills for university, communication skills, veterinary legislation and professionalism, veterinary ethics.
• Applied Animal Health and Welfare 1 (30 credits): Introduction to animal behaviour, animal welfare, animal accommodation, handling and restraint, introduction to nursing techniques, patient assessment, nutrition, breeds and breeding, pharmacy, key principles of anatomy and physiology.
• Applied Animal Health and Welfare 2 (30 credits): Health and safety, infection control, preparing and assisting with veterinary procedures, aims and principles of first aid, assessment and triage of the emergency patient, nursing care of emergency patients.

Year 2

• Academic and Professional Development 2 (15 credits): Further development of academic skills like writing, reflection, teamwork, and presentations.
• Understanding Disease and Diagnostic Techniques (45 credits): Applies first-year anatomy and physiology knowledge to disease processes and treatments.
• Theatre Practice & Veterinary Anaesthesia (30 credits): RVN roles in anaesthesia, from pre-assessment to post-surgery recovery.
• Emergency & Critical Care (15 credits): Triage, fluid therapy, transfusion medicine, and intensive care for critical patients.

Year 3

• Academic and Professional Development 3 (30 credits): Ensures the graduate RVN has the academic and professional skills required for life-long learning.
• The Professional Veterinary Nurse (15 credits): Consolidates theory and practical experience, preparing students for the responsibilities of a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

Year 4

• Research Methods (30 credits): Enhances awareness of a range of research methods, including statistical analysis.
• Final Year Project (60 credits): Investigates an area of clinical interest, presenting information and findings in the form of a project.
• Elective Pathways: Students undertake 2 x 15 credit modules or one 30 credit module, including options like Advanced Practice Toolkit, Pathology, BSc Anaesthesia, and BSc Emergency and Critical Care.

Teaching and Learning

Students learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and self-directed learning activities, including placement time. Teaching staff include world-renowned clinicians and registered veterinary nurses.

Assessment and Feedback

The estimated breakdown of assessment for the 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, including discussion in class, small groups, or tutorials, and written feedback for all summative assessments.

Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• A Levels: BCC in three A Level subjects, including Biology at grade B.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade C, plus two A Levels including Biology at grade B.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Two Advanced Highers at grades BC, including Biology at grade B, plus three Highers at grade C or above.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 in Biology, plus H4 H4 H4 H5.
• International Baccalaureate: Pass the IB Diploma with 544 in the Higher Level subjects, including HL Biology at grade 5.

Diplomas and Further Certificates

• Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales): Pass a Science-based Diploma with a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Merit or higher.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science/Applied Science (Biomedical Science): DDM overall.
• City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science): DDM overall with Distinctions in specific modules.

GCSEs

• At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, including Mathematics and English Language at Grade 6 (B).

International and EU Applicants

• European Baccalaureate: Pass with 65% overall, including 8 in elective Biology and 7 in Maths and L1 English.
• France: Pass the Baccalauréat général with 12 overall, including 13 in Earth & Life Sciences and 12 in Mathematics.
• Spain: Pass the Titulo de Bachiller with an overall grade of 7, including individual grades of 8 in Biology and 6 in Mathematics.

Work Experience

• A total of 70 hours of work experience in one or more small animal or mixed veterinary practices.
• Practical experience of handling animals through hands-on animal-related work experience is recommended.

Interviews

• All applicants must attend an interview if invited.
• Interviews are held in person during February and March.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component.

Tuition Fees

• Home Tuition Fees: £9,790 (2026/27 academic year)
• International Fees: £19,810
• Course-related costs included in the fees: Student membership of the British Veterinary Nursing Association, access to books and journals, open access and bookable IT equipment, annual membership of College gym.
• Course-related costs not included in the fees: Specialist clothing and equipment, RCVS registration, travel to placements, placement accommodation.