Program Overview

Introduction to the FdSc Veterinary Nursing Program

The FdSc Veterinary Nursing program is designed for individuals passionate about animal care and seeking a hands-on, rewarding career in veterinary nursing. This foundation degree offers a perfect mix of science and practical skills, helping students build confidence and experience in caring for small animals in a veterinary setting.

Program Details

• UCAS Code: D312
• Level of Study: Foundation degree, Undergraduate
• Typical Offer: 64 UCAS tariff points
• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: Three years full-time, including a learning in the workplace year
• Attendance: Full-time
• Course Delivery: On-campus (Brackenhurst)
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

About the Course

This course is accredited by the RCVS, allowing graduates to apply to enter the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and start working immediately. Students will engage in hands-on practical sessions and skills workshops, receiving one-on-one support from tutors dedicated to their success. The program covers a range of topics, including animal husbandry, introduction to animal disease, applied functional anatomy, and essential veterinary nursing skills.

Module Information

The course is structured into modules, including:

• Animal Husbandry: Learn essential husbandry and management skills required to care for a range of animals competently within a veterinary practice.
• Introduction to Animal Disease: Gain an understanding of the causes of disease, the function of the animal immune system, and influences of management on animal health.
• Applied Functional Anatomy: Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species and how this applies to clinical practice.
• Essential Veterinary Nursing Skills: Develop knowledge of practical aspects of healthcare, including physical examination techniques, and basic nursing and laboratory skills.
• Practice Administration and Communication Skills: Learn essential skills for working in a veterinary practice, including legal and professional regulations, teamwork, and communication skills.

Yearly Structure

• Year One: Includes modules such as Animal Husbandry, Introduction to Animal Disease, Applied Functional Anatomy, Essential Veterinary Nursing Skills, and Practice Administration and Communication Skills.
• Year Two: Builds on the first year with more advanced modules, including Applied Medical Nursing, Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Diagnostic Aids, Pharmacology and Complementary Therapies, and Surgical Nursing and Theatre Practice.
• Final Year: Focuses on clinical practice with a significant placement in an approved veterinary training practice, alongside contact days at the university to enhance learning and prepare for final practical examinations.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• Standard Offer: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject grade C or equivalent.
• GCSEs: English Language, Science, and Maths grade C / 4.
• Additional Requirements: Interview, work experience.

International Students

• Academic Entry Requirements: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject grade C or equivalent.
• GCSEs: English Language, Science, and Maths grade C / 4.
• Additional Requirements: Interview, work experience.
• English Language Requirements: View our English language requirements for all courses.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• Tuition Fee: ｣9,790 per year.
• Clinical Practice Fee: ｣1,905 for the year of clinical practice.

International Students

• Tuition Fee: ｣17,950 per year.
• Clinical Practice Fee: ｣1,905 for the year of clinical practice.

Careers and Employability

Graduates from the FdSc Veterinary Nursing course are eligible to register with the RCVS as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). The program provides practical, real-world experience, with a minimum of 1,800 hours in clinical practice. Support is offered to secure clinical placements through NTU's network of affiliated veterinary practices.

Campus and Facilities

The program is mainly based at the Brackenhurst Campus, which includes the Veterinary Nursing Centre with facilities such as an operating theatre, laboratory, and specialist equipment. The campus also features an Animal Unit housing a wide range of domestic and exotic species for hands-on learning.

Applying

Applications for UK students are made through UCAS. International students can apply through UCAS or directly to NTU, noting that this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 / Student Route visa.