| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing program at Ulster University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for a fulfilling career in veterinary nursing. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing ethical and professional conduct, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the veterinary field, including registered veterinary nurse, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for a fulfilling career in veterinary nursing.
- Develop proficiency in a wide range of nursing skills.
- Emphasize ethical and professional conduct in veterinary nursing practice.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Instill a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
- Produce competent and compassionate veterinary nurses who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to animal health and welfare.
Description:
The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree at Ulster University is a comprehensive educational program designed to prepare students for a successful career in veterinary nursing. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to provide high-quality care for animals. This program covers a wide range of topics related to animal health and welfare, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal nutrition
- Animal behavior
- Disease prevention and control
- Pharmacology
- Surgical nursing
- Emergency and critical care
- Ethics and professional conduct The program also includes a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students completing a significant amount of time in clinical placements working alongside experienced veterinary professionals. This allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience and develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.
Provisional Accreditation:
This program is currently provisionally accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Once the first cohort of students completes the program, the RCVS will consider granting full accreditation.
Outline:
Structure:
The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing program is a four-year full-time program. It is divided into modules, each of which covers a specific topic related to veterinary nursing.
Course Schedule:
The precise course schedule for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to change.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module but can include:
- Examinations
- Coursework
- Practical assessments
- Clinical evaluations
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are designed to assess students' achievement of the learning outcomes for each module.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical classes
- Clinical placements
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified academic staff, including:
- Professors
- Readers
- Senior Lecturers
- Lecturers Many of the staff hold PhDs in their field and have professional body recognition.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with students gaining significant practical experience through clinical placements. The program also incorporates interactive learning methods, such as simulations and case studies, to help students develop their clinical reasoning skills.
Careers:
Career Options:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in veterinary nursing, including:
- Registered veterinary nurse
- Animal feedstuff and healthcare industries
- Academia
- Pharmaceutical industry
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the veterinary field. Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Veterinary practices
- Animal hospitals
- Research institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Government agencies
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have a high rate of employment in the veterinary field. They are also well-prepared for further study, such as postgraduate programs in veterinary nursing or related fields.
Other:
- The program requires students to complete an interactive component, which includes an interview with staff and questions based on the professional attributes of a veterinary nurse.
- Students must also complete 37 hours of relevant work experience with small animals in a veterinary practice or other relevant facility.
- Additional mandatory costs include health screening and/or vaccinations, personal protection equipment, and registration with the RCVS as a student nurse.
- Students are responsible for covering the costs of accommodation, travel, and normal living in addition to tuition fees.
