Program Overview

Veterinary Nursing

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 96
• Course duration: 3 years
• Available for September start 2025

Course Overview

The Veterinary Nursing foundation degree at Aberystwyth University enables you to study animal health and management topics relating to small animals (dogs, cats, small mammals) and horses, with some reference to large animals. The course combines theoretical and practical learning, with a work placement in a veterinary practice as an integral part of the course.

Modules

Year 1

• Anatomy and Physiology (VN10020, 20 credits)
• Animal Health and Management (VN10720, 20 credits)
• Preparing for Placement (VN10820, 20 credits)
• Principles of Diagnostic Techniques (VN10920, 20 credits)
• Principles of Veterinary Nursing (VN11020, 20 credits)
• Professional Practice (VN11120, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Medical Nursing and Critical Care (VN20620, 20 credits)
• Principles of Pharmacology and Anaesthesia (VN21020, 20 credits)
• Surgical nursing (VN21120, 20 credits)

Year 3

• Applied Veterinary Nursing (VN20020, 20 credits)
• OneHealth for Veterinary Nurses (VN20920, 20 credits)

Options

• Nursing of Exotics (VN20720, 20 credits)
• Nursing of Large Animals (VN20820, 20 credits)

Careers

By successfully completing the foundation degree, you will be eligible to apply to register with the RCVS as a registered veterinary nurse (pending full accreditation). As a registered veterinary nurse, you will be eligible to work in general practice, referral hospitals, charities providing veterinary services, laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, and within animal collections such as zoological parks. RCVS Accreditation is recognised in many countries through ACOVENE.

Teaching & Learning

• What will I learn? You will study animal health, anatomy and physiology, diagnosis, pharmacology and anaesthesia, and gain an understanding of veterinary nursing. You will be able to specialise in the nursing of exotic or large animals.
• How will I learn? Your theoretical learning is balanced by practical sessions working with animals and lab-based research. The integral work placement will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your clinical skills in a veterinary practice setting.
• Assessment: All modules in year 1 and 2 include an examination assessment as an RCVS requirement. Each module has an element of coursework, usually 50% weighting.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 96
• A Levels: CCC including a life science e.g. Biology, or Level 3 extended diploma in a science at Merit, or Access to HE (Science) at Merit, or Aberystwyth University Foundation year at Merit AND a minimum of 2 weeks work experience in a veterinary practice, with a reference from the practice as evidence. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): 5 GCSE’s including English/Welsh, Maths and Science at C/4 or higher
• BTEC National Diploma: MMM in a specified subject
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate:
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.
• Country Specific Entry Requirements: International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

Useful Links

• Accommodation
• Advice for International Students
• English Language Requirements
• Fees & Finance
• Global Opportunities
• Online Resources Hub

Student Satisfaction

• 80% of students were satisfied overall with their course.
• 59% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.