Program Overview

PgD / MSc / MRes Advanced Veterinary Nursing

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) allows students to develop research-based enquiry skills such that analysis and resolution of complex problems arising in practice can be addressed to an advanced level.

On successful completion of the PgD, you will possess the skills needed to exercise independent learning at a high level as a practising Veterinary Nurse. You will expand your skill base to include two or more areas of special interest within your own practice, and develop your research and information management skills.

The Master of Science (MSc) provides an opportunity for students to undertake research in a subject area of particular interest to them, or their practice, in order to increase the body of knowledge in that area and refine the understanding of that topic area with which other members of the veterinary profession can engage.

On successful completion of the MSc, you will increase the body of research in a professionally relevant subject area, synthesise new veterinary nursing strategies and validate established practices to further improve animal health and patient care.

The Master of Research (MRes) will allow veterinary nurses to develop more of a researched-focused pathway, which will also be a benefit to the wider profession. Harper Adams is the only university to provide an MRes in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

You will plan, conduct, and write up a programme of original research in a professionally relevant subject area, synthesise new veterinary nursing strategies and validate established practices to further improve animal health and patient care. Students defend their research by viva voce and disseminate to a wider audience.

Duration

• PgD: 2 years (part time)
• MSc/MRes: 3 years (part time)

Start date

• 11th September 2025
• Applications close: 31st July 2025

Location

• Online/blended learning and Harper Adams University campus

Entry requirements for 2025

• You must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
• You must have completed one of the Postgraduate Certificates (PgC) in an Advanced Veterinary Nursing specialism to progress onto the Postgraduate Diploma (PgD).

What will I study?

PgD (120 credits from)

• Critical Evaluation of Evidence
• Research Design and Analysis
• Optional modules:
  • Postgraduate Physiology and Pharmacology for Anaesthesia
  • Postgraduate Anaesthetic Nursing
  • Postgraduate Physiology and Pharmacology for Pain
  • Postgraduate Applied Pain Management
  • Postgraduate Musculoskeletal Surgery and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Soft Tissue Surgery and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Oncology Pathology and Diagnostic Support
  • Postgraduate Oncology Treatment and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Comparative Applied Physiology and Nursing
  • Postgraduate Ethics, Welfare and Conservation
  • Postgraduate Aquatic Therapy
  • Postgraduate Small Animal Evidence-based Physiotherapy
  • Postgraduate Applied Behaviour for Veterinary Practice
  • Postgraduate Interventions for Behaviour Problems

MSc (180 credits from)

• Critical Evaluation of Evidence
• Research Design and Analysis
• Masters Research Project
• Optional modules:
  • Postgraduate Physiology and Pharmacology for Anaesthesia
  • Postgraduate Anaesthetic Nursing
  • Postgraduate Physiology and Pharmacology for Pain
  • Postgraduate Applied Pain Management
  • Postgraduate Musculoskeletal Surgery and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Soft Tissue Surgery and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Oncology Pathology and Diagnostic Support
  • Postgraduate Oncology Treatment and Nursing Support
  • Postgraduate Comparative Applied Physiology and Nursing
  • Postgraduate Ethics, Welfare and Conservation
  • Postgraduate Aquatic Therapy
  • Postgraduate Small Animal Evidence-based Physiotherapy
  • Postgraduate Applied Behaviour for Veterinary Practice
  • Postgraduate Interventions for Behaviour Problems

Teaching and learning

Delivery will be by a combination of distance learning and optional study days where guest speakers, seminars and practical classes support the modules. A range of distance learning methods will be used, including study notes, email and Harper Adams’ interactive virtual learning environment ‘The Learning Hub’. Access to a computer and broadband internet is essential.

Modules will be assessed by a range of methods, including assignments end of module examination, and practical exams. Support in assessment skills is available for those who have not sat an examination recently.