Program Overview

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Course Overview

The BSc Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour course at the University of Bristol offers students the opportunity to combine practical nursing skills with in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour. By combining hands-on clinical practice with focused studies in comparative anatomy and physiology, animal psychology, and behaviour management, students will develop the expertise needed to excel as a Veterinary Nurse and support evidence-based nursing practice.

Dual Campus Experience

The first two years of the course are based predominantly within the vibrant cultural hub of Bristol city centre, where the pre-clinical facilities are situated at the UK's only School of Anatomy. Students will also spend time at the nearby Bristol Veterinary School, located at the rural Langford campus, where they will be hands-on with animals and develop their practical veterinary nursing skills in a clinical setting.

Accreditations

The Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour BSc is accredited by CCAB, RCVS, and ABTC.

Programme Duration

• 4 year(s) full-time
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application Method

• UCAS (Code: D313)
• Full time: UCAS

Location

• Clifton campus
• Langford campus
• Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30,400 per year, international students
• For veterinary nursing trainees, there is a registration fee paid to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons when you enrol, which is £219 for 2024/25.
• Transport and accommodation costs may be incurred as a result of placements.

Course Structure

Year One

• Students will learn the fundamentals of comparative anatomy and physiology, the underlying principles and practice of veterinary nursing, along with an introduction to professional practice.

Year Two

• Students will continue to study anatomy, whilst a clinical veterinary nursing unit introduces anaesthesia and fluid therapy, surgical nursing and theatre practice, medical nursing, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
• Students will study the principles of animal ethology, and behavioural development and be introduced to key concepts in clinical behaviour practice.

Placement

• To meet the clinical placement requirements of the RCVS, students will spend time in clinical practice during the vacation in years one and two, usually close to their home.

Year Three

• Students will complete four units, which will include study weeks and assessments, whilst a large proportion of their time will be spent completing the remaining RCVS clinical placement requirement.
• The clinical placement will include time spent in veterinary practice (currently within a 50-mile radius of Langford) and rotations in different clinical areas in the on-site referral hospital.

Year Four

• Units in applied clinical veterinary nursing, clinical skills in companion animal behaviour, and a research project on a topic of their choice, supported and supervised by academic staff.

Entry Requirements

• A-level standard offer: BBC, including B in Biology
• BTEC: DMM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Biology units
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 29 points overall, with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 in Higher Level Biology
• European Baccalaureate: 73% overall, with 8.0 in Biology
• Scottish Qualifications Authority: Advanced Higher: BB, including Biology, and Standard Higher: BBBBC
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles)
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade
• Cambridge Pre-U: Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C
• International qualifications: The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study

Selection Process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures
• If applying with extenuating circumstances, please see our policy
• Full information about our selection processes for Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour can be found in the Admissions Statement

Applicants Must Also Meet These Requirements

• GCSE profile requirements: Standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent) and Standard literacy requirement (4 or C in GCSE English or equivalent)
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • An alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level C

Related Courses

• See a list of all Veterinary Nursing degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment, and career prospects.