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Veterinary Nursing Science (final year top-up) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): 53D1
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year (full-time), two years (part-time) – both delivered via blended learning
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This course is designed to provide FdSc Veterinary Nursing graduates and experienced veterinary nurses the opportunity to develop their academic qualification to the level of an honours degree. You’ll be introduced to the concepts of critical thinking and reflection on the knowledge and experience you have gained in prior learning. You’ll study the effects of global disease on animal health and welfare, rehabilitation strategies, and anaesthetic techniques.
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You will have access to our purpose-built Veterinary Nursing Centre and Animal Unit on our stunning Brackenhurst Campus. -
The course is delivered via blended learning, with specific attendance days. -
Widen your career options in the veterinary sector with a further qualification and greater experience and understanding of the area. -
You'll be taught by our Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons.
What you’ll study
Having developed your skills as a veterinary nurse on an FdSc Veterinary Nursing course, this top-up degree will increase the depth of your knowledge in both first and second opinion practices.
It will also increase awareness of issues relating to global veterinary medicine and the importance of evidence-based evaluation. You will acquire greater knowledge and experience in the:
- analysis of animal disease in the UK and abroad
- critical care and rehabilitation in second opinion practices
- critical evaluation of the management of medical and surgical cases.
You will also gain the knowledge and skills needed to undertake a clinical supervisor role.
Applied Emergency and Critical Care
You’ll study the different components of emergency advanced nursing and effective approaches to triage of the emergency patient. You’ll evaluate treatment regimens and care planning, as well as investigate the emergency techniques involved with supporting patients and the concept of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and advanced life support.
Advanced Anaesthesia Technique
Improve your anaesthetic monitoring, pain management, critical care nursing skills and gain the confidence to tackle challenging anaesthetic patients. You will develop your problem solving skills using case based learning and have the opportunity to practice practical skills in the simulated veterinary practice.
Global Animal Disease
Raise your awareness of global veterinary medicine and the different practice environments, and develop your critical thinking and analytical approach to animal disease.
Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing
Focus on problem-solving skills and the use of research to approach complex cases. You’ll develop evidence-based and holistic care techniques. You will also gain the knowledge and skills needed to undertake a clinical supervisor role.
Evidence-Based Veterinary Nursing Project (equivalent to a dissertation)
You will undertake a significant research project examining the relationship between theoretical and practical clinical management using evidence-based veterinary medicine. There is the option to combine this module with working aboard, giving you an insight into diseases and working practices in an international context. In addition, if you are acting in a clinical supervising role, you will be able to use this reflective report as evidence to apply for AFHEA recognition.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Our current students and recent graduates tell you all about their time at NTU and what they've gone on to do next.
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How you’re taught
The course is delivered via blended learning, with specific attendance days.
The course uses a variety of assessment techniques to ensure that you can demonstrate the range of learning outcomes. Subject knowledge and understanding are mainly tested through assignments, reports, projects, presentations and case studies.
As this course is delivered through blended learning, it is essential that you have reliable internet access.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Contact hours
Lectures/ seminars/ workshops (22%), independent study (78%)
How you’re assessed
Coursework (83%), practical (17%)
Careers and employability
This degree has been developed in consultation with our industry partners to develop skilled graduates for positions in referral practices and veterinary hospitals, as well as roles such as supervision of hospital wards and training of other nursing or support staff.
The course also opens up opportunities outside of veterinary practices, such as in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoos, pharmaceutical companies, breeding and boarding establishments, pet food companies and rehabilitation centres.
Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a career overseas, where there is a growing demand for UK-qualified veterinary professionals in developing countries.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where do you study?
The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences is located on Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus – an idyllic, 200-hectare estate in a rural setting, approximately 14 miles from Nottingham. It is close to the picturesque market town of Southwell and has good public transport and road links with Nottingham.
Brackenhurst boasts a fantastic, purpose-built residence, which is at the heart of the campus. It gives you easy access to all the facilities on site. Other facilities include the Bramley building – a modern teaching centre equipped with laboratories and lecture spaces.
You will have access to the on-site Careers Service, computing resources, cafe and bar, shop and sports pitches. You are also just a short journey away from all the events, entertainment, clubs and societies that Nottingham city centre has to offer.
NTU's Veterinary Nursing Centre
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)-accredited Veterinary Nursing Centre is a purpose-built simulated veterinary practice, giving students a real-life feel to their studies.
Students are supported and taught by our excellent RCVS registered Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons at all times during their course.
Eco-library
We have a 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million campus library. The library building uses energy-efficient and low-carbon initiatives such as photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, intelligent lighting control, heat-reclaim ventilation during winter, renewable cladding materials, locally sourced materials and water-leak detection systems.
Our biodiversity analysis of the library site highlighted the need to check for protected species such as bats and great crested newts. We've created new ponds, fence-ringed areas and bespoke habitats as part of our mitigation strategy.
Our library is also accessible online with a growing number of e-books.
Green Flag status
Brackenhurst campus has been awarded Green Flag status, a national award recognising green spaces throughout the country. We received the award along with other notable green spaces such as Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park and St James' Park.
Entry requirements
- You need to be a registered veterinary nurse (registered with the RCVS prior to enrolment); and
- have completed the FdSc Veterinary Nursing degree; or
- have completed a 240-credit foundation degree; or
- have completed a Level Five or equivalent qualification.
You will also be required to attend an interview.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
- You need to be a registered veterinary nurse (registered with the RCVS prior to enrolment); and
- have completed the FdSc Veterinary Nursing degree; or
- have completed a 240-credit foundation degree; or
- have completed a Level Five or equivalent qualification.
You will also be required to attend an interview.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 visa.
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which some students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available both in paper format at the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library, and also in online access format.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will be required to have access to an appropriate PC/ laptop/ Mac (to be purchased by the student) and a reliable internet connection to access the learning resources.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions. You can apply for this course throughout the year.
For the full-time route you will need to apply via UCAS.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.