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Veterinary Nursing FdSc

UCAS code: D312

Start year

Information for 2025

About this course

If you’re passionate about the support and care of animals and want a hands-on, rewarding career, this foundation degree is your launchpad into the world of veterinary nursing.

This course offers the perfect mix of science and practical skills, helping you build the confidence and experience to care for small animals in a veterinary setting. It’s accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which means once you graduate, you can apply to enter the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and start working straight away.

You’ll do everything a registered veterinary nurse does – caring for in-patients, helping in surgeries, running lab tests, taking X-rays, assisting with consultations, and managing medications. Every day is different, and every skill you learn will help you build a rewarding veterinary career.

  • Register with the RCVS

    as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) once you graduate.

  • Course accredited

    by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

  • 92%

    of FdSc Veterinary Nursing students are positive about the teaching on their course – National Student Survey 2024

  • High standards of teaching

    as the course is delivered by RCVS-registered veterinary nurses and surgeons.

What you’ll study

As part of the course, you’ll take part in hands-on practical sessions and skills workshops to build your confidence and experience. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive one-on-one support from tutors who are dedicated to helping you succeed. This is more than just a course – it’s your first step into a career doing something that will improve the quality of care for animals and provide informed help and support to their owners.

The highlights of our FdSc Veterinary Nursing degree include:

  • studying at our Brackenhurst Campus, a working farm and a wildlife haven, fully equipped with outstanding facilities
  • learning from our tutors, many of whom are active veterinary practitioners
  • gaining practical experience in areas like animal handling, nursing skills, administering medication, radiography, bandaging, and more
  • our Animal Unit, which houses a wide range of domestic and exotic species for hands-on learning
  • getting a balanced mix of theory and practice that will prepare you for both academic success and real-world clinical work
  • taking part in rewarding projects like Vets in the Community project, working alongside veterinary students, providing free care to the animals of Nottingham’s homeless and vulnerably housed community.

Animal Husbandry (20 credits)

Learn essential husbandry and management skills required to care for a range of animals competently within a veterinary practice and how to provide client support.

Introduction to Animal Disease (20 credits)

Gain an understanding of the causes of disease, the function of the animal immune system and influences of management on animal health.

Applied Functional Anatomy (20 credits)

Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species, and of how this applies to clinical practice.

Essential Veterinary Nursing Skills (20 credits)

You’ll begin to develop your knowledge of practical aspects of healthcare, including physical examination techniques, and basic nursing and laboratory skills.

Practice Administration and Communication Skills (20 credits)

You’ll learn essential skills for working in a veterinary practice. These include legal and professional regulations, teamwork, the roles and responsibilities of practice staff, time management, and organisational and communication skills.

Clinical Behaviour (20 credits)

Learn about the main behavioural problems in pets. This module encompasses behaviours that cause distress to owners and / or their pets, and in addition, those that affect the clinical management of these patients. You’ll examine their causes, diagnosis, treatment and preventative measures.

Placement (approximately 12-week clinical placement, June - September)

Undertake a clinical placement in an approved veterinary training practice.

Applied Medical Nursing (40 credits)

You’ll develop knowledge of nursing care frameworks, medical diseases and disorders, and veterinary nursing interventions. You’ll also explore patient assessment and triage in nursing emergency and critical care patients.

Anaesthesia and Pain Management (20 credits)

You’ll develop your knowledge of anaesthetic preparation, induction, maintenance and recovery. You’ll also explore different strategies for pain management in small animal patients.

Diagnostic Aids (20 credits)

Learn how to prepare patients for, and conduct, diagnostic procedures, and how to recognise abnormal test results.

Pharmacology and Complementary Therapies (20 credits)

Learn about the key principles of pharmacology and the evaluation of legislation, storage, supply and administration of veterinary medicines. You’ll also look at various complementary therapies and their significance within the veterinary field.

Surgical Nursing and Theatre Practice (20 credits)

Learn how to prepare for surgical procedures and assist within the surgical environment. You’ll develop the skills required to assist the veterinary surgeon as a scrubbed nurse during surgical procedures on patients.

FdSc Veterinary Nursing Placement (approximately 37-week clinical placement)

Undertake a clinical placement in an approved veterinary training practice. You’ll also attend several contact days at the University to enhance your learning, and to prepare you for your final practical examinations.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Josh Buck

Veterinary Nursing

The course has a lot to offer. It is full of excellent and relevant content that is explained in ways that are easy to understand.

Imogen Reed

Veterinary Nursing

The location of the campus was a key factor, but the staff are also a big reason as to why I chose NTU. They are extremely helpful and welcoming.

Beth Stephenson

Veterinary Nursing

I was hesitant to move so far away from home, however, the idealistic campus, friendly students, and approachable staff members made this transition very positive.

Stella Youngs

Veterinary Nursing

I would have never been able to have the great experience I have had at NTU if I did not take the chance with Clearing.

Abi Thompson

Veterinary Nursing

The facilities for this course are amazing! There is a Veterinary Nursing Centre that all the practical sessions are in with a fully functioning operating theatre, x-ray room, and lots more.

Isabelle Bailey

Veterinary Nursing

If I could come back to Brackenhurst and start my course over again I would.

Katia Da Silva Moura

Veterinary Nursing

NTU offers access to state-of-the-art veterinary labs and animal care units, allowing me to build practical skills in a supportive setting.

Mariam Cole

Veterinary Nursing

This course has really broadened my understanding of the veterinary industry and has sparked a deep interest in it.

Brandon Smith

Veterinary Nursing

On the Veterinary Nursing course there are multiple placements that you go on which go side by side with what you are studying on the course. Ensuring that I asked questions and got involved where I could in these built up my confidence and aided me with my learning.

Video Gallery

Watch our facility tour video and taster session videos to get an insight into the equipment you'll use and what you'll study on the course.
 

How you're taught

You’ll learn in lots of different ways, including group discussions, lectures, and hands-on practical sessions.

Your lessons will be led by qualified veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons who are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You’ll also have opportunities to learn from visiting professionals and subject specialists.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, in ways such as:

  • producing written reports
  • presentations
  • exams.

You’ll also complete practical tests and assignments to show what you can do in real-life situations.

A big part of your course will be clinical placements in approved small animal veterinary practices. This is where you’ll put your skills into action and gain valuable experience working in the industry. In your third year, you’ll also come back to university for contact days to help prepare you for your final practical exams.

Staff Profiles

Heather Imrie - Senior Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Heather Imrie is a Lecturer for the Veterinary Nursing Foundation Degree course and is Module Leader for Applied Functional Anatomy and Theatre Practice and Diagnostics

Sophie Butler - Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Sophie Butler is a Lecturer for FdSc Veterinary Nursing at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus, as well as Module Leader for Application of Veterinary Nursing.

Mandy Tamba - Senior Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Mandy Tamba is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for FdSc Veterinary Science at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.

Nathan Price - Senior Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Nathan Price is a lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Brackenhurst Campus.

Alanna Willis - Technical Team Leader

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Alanna Willis is the Veterinary Nursing Centre and Clinical Placement Lead at NTU.

Katie Gazey - Senior Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Katie Gazey is a Senior Lecturer for FdSc Veterinary Nursing and BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (top-up) at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.

Suzanne Ian - Veterinary Nursing Centre Assistant Coordinator

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Suzanne Ian is the Veterinary Nursing Centre Assistant Coordinator at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.

Cole Selley - Veterinary Nursing Technician

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Cole Selley is a Veterinary Nursing Technician at NTU's Veterinary Nursing Centre at Brackenhurst Campus.

Careers and employability

Graduating from the FdSc Veterinary Nursing course will open a wide range of career opportunities for you.

On graduation from the FdSc Veterinary Nursing course, you are eligible to register with the RCVS as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

You’ll also have the opportunity to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science top-up course to further expand your qualifications and career opportunities.

Practical, real-world experience is a key part of this course. You'll complete a minimum of 1,800 hours in clinical placements across two key blocks:

  • 12 weeks between June and August (between Year One and Year Two)
  • 37 weeks from July to April (in your final year).

Placements are completed in approved veterinary training practices, where you'll:

  • apply and strengthen your practical skills
  • develop essential workplace experience
  • work toward completing the RCVS Day One Competences (DOC), RCVS Day One Skills (DOS), and RCVS Professional Behaviours.
  • maintain and complete a Nursing Progress Log.

We’ll support you to secure a clinical placement through our network of affiliated veterinary practices.

NTU Enterprise: Supporting Future Entrepreneurs

Interested in starting your own business? NTU Enterprise can help you turn your ideas into reality. Through our Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, you’ll receive guidance, resources, and support to create, develop, and grow your own venture during or after your studies.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly study in our Veterinary Nursing Centre, with access to facilities including an operating theatre, laboratory, and specialist equipment, including endoscope, ECG, and simulation x-ray machines.

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From students and staff to the animals themselves – cats and cattle, sheep and horses – it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your course mates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and take a relaxing stroll through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell, a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable, late-running buses, you’ve got Nottingham – a legendary student city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure.

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject grade C or equivalent.

Other requirements: GCSEs - English Language, Science and Maths grade C / 4.

You will also need:

  • An interview
  • Work experience

See Additional entry requirements below for more information about subjects, offers and work experience requirements.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications, including an A-level Science subject grade C or equivalent.

Other requirements: GCSEs - English Language, Science and Maths grade C / 4.

You will also need:

  • An interview
  • Work experience

See Additional entry requirements below for more information about subjects, offers and work experience requirements.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 / Student Route visa.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,535 per year

If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,850.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,500 per year
  • If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,850

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

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. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying 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 and photocopying information on the Library website.

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.

Enrolment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

You will need to enrol as a student veterinary nurse with the RCVS. The current cost for this is £228 (the expectation is that this will increase in subsequent years). You will receive information and instructions on how to complete this enrolment prior to starting the course.

Uniform for FdSc Veterinary Nursing

All students will also be expected to provide their own wellingtons or working boots, overalls, nurse shoes and NTU veterinary nursing scrubs (approx. cost £20). You will receive information on how to pay for your NTU veterinary nursing scrubs prior to starting the course.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

You will need to add details of the required work experience in your 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 contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 / Student Route visa.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  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.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Advice on writing a good personal statement

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.