What makes this course unique?
University Centre Sparsholt has a very strong provision for teaching and training Veterinary Nurses. Our teaching staff bring experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including vet nursing, health and welfare work as well as animal training.
Our purpose‑built Veterinary Nursing Centre boasts radiology, consultation preparation and theatre rooms and all the equipment veterinary nurses use on a daily basis. In addition, our BIAZA‑accredited Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre is stocked with a diverse and extensive range of animals that allows you to develop your practical animal handling and husbandry skills.
Qualification: Level 5
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Code: D311
Institution Code: S34
What you’ll learn
Throughout the course you will be taught a wide range of science‑based subjects, vital in developing your knowledge of diverse topics of companion animal nursing including anatomy and physiology, analytical techniques, anaesthesia, pharmacology and animal behaviour.
Offering a scientific and innovative approach to the veterinary nursing industry, the course combines concepts of scientific principles with clinical skills to prepare graduates for real‑world challenges.
Modules
YEAR ONE – SOLID FOUNDATIONS
- Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques
- Animal Husbandry, Inheritance and Disease
- Functional Anatomy
- Industrial Experience
- Practice Organisation and Personal Development Planning
- Principles of Veterinary Nursing
YEAR TWO – GET JOB-READY
- Anaesthesia and Surgical Theatre Practice
- Application of Veterinary Nursing Care
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pharmacology
YEAR THREE – EMBRACE CHALLENEGE
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied Industrial Research
- Recent Advances in Animal Health
- Veterinary Nursing Clinical Skills
How you’ll be assessed
Our assessments mirror the challenges you will face in your career, combining academic depth with practical application:
- Research that addresses real‑world problems
- Field‑based assignments that allow you to showcase your skills to employers
- A range of presentation types and written assignments that develop key graduate skills such as communication expertise.
How you’ll be taught
Contact time: Three days per week plus independent study time.
Entry requirements
A Level: Three A Level passes, including two at grade C or above, one of which should be in a science
BTEC Ext. Diploma: DMM
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Ext. Diploma (1080): DMM in a relevant pathway
BTEC Diploma: N/A
City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720): N/A
T Levels: Pass in a relevant subject
Access to HE: A Merit profile in a relevant Access course with 96 tariff points including a minimum of 15 credits at merit in science-based units
International Baccalaureate: 25 points with HL Biology at 4. Good grades MYP English, Maths, and Science.
Plus five GCSEs at 4/C or above, including Maths, English Language and Science.
Two weeks’ work experience in a Veterinary Surgery.
Access to Higher Education
Thinking about studying a degree but want to build your academic skills first? Our one‑year Access to HE courses can help you get there offering a great platform for mature learners to gain the skills and qualifications needed to continue onto land-based or veterinary sciences degrees in the future.
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