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Veterinary Nursing BSc Honours

We deliver this course with our partner, the College of Animal Welfare (CAW). You'll split your time between classroom and practical learning and on placement in small animal practice.
Code
D313 (London)
D316 (Leeds)
D315 (Huntingdon)
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Claire Defries

Why choose Veterinary Nursing BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Registered veterinary nurses are in high demand – with excellent employment opportunities. In 2021/22, 90% of our graduates gained employment with the remaining completing further study.

Our students rate this course highly as shown by our excellent results in the National Student Survey, 2023:

  • Top 5 university in the UK (THE Young Universities 2023)
  • 5th in London for overall student positivity (National Student Survey 2023)
  • Top 7 for research in the UK (THE Young Universities 2022)

What will you gain?

You will gain a range of practical skills and techniques to launch a successful career in veterinary nursing. You can apply to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse with accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This will open up employment opportunities in veterinary practices, research, zoos, universities, charities and pharmaceutical companies.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

Accreditations

The course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Once you’ve finished your course, you’ll be able to apply to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS. This will open up employment opportunities within veterinary nursing. Visit the RCVS site.

You will also be able to register as a Companion Animal Suitably Qualified Person (C-SQP) with VetSkill. Visit the VetSkill site.

What you will learn

Our hands-on approach means you’ll learn through a mix of theoretical study and professional experience in small animal veterinary practice. Guided by veterinary professionals, you’ll develop your clinical skills as you learn how to undertake a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures as well as the required underpinning theoretical knowledge.

You'll study the concepts that underpin professional veterinary nursing practice and gain essential veterinary nursing knowledge of the anatomical, biomedical and physiological principles related to animal health and veterinary nursing care. You will also explore and debate the current issues affecting veterinary practice and the role of the professional veterinary nurse within this.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Gain full accreditation
    Upon successful graduation, you can apply to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse with full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Study with training providers
    Our course is run with the College of Animal Welfare (CAW), so students will be taught by the UK's largest veterinary nurse training provider
  • Fantastic career opportunities
    100% of our BSc Veterinary Nursing graduates are now in graduate jobs or further study (Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education survey, 2017)

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Here is a brief overview of what you will study over your degree.

Year 1

In year 1 you will study professional issues, veterinary nursing care, applied functional anatomy and clinical placement.

Year 2

In year 2 you will develop your skills and knowledge by studying theatre practice, clinical placement, clinical veterinary nursing care, pathology and evidence-based veterinary nursing.

Year 3

In year 3 you will have the opportunity to tailor your learning experience by choosing to study one elective module from a choice of seven.

You will also complete your dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about alongside studying pharmacology, your final clinical placement, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Introduction to Nursing Care (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will give you the theoretical underpinning knowledge related to the care of patients in the veterinary environment. You'll discuss the role of the veterinary nurse in practice, incorporating patient assessment, the provision of accommodation, nutrition and the administration of medication. You'll also gain the practical skills  required for practical placements in veterinary practice.

    • Applied Functional Anatomy (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will give you the theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of major body systems in a range of animals. This will provide a framework for clinical assessment of patients and ensure good nursing practice. You'll be able to utilise and build upon this knowledge in placement and subsequent modules.

    • Introduction to Professional Issues (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides you with the theoretical underpinning knowledge relating to the health and safety within the practice environment. It also includes a broad foundation for communication and study skills which will stay as a lifelong skill for the Veterinary Nurse in practice, as well as providing an insight into ethics, legal theories and professional issues.

    • Working in a Veterinary Environment (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module is a practice-based module, which is delivered via e-learning and application in practice. It will introduce the principles of veterinary practice and support you in developing competence and confidence in practice. You must participate in all activities and you need to employ time management skills during the practice day and in your own time, to complete this work effectively.

  • Year 2

    • Pathology for Veterinary Nurses (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides an understanding of some of the body's responses to disease processes, trauma, and the pathological changes which occur in illness and which inform the planning and assessment of client care. This module is science based and incorporates approximately 50% laboratory based work. The module covers the areas of general pathology, clinical pathology and an overview of diseases in different organ systems.

    • Clinical Nursing (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to build upon the Basic Nursing Care module taught in the first year. You will learn more specialised techniques in nursing and will also develop skills in helping to support clients in caring for their unwell pets.

    • Theatre Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to teach the principles of theatre practice in a practical context, using the NPL as a tool for recording competence. A range of resources will be provided online to assist with your knowledge. Participation in all activities is compulsory and time should be allocated during the day and in your own time, to complete this work. You will undertake two blocks of practice experience, one 10 weeks long and the other 14 weeks, totalling 24 weeks in practice.

    • Approaches to Health and Social Care Research (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module introduces the health and social care related subjects to the process of health and social care research. It is a professional requirement for those working in health and social care related disciplines to underpin their knowledge with research and evidence-based practice. Professionals need to be able to access research findings, and through an understanding of the research process and methodology, be able to critique research and apply this knowledge to practice. The aim of this core module is to develop your awareness of the research process and to equip you with the skills required in the subject area appropriate to your target award and to offer some preparation for the final year project/dissertation

    • Appraising and Using Evidence for Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      You will develop skills in research criticality and appraisal of evidence using a team based approach. You will look at evidential literature, evaluation of evidence, and the use of evidence to support problem solving and decision making.

    • Evidence Based Veterinary Nursing (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The focus of this module is to facilitate the development of skills in research criticality and appraisal of evidence using a team based learning approach. You'll be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired to effectively engage with evidential literature and evaluate the quality of its evidence. You'll learn to apply concepts to theoretical contexts - particularly to the year three dissertation and to practice contexts and facilitate the use of evidence to support problem solving and decision making through effective team working.

  • Year 3

    • Principles of Imaging and Anaesthesia ​​(30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module enables you to build on current knowledge, skills and experience within the surgical area. The module will cover surgical nursing, anaesthesia, radiography and triage. The module will incorporate the relevant sections of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Day-One Skills. You will undertake one block of 14 weeks practice experience.

    • Pharmacology for Veterinary Nurses (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to build on knowledge gained throughout the programme in order to develop an understanding of some basic pharmacological principles and their application to patient care. In addition, to facilitate the acquisition of relevant practical skills in order to produce practitioners who are safe and competent in the administration of drugs.

    • Dissertation and Professional Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to synthesise your learning, providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, and the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a topic of personal interest you wish to study further and will manage your own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  • Year 3 Optional modules - choose 1 from the following:

    • Management and Business (30 credits) - Optional​​

      The aims of this elective module are to enable you to play a key role through a process of critical reflection and planned action in developing managerial competence within the veterinary practice through the establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality of veterinary nursing you provide, the use of a problem-solving approach for effective nursing management and leadership, and through the awareness, control and monitoring of the use of appropriate veterinary care resources for quality and effective nursing management

    • Nursing Exotics and Wildlife (30 credits) - Optional​​

      This elective module analyses the concepts of housing, handling, husbandry and environment of exotics and wildlife to include 10 of each species such as birds, reptiles and mammals. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for nursing wildlife and exotics. Working with wildlife requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management whilst working within the constraints of legal requirements.

    • Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (30 credits) - Optional​​

      The aim of this elective module is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required for the understanding of behavioural problems presented to the typical small animal veterinary practice.

    • Equine Nursing (30 credits) - Optional​

      This elective module provides the necessary understanding and experience required for nursing in equine practice or other areas of equine work. Horses are uniquely susceptible to a variety of illnesses and injuries that require skilled nursing management. Working with horses requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management. An insight into the equine industry and people involved at various levels will also be approached. The module aims to allow development of the necessary knowledge and skills in theory and practice sessions.

    • Veterinary Education and Professional Development (30 credits) - Optional​​

      This elective module equips you with the tools to coach, mentor and teach others within a veterinary context. You'll explore learning theory and teaching methods alongside learning the skills needed in order to plan and deliver a teaching session and act as coach in a veterinary practice setting.

    • Applied Emergency and Critical Care Nursing (30 credits) - Optional​​

      This module will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively within a range of emergency and critical care veterinary patients. In addition to this, you'll also be able to develop evidence-based nursing care strategies, using nursing models and frameworks to recognise, assess and successfully manage emergency and critically ill patients.

    • International Veterinary Nursing (30 credits) - Optional​​

      The module promotes a greater awareness of the influence and impact of culture and global issues on veterinary health and veterinary nursing. You'll gain experiential learning through an international placement and be able to consolidate, and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge gained throughout the programme. Areas of focus will be personal relationships, adaptability, ability to take responsibility, interest, knowledge/cognitive ability, skill and efficiency.

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Introduction to Professional Issues (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with theoretical underpinning knowledge of the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. In order to prepare for professional practice; accountability, communication skills, study skills and team working are the basis for the module. Through the use of case studies and scenarios, there will be exploration of the issues surrounding ethical and legal aspects of veterinary nursing practice. An insight into professional regulation, duty of care and negligence will also be gained.

    • Applied Functional Anatomy (30 credits)

      This module will provide you with theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of major body systems in a range of animals. This will provide a framework for clinical assessment of patients and ensure good nursing practice. You will be able to utilise and build upon this knowledge in placement and subsequent modules.

    • Working in a Veterinary Environment (30 credits)

      This module is a practice-based module, which is delivered via e-learning and application in practice. It will introduce the principles of veterinary practice and support you in developing competence and confidence in practice. You must participate in all activities and you need to employ time management skills during the practice day and in your own time, to complete this work effectively.

    • Introduction to Nursing Care (30 credits)

      This module provides you with the theoretical underpinning knowledge related to the care of patients in the veterinary environment. The role of the veterinary nurse in practice will be discussed, incorporating patient assessment, the provision of accommodation, nutrition and the administration of medication. You will gain practical skills that will be required for practical placements in veterinary practice.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Clinical Nursing (30 credits)

      This module aims to build upon the Basic Nursing Care module taught in the first year. You will learn more specialised techniques in nursing and will also develop skills in helping to support clients in caring for their unwell pets.

    • Appraising and Using Evidence for Practice (30 credits)

      The focus of this module is to facilitate the development of skills in research critically and appraisal of evidence using a team based learning approach. The module aims to enable you to: use the knowledge and skills acquired to effectively engage with evidential literature; evaluate the quality of its evidence; apply concepts to theoretical contexts - particularly to the year three dissertation and to practice contexts and facilitate the use of evidence to support problem solving and decision making through effective team working.

    • Theatre Practice (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to teach the principles of theatre practice in a practical context, using the NPL as a tool for recording competence. A range of resources will be provided online to assist with your knowledge. Participation in all activities is compulsory and time should be allocated during the day and in your own time, to complete this work. You will undertake two blocks of practice experience, one 10 weeks long and the other 14 weeks, totalling 24 weeks in practice.

    • Pathology for Veterinary Nurses (30 credits)

      This module provides you with an understanding of pathological processes which occur within the body following injury or illness and to inform planning and assessment of patient care. You will be able to build on knowledge gained in the first year and in placement to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Pharmacology for Veterinary Nurses (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to build on knowledge gained throughout the programme in order to develop an understanding of some basic pharmacological principles and their application to patient care. In addition, to facilitate the acquisition of relevant practical skills in order to produce practitioners who are safe and competent in the administration of drugs.

    • Dissertation and Professional Practice (30 credits)

      This module aims to synthesise your learning, providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, and the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a topic of personal interest you wish to study further and will manage your own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

    • Principles of Imaging and Anaesthesia (30 credits)

      This module enables you to build on current knowledge, skills and experience within the surgical area. The module will cover surgical nursing, anaesthesia, radiography and triage. The module will incorporate the relevant sections of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Day-One Skills. You will undertake one block of 14 weeks practice experience.

  • Year 3 - Optional (take one of the following)

    • Veterinary Education and Professional Development (30 credits)

      This elective module equips you with the tools to coach, mentor and teach others within a veterinary context. You'll explore learning theory and teaching methods alongside learning the skills needed in order to plan and deliver a teaching session and act as coach in a veterinary practice setting.

    • Equine Nursing (30 credits)

      This elective module provides the necessary understanding and experience required for nursing in equine practice or other areas of equine work. Horses are uniquely susceptible to a variety of illnesses and injuries that require skilled nursing management. Working with horses requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management. An insight into the equine industry and people involved at various levels will also be approached.

    • Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (30 credits)

      The aim of this elective module is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required for the understanding of behavioural problems presented to the typical small animal veterinary practice.

    • Nursing Exotics and Wildlife (30 credits)

      This elective module analyses the concepts of housing, handling, husbandry and environment of exotics and wildlife to include 10 of each species such as birds, reptiles and mammals. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for nursing wildlife and exotics. Working with wildlife requires specific skills in restraint, handling and management whilst working within the constraints of legal requirements.

    • Management and Business (30 credits)

      The aims of this elective module are to enable you to play a key role through a process of critical reflection and planned action in developing managerial competence within the veterinary practice. These aims will be achieved through the establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality of veterinary nursing you provide, the use of a problem-solving approach for effective nursing management and leadership, and through the awareness, control and monitoring of the use of appropriate veterinary care resources for quality and effective nursing management.

    • International Veterinary Nursing (30 credits)

      The module promotes a greater awareness of the influence and impact of culture and global issues on veterinary health and veterinary nursing. You'll gain experiential learning through an international placement and be able to consolidate, and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge gained throughout the programme. Areas of focus will be personal relationships, adaptability, ability to take responsibility, interest, knowledge/cognitive ability, skill and efficiency.

    • Applied Emergency and Critical Care (30 credits)

      This module will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively with a range of emergency and critical care veterinary patients. In addition to this, you'll also be able to develop evidence-based nursing care strategies, using nursing models and frameworks to recognise, assess and successfully manage emergency and critically ill patients.

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

To find out more about this course, please download the full Veterinary Nursing BSc Spec specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and learning
  2. Assessment and feedback
  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

Fees

These fees are for 2024/25:

UK students

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

  • Enrolment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as a student veterinary nurse. The cost as of August 2023 is £210. The most up-to-date fees can be found on the RCVS fees webpage.
  • Student veterinary nursing uniform. Approximately £80 for two sets of uniforms. Further information is provided upon acceptance to the course.
  • Transport costs to and from placement.
  • Following graduation, professional fees to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and the SQP Register held by VetSkill. Annual professional renewal fees also apply.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Student Starter Kit. Get help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad. Find out about our MDX Student Starter Kit.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

  1. UK
  2. International
  3. Additional costs

How can the BSc in Veterinary Nursing support your career?

There is a current shortage of registered veterinary nurses  according to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in 2022 so you'll have excellent career prospects after you graduate. Veterinary nurses are respected throughout the animal welfare sector, offering wider opportunities for registered veterinary nurses.

Graduate job roles

Many veterinary nurses are employed in general veterinary practices, but you could also find work in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoological/wildlife parks, charities, pharmaceutical companies and breeding/boarding kennels.

Graduate employers

As a graduate registered veterinary nurse, you will be welcomed by a wide range of employers across the veterinary sector.

Transferable skills

You will develop a range of transferable skills including communication skills, problem solving, time management, academic writing and research skills.

Employability support

Our Employability service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one-to-one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews and networking. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Student Support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Claire Defries
Programme Leader

Claire Defries qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2001 and developed interests in endoscopy, laparoscopic procedures and anaesthesia. She gained a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Medical) whilst working in a university referral hospital where she coordinated all of the diagnostic areas of the hospital.

Claire also worked as a head nurse in a North London hospital before moving into teaching. When Claire is not teaching she is also working as a locum registered veterinary nurse, which helps her keep up to date with current advances in clinical practice. She has lectured at BSAVA, BVNA and AVSPNI conferences on various clinical and educational topics within the profession.

  • Margaret Fry

    Veterinary Nursing BSc student

    One of the things that really appeals about this course is the facilities, which are great, and the staff who represent the course. It was also handy being able to get to both the campus and the College of Animal Welfare from my home. I've loved working with animals in a clinical environment and the theory has been really challenging. I'm particularly proud of a piece of work where I investigated hyperthyroidism in cats.

    As a mature student who has previously worked in (human) nursing, I've done my fair bit of full-time employment. I'm hoping this qualification will enable me to work part-time in a veterinary hospital. I would also recommend Middlesex University to other mature students. I have never felt different or treated differently, only occasionally mistaken for a tutor or member of staff!

  • Lesley Moore

    Veterinary Nursing BSc student

    The course content is excellent, with an extensive mix of topics covering all aspects of surgical and medical nursing. Modules such as ethics and professional practice allow the opportunity to discuss the role of the veterinary nurse and prepare you for your career.

    Many of the lecturers are veterinary surgeons and long registered veterinary nurses, so you are learning from experienced and knowledgeable veterinary professionals who have all worked in the industry. The University assisted me in finding a placement at a large veterinary hospital where I stayed for the whole of my degree. This enabled me to learn practically from some excellent vets and nurses whilst I completed the whole of my Nursing Progress Log.

  • Karen Birch

    Veterinary Nursing BSc graduate

    Karen now works as a veterinary nurse for a company called 'vets4pets'

    I chose to go to Middlesex; the clincher was that they were the first VN degree in the country. They wrote the course and set the bar for other universities in the country. I wanted to be taught by the path finders in my field. My lectures were always engaging and made you feel they genuinely cared. They felt more like friends and colleagues than they did lecturers. I loved the fact I got to spend so much time in placement and really get into the swing of things, knowing that help was only ever an email away if you needed it.

    I always knew I wanted to work with animals and up until recently I wanted to be a vet. I wanted to enjoy my job, but not live to work. Being a nurse, I feel respected for my knowledge; I enjoy my job, I work hard and I'm always busy, but it doesn't take over my life. I work to live.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Veterinary Nursing with Foundation Year BSc

Start: October 2024

Duration: 4 years full-time

Code: D107

Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 2 year full-time, 3-4 years part-time

Code: D106 (Huntingdon)

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