Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Veterinary Nursing and Applied Animal Behaviour

This programme combines the practical training and work experience required to become an RCVS registered veterinary nurse, alongside a broader programme of study for Foundation Degree. Students will receive a thorough training in scientific theory and principles with a particular emphasis on the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare. In addition, students will be required to develop extensive work-based skills during an extended period of placement within RCVS approved veterinary training practices. The course content for a particular student will vary depending on their choice of designate modules within the pathway, but appropriate modular selection could allow some students to achieve some of the learning outcomes required for the academic component of the new Pet Behaviour Counselling Award. Applicants must have a genuine interest in animal health and welfare. They must be keen to learn how to provide expert nursing care for domestic animals as well as education and support for their owners. They should have a clear understanding of the range of practical work required in a veterinary surgery (preferably via work experience), be a good communicator and enjoy teamwork.

Compulsory Units: The course content will vary depending on the choice of modules that form part of a graduate training in the Life Sciences. As a guide areas covered could include Biology and Behaviour, Practical Animal Husbandry, Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Specialised Units: Students will receive a thorough training in veterinary nursing, with a strong emphasis on practical skills in animal handling and husbandry. Students must complete 2,450 hours or more of practice experience within 70 weeks of work placement within an RCVS approved veterinary training practice during the course. Whilst staff at CWA will make every effort to assist students in finding a suitable placement at a veterinary training centre, work placements with an RCVS approved veterinary training practice are not automatically provided for all students accepted onto this course. Students are expected to take responsibility for arranging interviews with suitable local practices.

Module delivery is divided between the College of West Anglia (Cambridge) campus located just outside Cambridge at Milton and the Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge) campus in the Cambridge city centre, plus work placement at RCVS approved veterinary training practices. The academic year at both CWA and ARU is divided into two semesters. Full-time attendance within these semesters is approximately 12 hours per week, usually over three days. Work experience within the 70 weeks of work placement in a registered veterinary training practice is on a full-time basis.

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

All applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (to include English Language, Maths and 1 science subject; equivalent level 2 qualifications in Mathematics and English are also acceptable) plus a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points to include at least one A level in a Biological Science, a BTEC or C&G qualification in a science subject, an appropriate Advanced GNVQ or equivalent qualifications (considered on their own merit). Students should also be aware that the RCVS requires newly qualified nurses to disclose information relating to any conviction, including drugs offences to be disclosed when registering. Therefore students with these convictions may not be accepted onto the course. However, students who have the appropriate GCSEs but may not have 120 UCAS points may be eligible for entry. Typically this would include those who are in possession of recognised RCVS qualifications. This will be assessed at interview, using portfolio evidence and employer references.

Assessment:

Theoretical and practical elements of the course curriculum will be assessed using a variety of methods, including computer based exercises, essays, practical reports, laboratory skills, project reports and seen and unseen examinations. During their 70 weeks of work placement in an RCVS approved veterinary training practice, students will be under continuous assessment. To become an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse, students will be required to take the RCVS SVN Level II and Level III external examinations alongside any examinations required for specific course modules. They will also be required to build a VN portfolio of practical experience and complete the required 2450 hours of veterinary practice experience.

Progression from this course:

Students may progress to the third year of the BSc Veterinary Nursing and Applied Animal Behaviour degree, providing they complete 240 credits by July of their second year and achieve a minimum of 50% in all level 2 modules.

Locations:

Cambridge Campus (Milton) - CB24 6DB

Duration:

3 Years

Start times:

September 2012

How to Apply:

For full time courses please apply via UCAS. For part time courses you will need to apply online using the part time higher education application form.

Course Costs:

Tuition fees for 2013-14 are as follows: Full-time - £6500; Part-time - pro rata (usually 50% of full-time fee).

Additional Information:

For more information, contact student services: King's Lynn - 01553 761144 Isle - 01945 582561; Cambridge - 01223 860701

Please note: Students are expected to purchase key texts where these are set out in module guides or unit specifications. Anglia Ruskin University have an extensive digital library that provides on and off-campus access to databases, e-journals and e-books which you will be able to access.

UCAS Info:

• - Code: D990
• - Course Title: FdSc/VNAAB
• - Institution Code: W35
• - Institution Name: WESTA