Veterinary Nursing with Foundation Year BSc

This module provides you with a basic overview of what it means to join the veterinary nursing profession alongside developing fundamental knowledge of animal health, disease, behaviour and welfare. The module aims to ensure that you understand the fundamentals of animal health and care relevant to veterinary nursing in preparation for continued study on the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme.

This module explores the fundamental concepts of animal anatomy and physiology, principles of genetics and basic laboratory skills in preparation for future study on the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing undergraduate programme.

This module enables you to explore the fundamentals of research in veterinary nursing. It also provides an opportunity to develop some employability skills that are vital to continuation on to the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Programme and within the veterinary nursing profession post-qualification.

This module aims to prepare you for undergraduate study on your chosen veterinary nursing programme, equipping you with the necessary soft skills and study skills to enable a smooth transition to study at level 4. The module principally aims to address the core subjects of: English and academic writing; use of number and applied mathematics; and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

This module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of the gastrointestinal and integument systems in a range of species. This will form a basis by which common pathological processes of these body systems can be explored. This knowledge will provide a framework through which students will be able to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients and plan and deliver appropriate veterinary nursing care.

This module provides students with theoretical underpinning knowledge of the role and remit of the veterinary nurse and key legal and professional requirements in order to prepare students for professional veterinary nursing practice. Students will gain fundamental evidence-based nursing skills which will be utilised throughout their future studies and professional career.

This module will equip students with fundamental veterinary nursing knowledge and skills required to work safely in a veterinary environment. This core module will enable students to develop essential professional knowledge and skills in health and safety, infection control, anatomy and physiology, disease and preventative healthcare, and patient assessment and care. The knowledge and skills gained during this module will provide students with a foundation for their first veterinary practice placement.

This module aims to develop fundamental veterinary nursing practical skills that will be required for veterinary practice placements. Students will acquire the underpinning knowledge and core skills related to the safe and effective care of a range of species in the veterinary environment.

This module provides students with theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of the urogenital system in a range of species. This will form a basis by which common pathological processes of these body systems can be explored. This knowledge will provide a framework through which students will be able to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients to plan and deliver appropriate veterinary nursing care. Students will also develop an understanding of the professional skills required to work in the theatre environment.

The aim of this module is to provide students with theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal and endocrine system in a range of species. This will form a basis by which common pathological processes of these body systems can be explored. This knowledge will provide a framework through which students will be able to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients in order to plan and deliver appropriate veterinary nursing care. Students will also develop an understanding of the safe use of radiography as a diagnostic tool.

This module will develop knowledge and skills acquired in year 1 regarding evidence-based veterinary nursing, professional issues and communication. The module aims to enable students to use the knowledge and skills acquired to effectively engage with evidential literature by evaluating the quality of its evidence. Students will use this evidence to support problem solving and decision making. In order to prepare for professional practice, students will refine communication skills and critically explore professional issues through effective teamworking.

This module aims to develop fundamental veterinary nursing practical skills that will be required for veterinary practice placements. Students will acquire the underpinning knowledge and core skills related to the safe and effective care of a range of species in the veterinary environment.

This module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of the nervous system. To provide an overview of the common neurological diseases encountered in small animal veterinary practice, plus the relevant diagnostic procedures, to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and principles of neurological pharmacology. With this knowledge, students will be able to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients and deliver advanced nursing practice. The module also enables individuals to develop and understand skills associated with companion animal anaesthesia in order to prioritise the safety and care of patients undergoing anaesthetic procedures.

This module will equip students with the theoretical knowledge of the normal structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Common cardiac, haematological and respiratory diseases encountered in small animal veterinary practice will be covered, alongside the relevant diagnostic procedures and principles of cardiorespiratory pharmacology. With this knowledge, students will be able to evaluate the nursing needs of individual patients and deliver effective veterinary nursing care.

The aims of this module are to build on knowledge and skills acquired in years 1 and 2 to further explore the scope of the veterinary nurse role. Students will develop leadership, coaching and mentoring skills as well as gaining the skills and knowledge required to be able to conduct a range of surgical schedule 3 procedures safely. In order to prepare for professional practice, students will reflect on their learning and produce a professional development plan.

This module aims to develop fundamental veterinary nursing practical skills that will be required for veterinary practice placements. Students will acquire the underpinning knowledge and core skills related to the safe and effective care of a range of species in the veterinary environment.

This module provides students with knowledge and skills to enable them to work effectively with a range of emergency and critical care veterinary patients. Students will develop evidence-based nursing care strategies, using nursing models and frameworks to recognise, assess and successfully manage emergency and critically ill patients.

The aims of this module are to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to practice safely and effectively as a Companion Animal Suitably Qualified Person (C-SQP). To enable students to foster curiosity and collaborate with others to explore contemporary veterinary nursing issues.

This module will enable students to consolidate the skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme and apply them to produce a quality improvement project plan with the aim of improving care of veterinary patients. This module provides the opportunity for students to practice evidence-based veterinary nursing and reflect upon learning to improve veterinary patient care and personal professional development.

This module aims to develop fundamental veterinary nursing practical skills that will be required for veterinary practice placements. Students will acquire the underpinning knowledge and core skills related to the safe and effective care of a range of species in the veterinary environment.

This course is run in collaboration with The College of Animal Welfare, one of the UK's largest veterinary nurse training provider. The College of Animal Welfare has significantly invested in its technology and facilities over the recent years, providing a fully-equipped computer suite, an extensive e-Library and a dedicated clinical skills suite that will allow you to develop your practical skills in areas such as anaesthesia, theatre, laboratory and radiography.

For international students who require a visa to study in the UK, you will be sponsored directly by  the College of Animal Welfare, who will issue you with your CAS to apply for your Student route visa. Please visit our Student Visas page for more information.

Please note, the course is taught at the Huntingdon campus (Cambridgeshire).

Foundation year - weekly timetable

During your foundation year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 3 days of teaching and learning activities, which includes practical teaching
• 1 day to complete online learning activities and private study

Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.

Please note, the course is taught at the Huntingdon campus (Cambridgeshire).

Huntingdon

The College of Animal Welfare's Huntingdon campus is located in Cambridgeshire, around an hour north of London. The campus has excellent transport links, being only half a mile away from the A14 and a few miles from the A1 for those travelling by car, and within walking distance of both the bus and train station (London Kings Cross line). There is free, on-site parking, subject to availability.

Those studying at this location will ideally live within a commutable distance of the campus. If you will be moving to the area, you will need to source local accommodation. Find out more about accommodation at Huntingdon campus.

Key information

The College of Animal Welfare

Headland House

Chord Business Park

London Road

Godmanchester

Cambridgeshire

PE29 2BQ

• 2 miles from Huntingdon town centre
• 18 miles from Cambridge city centre

Find out more about the Huntingdon campus.

Teaching vs independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Foundation Year - semesters 1 and 2 theory with some practical sessions.

Year 1 - semesters 1 and 2 studying theory, semester 3 placement.

Year 2 - semesters 1 and 3 studying theory, semester 2 placement.

Year 3 - semester 1 placement and semesters 2 and 3 studying theory .

Year 4 - semester 1 placement, semester 2 studying theory. 

Your learning will be assessed regularly by a range of methods including written assignments, pre-recorded presentations, and online exams. You will also complete a laboratory skills log, and video blogs (vlogs).

We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.

The informal tests, formative assessments, usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.

There are formal assessments, known as summative assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.

Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback including on formative assessment and summative assessments.