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Bsc Hons Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nursing

BSc (Hons)

Qualify as a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Registered Veterinary Nurse. Specialise in companion-animal nursing. Uncover new knowledge with a research-based dissertation and qualify with a full BSc (Hons) degree.

This degree provides a fantastic opportunity for you to qualify as a Veterinary Nurse, whilst advancing your own and the industry's knowledge through research and clinical coaching. You'll advance your knowledge of an industry relevant area that interests you through live research and statistical analysis. Students have the opportunity to publish research with lecturers and present at industry conferences. On successful completion of your final year, you may be eligible to apply to join the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Registrar and begin practicing as a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse.

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Key Information

Course Duration: 4 years full-time
UC UCAS Code: BD71
Part or Full Time: Full Time
Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees
Placement Year: In practice year required
Typical Offer: 96-112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Industry opportunities

In your second year, you’ll complete veterinary practice-based learning (currently 1,800 hours) in an approved RCVS veterinary nursing training practice. This will allow you to develop clinical skills ready for qualifying. We have excellent partnerships with local and national practices.


This course is ideal for those who are passionate about working as a Veterinary Nurse whilst improving industry practices through evidence-based research.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-accredited

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). This means that, on graduation, you may be eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and practise as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. On joining the course, you’ll need to enrol as a Student Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

  • UCAS | 96-112 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology. 

  • A-Level | CCC-BBC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology at grade D or above. 

  • Vocational Award | MMM-DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 

  • Access | 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.  

  • IB | 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above. This must include Biology.   

  • Scottish Highers | 96-112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology at C or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

  • Irish Leaving Certificate | 96-112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology at H3 or above.  

  • T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade C or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis. 

Successful students will need to have obtained at least 10 days of work experience in a UK small animal veterinary practice. Successfully complete our fitness to Practise Process. In the case of international applications, we will require a NARIC equivalency certificate.

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

An IELTS level 7.0 English qualification with 6.5 in each element, is expected for international applicants without a GCSE Grade C or above (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) in English Language. 

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 72 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience. 

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Industry opportunities on this course will support you to develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many students secure graduate roles with the employer they complete their veterinary practice-based learning with.

Work experience

You’ll undertake veterinary practice based-learning, made up of 1,800 hours, during full time working hours (minimum of 37 hours per week), working in a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-approved veterinary nursing training practice. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your veterinary nursing clinical skills, gain valuable experience and build connections within the veterinary industry, ready for your graduate career.

We’ll support you in securing the employer you'll complete your practice based-learning with within a UK-based veterinary nursing training practice – there’s no need to have this in place before starting the course. You’ll also be supported during this time by a designated clinical coach within the veterinary practice and a Hartpury clinical tutor.

Volunteering

Our research activities and businesses on campus create opportunities for students to gain valuable experience outside their studies. Students have recently volunteered with our 70-species animal collection (domestic and non-domestic species), in our equine and canine therapy centres, as well as our livestock farm.

Guest lecturers

Recent guest lectures have included individuals from veterinary pharmaceutical companies and veterinary equipment providers.

Graduate careers

  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Senior Veterinary Nurse
Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Industry opportunities

In your second year, you’ll complete veterinary practice-based learning (currently 1,800 hours) in an approved RCVS veterinary nursing training practice. This will allow you to develop clinical skills ready for qualifying. We have excellent partnerships with local and national practices.


This course is ideal for those who are passionate about working as a Veterinary Nurse whilst improving industry practices through evidence-based research.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-accredited

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). This means that, on graduation, you may be eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and practise as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. On joining the course, you’ll need to enrol as a Student Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Entry requirements

  • UCAS | 96-112 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology. 

  • A-Level | CCC-BBC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology at grade D or above. 

  • Vocational Award | MMM-DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 

  • Access | 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.  

  • IB | 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above. This must include Biology.   

  • Scottish Highers | 96-112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology at C or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

  • Irish Leaving Certificate | 96-112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology at H3 or above.  

  • T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade C or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis. 

Successful students will need to have obtained at least 10 days of work experience in a UK small animal veterinary practice. Successfully complete our fitness to Practise Process. In the case of international applications, we will require a NARIC equivalency certificate.

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

An IELTS level 7.0 English qualification with 6.5 in each element, is expected for international applicants without a GCSE Grade C or above (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) in English Language. 

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 72 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience. 

Employability

Industry opportunities on this course will support you to develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many students secure graduate roles with the employer they complete their veterinary practice-based learning with.

Work experience

You’ll undertake veterinary practice based-learning, made up of 1,800 hours, during full time working hours (minimum of 37 hours per week), working in a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-approved veterinary nursing training practice. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your veterinary nursing clinical skills, gain valuable experience and build connections within the veterinary industry, ready for your graduate career.

We’ll support you in securing the employer you'll complete your practice based-learning with within a UK-based veterinary nursing training practice – there’s no need to have this in place before starting the course. You’ll also be supported during this time by a designated clinical coach within the veterinary practice and a Hartpury clinical tutor.

Volunteering

Our research activities and businesses on campus create opportunities for students to gain valuable experience outside their studies. Students have recently volunteered with our 70-species animal collection (domestic and non-domestic species), in our equine and canine therapy centres, as well as our livestock farm.

Guest lecturers

Recent guest lectures have included individuals from veterinary pharmaceutical companies and veterinary equipment providers.

Graduate careers

  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Senior Veterinary Nurse

How you'll study

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

You’ll study a number of compulsory modules as part of this degree programme. These compulsory modules are designed to develop the skills and competences required for access to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Register of Veterinary Nurses.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain at levels five and six will contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your first year will focus on developing underpinning, fundamental knowledge and skills to support you in progressing to your year in practice.

Compulsory Modules 

Fundamentals of Veterinary Nursing

Develop the underpinning knowledge required for a career in veterinary nursing. Topics include, anatomy, animal husbandry, professional communication and many more.

Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Nursing

Study the theory of key concepts of patient care and pharmacy management alongside acquiring practical veterinary nursing skills.

This is your opportunity to put your skills and knowledge gained at level four to good use, as an RCVS-enrolled Student Veterinary Nurse. You'll spend a minimum of 1,800 hours (at least 37 hours a week) in an Approved Training Practice in the UK. All practices are approved by Hartpury.

You’ll complete a Nursing Progress Log (NPL), supported by a clinical coach and clinical tutor, developing your clinical practical skills whilst gaining first-hand knowledge of the veterinary industry.

Compulsory Modules 

Veterinary Nursing in Practice 1

Undertake 1,800 hours of veterinary practice based-learning, during full time working hours (minimum of 37 hours per week), in an RCVS approved veterinary nursing training practice.

You’ll build on existing clinical skills and knowledge, exploring topics such as theatre practice, anaesthesia and diagnostics, as well as expanding your awareness of research and the impact it has on the veterinary industry.

Compulsory Modules

Veterinary Nursing in Practice 2

Refine veterinary nursing practical skills in the Hartpury University Clinical Skills Centre.

Evidence-Based Clinical Veterinary Nursing

Reflect on veterinary practice-based learning experiences and develop further theoretical knowledge of surgical nursing, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging and laboratory diagnostics.

Research Skills for Veterinary Nurses

Develop an appreciation of research study design, data collection and analysis.

Your final year allows you to focus on areas that interest you and that will support your future career. You’ll select from optional modules to gain additional skills to progress your career, as well as undertake your dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience responsibility for planning, implementing and reporting on a veterinary-related research enquiry.

You’ll be given the opportunity to develop clinical coaching skills whilst working with first-year students, a valuable skill that will allow you to progress to clinical coaching training after graduation.

The final year will equip you with a range of additional, relevant and valuable skills, to help prepare you for a successful and fulfilling future as a veterinary nurse.

Compulsory Modules

The Practising Veterinary Nurse

Apply ethical principles to medical nursing scenarios and study the theory of coaching student veterinary nurses.

The Veterinary Nursing Coaching Practitioner

Coach first year student veterinary nurses and support them to prepare for their veterinary practice-based learning.

Veterinary Nursing Dissertation

Plan, design and implement an independent research enquiry in an area of interest.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

You’ll study a number of compulsory modules as part of this degree programme. These compulsory modules are designed to develop the skills and competences required for access to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Register of Veterinary Nurses.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain at levels five and six will contribute towards your final degree classification.

Level four (year one)

Your first year will focus on developing underpinning, fundamental knowledge and skills to support you in progressing to your year in practice.

Compulsory Modules 

Fundamentals of Veterinary Nursing

Develop the underpinning knowledge required for a career in veterinary nursing. Topics include, anatomy, animal husbandry, professional communication and many more.

Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Nursing

Study the theory of key concepts of patient care and pharmacy management alongside acquiring practical veterinary nursing skills.

Level five (year two)

This is your opportunity to put your skills and knowledge gained at level four to good use, as an RCVS-enrolled Student Veterinary Nurse. You'll spend a minimum of 1,800 hours (at least 37 hours a week) in an Approved Training Practice in the UK. All practices are approved by Hartpury.

You’ll complete a Nursing Progress Log (NPL), supported by a clinical coach and clinical tutor, developing your clinical practical skills whilst gaining first-hand knowledge of the veterinary industry.

Compulsory Modules 

Veterinary Nursing in Practice 1

Undertake 1,800 hours of veterinary practice based-learning, during full time working hours (minimum of 37 hours per week), in an RCVS approved veterinary nursing training practice.

Level five (year three)

You’ll build on existing clinical skills and knowledge, exploring topics such as theatre practice, anaesthesia and diagnostics, as well as expanding your awareness of research and the impact it has on the veterinary industry.

Compulsory Modules

Veterinary Nursing in Practice 2

Refine veterinary nursing practical skills in the Hartpury University Clinical Skills Centre.

Evidence-Based Clinical Veterinary Nursing

Reflect on veterinary practice-based learning experiences and develop further theoretical knowledge of surgical nursing, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging and laboratory diagnostics.

Research Skills for Veterinary Nurses

Develop an appreciation of research study design, data collection and analysis.

Level six (final year)

Your final year allows you to focus on areas that interest you and that will support your future career. You’ll select from optional modules to gain additional skills to progress your career, as well as undertake your dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience responsibility for planning, implementing and reporting on a veterinary-related research enquiry.

You’ll be given the opportunity to develop clinical coaching skills whilst working with first-year students, a valuable skill that will allow you to progress to clinical coaching training after graduation.

The final year will equip you with a range of additional, relevant and valuable skills, to help prepare you for a successful and fulfilling future as a veterinary nurse.

Compulsory Modules

The Practising Veterinary Nurse

Apply ethical principles to medical nursing scenarios and study the theory of coaching student veterinary nurses.

The Veterinary Nursing Coaching Practitioner

Coach first year student veterinary nurses and support them to prepare for their veterinary practice-based learning.

Veterinary Nursing Dissertation

Plan, design and implement an independent research enquiry in an area of interest.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, seminars and practical sessions, face-to-face and online, alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course also includes work placement learning as part of a module.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level four (year one) 24% 0% 76%
Level five (year two) 97% 0% 3%
Level five (year three) 18% 0% 82%
Level six (year four) 17% 0% 83%

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written, oral and practical exams and written assignments. Some modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Written feedback will be provided for all assignments, specific exam feedback is available via the module team.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level four (year one) 42% 25% 33%
Level five (year two) 0% 0% 100%
Level five (year three) 49% 23% 28%
Level six (year four) 28% 21% 51%

Year one, three and four of this course are taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below.

      • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
      • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
      • Work placements may entail different days and hours
      • Timetables are available during enrolment week

Year two consists of full time veterinary practice based-learning (minimum of 37 hours per week). Exact shift patterns will vary depending on individual veterinary practices and may include, evenings, weekends and nights. Monthly online seminar sessions, with tutors, are scheduled throughout the year.

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). This means that, on graduation, you may be eligible to apply to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and practise as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Information on fees is available below.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear, including a veterinary nursing uniform to wear for practical sessions and whilst completing your veterinary practice-based learning. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase at enrolment – everything is available from our online shop.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance

Support

When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

Hartpury University Student Support
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RCVS-accredited

Our courses are accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). On graduation, you’ll be eligible to join the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and practise as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

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TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

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Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Veterinary Students Learning In Veterinary Nurse Centre With X Ray

Gain valuable hands-on experience

Veterinary Nursing facilities

Benefit from a dedicated Veterinary Nursing Clinical Skills Centre, with everything you need to gain valuable hands-on experience.

When you’re not learning on campus you’ll be out in the workplace, gaining clinical and professional experience ready for when you qualify.

Veterinary Nursing facilities

Success stories

Amber's story

Success Stories
Amber's story
Amber Fielden
“I chose Hartpury because I loved that vet nursing had its own dedicated practical centre. We also had a great amount of dedicated time each week to prepare us for our OSCE practicals, ensuring we did everything properly. This was one of the best things about the course.”
Amber Fielden
BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing
Tizzy Palmes

"Hartpury is a great place to study, with lots of support. I really enjoy being able to gain practical skills alongside the theory. We use the Veterinary Nursing Centre for our practical sessions, as well as the equine centre and yard, the reptile room and the Walled Animal Garden, where we get to work with different animals."

Tizzy Palmes, BSc (Hons) Equine Veterinary Nursing

"Hartpury is a great place to study, with lots of support. I really enjoy being able to gain practical skills alongside the theory. We use the Veterinary Nursing Centre for our practical sessions, as well as the equine centre and yard, the reptile room and the Walled Animal Garden, where we get to work with different animals."

Tizzy Palmes, BSc (Hons) Equine Veterinary Nursing

Develop your unique interests

We're preparing our students to qualify as skilled veterinary nurses, and to help drive forward a vibrant, rewarding and sustainable profession, now and for the future.

The experience of our teaching and support staff and our excellent industry connections with veterinary professionals will help to boost your future opportunities and prepare you to make that difference.

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Hannah Smith Working In Veterinary Surgery Anesthetic

Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Meet our team

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

Related courses

Explore our veterinary nursing degrees
Bsc Hons Equine Veterinary Nursing
Course

BSc (Hons) Equine Veterinary Nursing

Qualify as a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Registered Veterinary Nurse. Benefit from outstanding facilities, strong industry partnerships and extra-curricular opportunities to train with horses and over 70 species on campus. 

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