Course summary
If you are a practising Registered Veterinary Nurse, and want to take your career and personal development to the next level, we have a study pathway to suit you! The RVC’s Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Certificate courses are part-time, distance-learning, advanced veterinary nursing qualifications awarded by the RVC and University of London. These qualifications provide progression options for Registered Veterinary Nurses qualifying from all existing level qualifications (from Level 3 Diploma through to BSc). Depending on your entry qualifications, you can apply to enrol on either the level 6 Graduate Certificate or level 7 Postgraduate Certificate (see Entry Requirements). If you wish to develop greater professional knowledge and skills with particular focus on clinical patient care and subject area specialism (either Medical Nursing, Emergency & Critical Care or Anaesthesia and Analgesia), then these courses are for you. These qualifications can open doors for you in the job market and help prepare you for employment in more specialist areas of clinical practice. Why study at the RVC? These Certificates are managed and taught by our dynamic team of leading veterinary nurses and veterinarians who are recognised by employers both within the UK and internationally. The Course Director has over 12 years of experience running and delivering online post registration qualifications for veterinary nurses and is delighted to be able to offer RVNs this new and accessible, affordable and flexible study option. The RVC has a well-established programme in VN Higher Education, setting up the first BSc Honours in Veterinary Nursing in Europe in 1998. Since this time, the RVC’s Centre for Veterinary Nursing has been providing excellence in VN education, and specialist and advanced online VN courses. This means we have the expertise and experience to deliver a programme, which combines a course of high academic standard with an exciting and effective delivery method. Whether you work in a first-opinion practice, a charity clinic or a large specialist referral practice, you will share an ambition to excel in the veterinary field, a desire to improve animal health and welfare and the skills to become leaders in the future development of the veterinary nursing profession.
Assessment method
Throughout the course a range of assessment activities are used. All assessment activities have been selected to promote your deep and effective learning, leading directly to your improved understanding of the subject and application of your learning. Assessment tasks include a combination of: Written assignments throughout and at the end of each module which are based on activities relevant to the advancement of veterinary nursing in clinical practice (for example, carrying out a knowledge summary, patient care report and clinical audit report). Participation in online discussion. Unseen examination.
Entry requirements
To apply for a place on the Postgraduate Certificate, you must hold a: BSc VN or RVC Graduate Diploma or Other FHEQ level 6 qualification And: Are on the current RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses (or hold a recognised accredited overseas equivalent professional qualification/status). Are employed in, or have agreed access to placement in, a suitable professional environment*, tailored to your area of focused study. Have the support of your employing/supervising veterinary practice, who will be required to allow time and access for training. Successfully complete the Contemporary Study Skills bridging short-course (unless given permitted exemption).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £4925* | Whole course |
| England | £4925* | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £4925* | Whole course |
| Scotland | £4925* | Whole course |
| Wales | £4925* | Whole course |
| International | £6075* | Whole course |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.
Provider information
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Royal College Street
Westminster
NW1 0TU