Course summary
Embark on a transformative journey with our Veterinary Nursing Foundation Degree program, meticulously designed to equip you with a broad spectrum of skills and real-world experience crucial for a career in veterinary nursing. This program stands out by offering you the flexibility to tailor your learning experience through elective options, supporting a personalised education path that aligns with your passions and career aspirations. This programme involves practical learning with an extensive requirement to spend a year in veterinary practice, an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge. This immersive experience is complemented by the completion of the Nursing Progress Log (NPL), where you'll document your growth and skills acquisition, accruing a minimum of 1,800 hours at an approved training practice. Thanks to our strong connections, students admitted to the program will benefit from placement opportunities provided by the University Centre Askham Bryan, facilitating a seamless transition from classroom learning to practical application. Our diverse assessment methods are designed to hone your written, verbal, and practical skills, fully preparing you for the dynamics of modern-day veterinary practices. From engaging research modules that sharpen your investigative skills to the comprehensive training aimed at achieving the RCVS Day One Skills and Competences, this program could be your gateway to becoming a well-rounded veterinary nursing professional. This course is offered for study at our main York Campus or at our Gateshead Centre. This course is 3-years full time including an industry placement year. This programme is provisionally accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This programme is awarded by Askham Bryan College.
Modules
Level 4 - Year One, Term 1 and 2 • Clinical Care and Nursing Support • Radiography and Laboratory Diagnostics • Surgical Nursing and Introduction to Anaesthesia • Veterinary Nursing Professionalism and Research • Applied Animal Anatomy and Physiology Year One, Term 3 and Year Two, Term 1 and 2 • Complete 1800 hours in a training practice • Complete a nursing progress log Elective Modules (subject to demand) - Level 4 - Year Two, Term 3 • Introduction to Exotic Animal Nursing • Introduction to Animal Behaviour Level 5 - Year 3, Term 1, 2 and 3 • Preparing for Professional Registration • Practice Management and Team Leadership • Anaesthesia and Pharmacy for Veterinary Nurses • Nursing the Medical Patient • Independent Research Project Elective Modules (subject to demand) • Emergency and Critical Care • Introduction to Consulting and Nursing Clinics
Assessment method
University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse talents and skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. From traditional coursework to time-constrained assessments that sharpen quick thinking, with each assessment opportunity you can showcase your abilities. Engage in online assessments blending technology with information for adaptable problem-solving. Whilst presentations amplify your voice, and scholarly viva-voce discussions deepen understanding. Practical assessments bridge theory with real-world application, helping to shape your subject expertise. All students will also complete a clinical examination (known as an OSCE) which assesses practical skills and competences in relation to the veterinary nursing profession. With our varied approach, learning isn't just about meeting standards—it's about discovering your potential within an educational landscape.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 90 points
A pass (Grade C, or 4) in five subjects to include English Language, Mathematics, and Science at level 2. Evidence of 90 UCAS tariff points ideally as a result of: at least two subjects studied to A2 level to include preferably a Science related subject (e.g. Biology), or a relevant Level 3 vocational diploma (dependent on grades). All applicants must have gained a minimum of 4 weeks work experience in total. At least 2 weeks of this must have been completed within a small animal veterinary practice prior to applying. The further 2 weeks work experience can either be within a small animal veterinary practice or in an animal related industry. Satisfactory references must be supplied.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
You will be required to attend an interview in person or online
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £9934 | Year 1 |
| International | £9934 | Year 1 |
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
Due to the work placement element of the FdSc Veterinary Nursing the tuition fees for 2025 entry are:
Home Students:
Year 1 - 6,600.00
Year 2 - 4,200.00
Year 3 - 9,000.00
International Students:
Year 1 - 9,934.00
Year 2 - 5,866.00
Year 3 - 14,000.00
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested to ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA.
Provider information
University Centre Askham Bryan
Askham Bryan
York
YO23 3FR