The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses. If you cannot find your country on this list, please contact international@gre.ac.uk.
Veterinary Nursing (QA only), FdSc (Plumpton College)
If you’re looking to train while gaining invaluable experience as a student veterinary nurse in a placement, this three-year Foundation Degree is the ideal course for you.
This three-year programme which articulates with the RCVS Day One Skills and Day One Competencies for veterinary nurses and has been a successful Higher Education provision at Plumpton College since 2009 incorporating theoretical modules, practical skills and a work placement.
If you are looking for a rewarding, progressive lifelong career within the veterinary industry then veterinary nursing is an excellent choice! With our onsite clinical training suite, hands-on practical experience and up-to-date industry relevant modules you will gain all the skills necessary to be a successful veterinary nurse.
The course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges: Plumpton College, based at Lewes, East Sussex.
UCAS points
56 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
D310
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We received Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. This recognises our outstanding performance in student experience and outcomes.
Location
Duration
3 years sandwich
Start month
September
Fees information
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Validated / Quality Assured (QA) Programmes: these are programmes approved (‘validated’) and quality assured by the University of Greenwich for delivery by one of our Partner Colleges. They lead to a University of Greenwich award.
About the course team
All teaching staff on the programme are registered veterinary nurses holding a level 4 qualification or above. A requirement of being a registered veterinary nurse is that 15 hours a year of industry relevant CPD is carried out, ensuring that the students are being taught by staff with most up-to-date industry knowledge.
Course Leader: Georgina Darnell
Entry requirements
Typical Offer: 56 Points
Qualifications: two A-Levels/Extended Diploma
We consider a range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:
A-Level: two subjects (CD) and must include A2 Biology and one other science subject.
BTEC National: Extended Diploma (MPP) in Animal or Equine Management.
We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.
We expect a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics, English and a science, all at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
For more information, contact the HE Office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk).
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Class sizes are small with a high focus on individual engagement and support. Cohort sizes are restricted a maximum of 20 students. There are a couple of cross college modules which may see shared classes with other degree courses resulting in larger lecture groups of up to 50 students. Small class sizes are a strength of the provision and allow for increased interaction between lecturers and students.
Independent learning
Students are also encouraged to undertake their own personal study. Whilst this enables the student to pursue their own areas of interest, this time also sets the foundation for a future of lifetime learning - an essential in this rapidly evolving industry.
Overall workload
You should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 100 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 200 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments taken at the college and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, contact the HE office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk)
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | N/A | N/A |
| International | TBC | N/A | N/A |
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Safety equipment
Students are required to purchase their own steel-toe capped boots for work in our animal management centre and a veterinary nursing tunic for practical sessions. Lab coats and personal protective equipment is provided free of charge when required.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
Enrolment to the RCVS as a student veterinary nurse is required to complete this course. Current enrolment fee is £202 and this must be paid by the student within 6 weeks of the course starting. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships such as British Veterinary Nursing Association membership at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You receive a small allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
You’ll be allocated a work placement practice in your first year – most students will stay with the same practice throughout their training. This is an opportunity for you to become fully integrated within a multidisciplinary team. We’ve found that many of our students have gone on to be employed at their placement practice after they’ve successfully completed their Foundation Degree.
How long is my placement?
In order to be eligible to join the RCVS, students must complete a total of 1800 training hours within a UK veterinary practice. This work placement is carried out alongside the course and will take place in an approved training practice where the student is allocated a clinical coach. This is a registered veterinary nurse or registered Veterinary Surgeon who has undergone additional training to be able to support students through the development of their clinical skills.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
On completion of the course, students will be eligible to join the RCVS register of veterinary nurses (subject to accreditation). Historically the course sees 100% employability with graduating students and they are able to go into industry as well-rounded professionals with both academic and practical skills. Graduating students have gone onto to become Head Nurses, clinical coaches, work in referral hospitals, had their project research published by recognised magazines and become teachers on the course.
Do you provide employability services?
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department offers dedicated support for HE students, this can take the form of one-to-one support, exam access arrangements. Students who have a learning disability are able to access support with making an application to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from the College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department.
Support from the department
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.
Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team. The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.
Mode of study
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