BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Top-Up
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Paul Jones |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Michelle Cooper, Rhian Kinsella |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | Coleg Gwent |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 4 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Educational Aim
To provide quality education to students wishing to top up their Veterinary Nursing foundation degree using current, industry relevant knowledge underpinned by relevant research carried out by staff to learners of all ages that wish to pursue a career in the land-based industry.
To enable every learner to achieve the academic and employment related skills required to reach their full potential and gain employment within the veterinary nursing environment.
To develop key employability skills for registered veterinary nurses such as research, communication, critical thinking, conflict management, to furnish the learner with the ability to enhance their place of employment, or branch out to offer new services to meet the needs of the customer.
To broaden the learner’s understanding of advances in animal behaviour and welfare issues in relation to veterinary nursing practice, giving the student the potential to share this knowledge with employers and animal owners within the UK and overseas.
To gain a general understanding of the prescription market and feed supplement market from a veterinary health perspective, and recognise the target aims of manufacturers, vets and retailers. The students will develop confidence to evaluate associated nutritional products and their real impact on animal welfare, both positive and negative and apply this knowledge to a veterinary nursing context.
To further improve the student understanding of vertebrate anatomy, which is a valuable bank of knowledge that will complement the veterinary nurse’s understanding of animals’ behaviour, welfare and nutritional requirements.
To develop an ethos for lifelong learning development of professional competencies using a range of transferable skills and critical reflection which will support the students to be worthy and valuable employees.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | A1 Evaluate a range of Animal Behaviour issues related to veterinary practice, and use critical analysis skills to create a solution. |
| A2 | A2 Critically analyse the prescription diet and supplement market and evaluate the effectiveness and health value of products currently on the market. |
| A3 | A3 Further develop dissection skills and anatomy competence and understanding to furnish the learning with the ability to practically apply knowledge. |
| A4 | A4 Critically evaluate a current welfare issue and produce a written journal article to highlight the area of concern, giving valid reasoning within your argument. |
| B1 | B1 Critically analyse and apply a range of theories and legislation related to animal welfare and behaviour within the veterinary nursing field. |
| B2 | B2 Identify a current, relevant issue and demonstrate critical thinking skills to access a range of data, analyse information, apply knowledge, and evaluate data from all sides of an issue with a focus on informing your peers. |
| B3 | B3 Demonstrate critical thinking with regards to a veterinary nursing related welfare issue. Show critical awareness of both sides of the argument and evaluate proposed solutions |
| B4 | B4 Critically consider personal learning and reflect on personal development and skills acquisition. |
| C1 | C1 Present a systematic range of skills, competencies and experience to demonstrate a clear understanding of animal welfare issues and management. |
| C2 | C2 Exhibit attributes required within the veterinary nursing employment sector, which include informed decision-making, team building, effective and empathetic communicating, networking, coordination, collaboration, and collective leadership. |
| C3 | C3 Demonstrate technical and communication skills through a variety of media, to show capability of digital creation, digital innovation and digital collaboration. |
| C4 | C4 Demonstrate the attributes of a lifelong learner, to develop and nurture a frame of mind that values and utilises curiosity, reflection, and the development of new capabilities. |
Course Structure
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI2S121 | MOD009181 | Vertebrate Zoology | Running | 20 | optional |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI3S113 | MOD010386 | Advanced Animal Ethics and Welfare | Running | 20 | optional |
| BI3S114 | MOD010387 | Advances in Animal Health & Behaviour | Running | 20 | optional |
| BI3S115 | MOD010388 | Advanced Nutrition | Running | 20 | optional |
| BI3S116 | MOD010395 | Advanced Vertebrate Zoology | Running | 20 | specified |
| BI3D200 | MOD012913 | Research Project & Career Development | Running | 40 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Visiting Speakers
Veterinary Health Professionals, Feed manufacturers, Naff feed advisor, Vets.
Volunteering
Recommended for all attending the course. Work related and themed towards the student’s own work based or research interest.
Fieldwork
Research project will direct field work opportunities.
Resources on campus include:
Animal Care Centre and wide range of species
Working dairy and sheep farm
Livery Yard, BHS Exam centre and riding school
Riding for the disabled
Blue Cross Cat Rescue
Veterinary Nursing centres
USW links for research projects
Fieldtrips
Will be arranged dependent on students’ interests and available resources, to include Vet practices, food manufacturers, and animal collections.
Work Placements
Although not required as part of the course, work placements are encouraged.
Work-based Learning
Students will be encouraged to develop work based skills such as communication, public speaking, event organisation and IT to help them become employable professionals. Guest speakers will be engaged to clarify the work based skills necessary for the land-based industry.
Employer Forums
Tutors on the course are engaged in external activities which include RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) conference and CPD events, NFU (National Farmer Union) Conference and CPD events and Principle and Leading Handbook working group.
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
The learning support available through the course
The course utilises a range of learning approaches to ensure an inclusive learning environment. Acknowledging the rich and diverse character and content of the body of knowledge that forms the BSc (Hons) top up degree course, studying will involve numerous and diverse multi-mode learning activities including the following:
Attending formal lectures.
Attending and actively contributing to seminars and tutorials.
Undertaking a range of research based studies and data collection.
Participating in group based activities.
One-to-one interactions with academic staff.
Self-directed study.
Use of the Virtual Learning Environment.
Fieldwork including community-based learning.
Possible use of field or work-placement.
Induction
Provided by USW and Coleg Gwent
During the induction sessions, a series of activities take place in which the students meet their Course Leader and members of the course team, learn about the content and operation of their course, receive their timetables, receive important information on Health and Safety, are trained in use of Moodle and Unilearn, and learn about Coleg Gwent’s and USW’s online resources. Course handbooks are provided and used as part of this induction and orientation.
It is expected the course will be set up on Blackboard in its entirety, but as Coleg Gwent currently uses Moodle, this will be made available to students also, as there are a number of resources that may be beneficial.
Personal tutor
Personal Tutors are provided for the students. Channels of communication also include discussion with the module leader, Course Leader and Academic Tutor. Both the formal tutor system and ‘open-door’ policy are available for monitoring progress, feedback, and student support.
Office hours
Monday – Friday 8.30am-6pm
On an informal level, the academic staff are most approachable and module teachers and the Course Leaders are willing to discuss issues on an individual or group basis.
Tutorials
Tutorials are provided as part of the module teaching programme, as required, and on a regular basis as part of the research supervision, to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. Weekly and one to one sessions will be available.
Seminars
RCVS, NFU and related seminars will be advertised and students encouraged to attend.
Formative Assessment
All assessments assessed throughout the delivery of the course are used as formative opportunities. There are no other formative assessments.
Unilearn will be used within USW, all coursework is submitted and marked via Unilearn. Final dissertation is submitted online (to check for plagiarism) and as two physical copies
Progress meetings
One to one review meetings will take place to discuss progress.
Research Supervision
Provided mainly by USW staff as they will deliver the Research module with support by Coleg Gwent tutors.
Online Resources
Unilearn, All USW library and journal resources.
Blackboard/Moodle, all Coleg Gwent library and journal resources
All online resources, announcements, teaching notes and exam past papers are available 24/7.
Advice Centres
Coleg Gwent student services and the course tutor will be the first point of contact for advice.
Course tutors and the Course Leader act as points of contact for academic guidance to students. The Student Advice Centre on the Glyntaff Campus is located in the Elaine Morgan Building. Other services include Careers, Disability and Dyslexia, Health, Student Development and Study Skills, Money and Advice, Wellbeing and Care Leaver Services.
DDS Service
The University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements. The DDS supports students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities. Students can access the support online or through an appointment using the Advice Centres.
IT/Library
USW and Coleg Gwent learning centres
The students have access to three main libraries, two on the Glyntaff and Treforest Campuses where there has been a significant investment of a £6 million remodelling and refurbishment project, which was completed in February 2014. Online resources are available through the Library channel: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/ .
All Coleg Gwent Library facilities are also accessible across five campuses, Usk, Newport, Crosskeys, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
Progression Route
MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management USW
MRes (Biosciences)
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
For BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing entry will require evidence of a FD Veterinary Nursing to include RVN qualification.
Entry via other qualifications will be allowed subject to mapping of qualifications being suitable.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A