Core and optional courses

Core Courses:

Research and Evidence Based Veterinary Nursing (Year 1)

This course will introduce students to the concepts of theoretical and practical research. It will cover what research is and why it is carried out, the basic elements of the research process, different types of research (quantitative and qualitative) using relevant examples from veterinary nursing / medicine. Following on from this, students will be shown how to access research, how to find and evaluate evidence, carry out literature searches, utilise evidence in their own writing / studying and how to develop their own research questions.

Clinical Governance in Veterinary Nursing (Year 1)

This course will enable students to learn from industry experts to develop their knowledge of the key concepts underlying clinical governance in veterinary practice. Students will learn skills than can be directly applied to practice, including how to perform audits and monitor performance and outcomes in their own clinical environments, and how these skills can be demonstrated if their practice undergoes accreditation or awards assessment.

Developing Evidence Based Practice through Reflection (Year 1)

During this course, students will learn theoretical frameworks of reflective practice and develop practical skills in personal reflection with respect to their learning and professional development. The role of reflection within and techniques for implementing evidence-based practice will also be explored.

Research Design and Dissemination (Year 2)

This course will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the research process from appraisal of related literature, research design, ethical approval, through to data management and analysis. Routes of research dissemination will also be explored including delivery of oral presentations, preparing posters, and writing for publication.

Animal and Veterinary Ethics (Year 2)

This course will enable students to develop their knowledge of key concepts underlying animal and veterinary ethics. Participants will also improve their ethical reasoning skills by learning to utilise a logical approach to decision making when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Dissertation (Year 3)

This course will allow the student to consolidate and extend their learning from courses undertaken during their programme of studies to undertake a supervised dissertation, including writing it up and presenting the findings to peers.

Optional Courses:

Teaching and Assessment in Veterinary Nursing (Year 2)

This course aims to provide veterinary nurses with the knowledge and skills to create an effective learning environment for individuals within the veterinary nursing profession. Students will analyse strategic learning theories and models of teaching in order to synthesise knowledge and adapt one's own teaching practice. The course will cover delivery of teaching, evaluation of competencies, and self-reflection allowing for research to be utilised and adapted to create a teaching, learning and assessment plan. Individuals will also cover key transferable skills which will influence teaching practice. A proportion of the course will focus on the teaching and assessment of clinical skills, and how it can be practically implemented and utilised within one’s own practice, and in an academic environment.

Introduction to Veterinary Business Studies (Year 2)

This course will enable students to develop their knowledge of core business concepts and how they apply to the veterinary industry. Participants will learn skills that can be utilised in practice from a variety of areas, including business strategy, marketing, client experience, finance and human resources.