| Foundation Veterinary Nursing | UCAS Code: | D310 |
| Institution Code: | RVET R84 |
Entry requirements (2012 entry)
High Standards with a flexible approach
Application to the Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing programme is competitive, but the RVC actively encourages applicants with the desire to succeed. Our admissions tutors consider all applications carefully on their individual merits. Below are our minimum requirements relating to academic qualifications and work experience.
Academic qualifications
- Advanced/A2 Levels
- Access to HE Diplomas
- Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences
- BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management - old BTEC syllabus (for students who started this qualification before 2010)
- BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management new BTEC syllabus (for students starting this qualification in 2010)
- BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science
- Cambridge Pre-U
- International Baccalaureate
- Scottish Highers
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- [GCSEs only in addition to other qualifications]
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- International and EU applicants
- Other
Re-sits:
What if I don’t achieve the entry requirements?
Due to the level of competition for places , when applying to our Veterinary Nursing (D313 or D310) programme, normally applicants need to have achieved our minimum published entry requirements at both GCSE and A-Level (or equivalent acceptable qualifications) in order to progress any further in the application process. It does not matter if you achieve these minimum grades by re-sitting modules within the qualification.
The UK professional body for Veterinary Nursing sets minimum academic requirements for all trainee veterinary nurses. We incorporate these into our entry requirements, so if you are narrowly missing the GCSE requirements (or equivalent) unfortunately we may not be able to consider your application further. If you are unsure about whether you meet our minimum requirements, or if you are thinking of re-sitting or taking further qualifications and would like some advice please contact the Admissions Office at enquiries@rvc.ac.uk with full details of your qualifications (including subjects and grades).
Does it count against me if I re-sit a GCSE or A-level?
The RVC admissions policy is to accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE, A-Level or equivalent without penalty. We would expect applicants to achieve the required grades on the second sitting.
If you are regularly finding it hard to pass exams or indeed if you struggle to motivate yourself to do school/college work then you should consider whether studying veterinary nursing at university degree level is the right training route for you. See the RCVS website for details of the work-based training route, or visit the 'To be a vet' website for details of other careers where you can put your caring nature and other skills to excellent use by really making a difference to the lives of animals.
For advice on re-application see the How do I apply? section.
UK Qualifications
| Requirements | Comments |
|---|---|
| Advanced/A2 Levels | |
80 UCAS tariff points at A2 and AS level including:
General Studies is not acceptable as a subject at A2/AS |
Equivalent qualifications will be considered on their own merit. "Science subject" at A-level refers to preferably Biology or Human Biology, but we will also conisder Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science and Psychology. |
| Access to HE Diplomas | |
Diplomas must be Science based and include a minimum of 15 Credits at Level 3 in a Science subject, preferably Biology. See the Access to Higher Education website to search for possible courses in your area. |
|
| Birkbeck College's Certificate of Higher Education in "Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine" | |
We will accept passes in this Certificate of Higher Education. See the Birkbeck website for further details. |
|
BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management (OLD syllabus -for students who started this qualification before 2010) |
|
Animal Management is accepted with PPP (Pass Pass Pass) overall, with Merits in the following asterisked subjects:
The following modules are also preferred:
|
|
| BTEC National Level 3 Diploma Animal Management
(NEW syllabus: for students who will be starting this qualification in 2010) |
|
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management is acceptable with a minimum of PPP (Pass Pass Pass) overall and the units below. The Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management would also be considered with a minimum of MP (Merit, Pass) overall and the units below. The following units are required. Merits must be achieved in these modules:
The following optional units are preferred units:
|
See additional GCSE requirements.
|
| BTEC National Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science | |
PPP required overall. The following units are preferred in conjunction with the core units and will enhance an application:
|
See additional GCSE requirements.
|
| Cambridge Pre-U | |
At least 80 UCAS tariff points including a science subject (preferably Biology) taken as a Principal subject with a minimum of Pass (P3) or higher. |
|
| International Baccalaureate Diploma or Certificates | |
80 UCAS tariff points to include a science subject (preferably Biology) at Higher Level Grade 4. |
See additional GCSE requirements If you took the IB outside of the UK please see our advice for International and EU applicants. |
| Scottish Highers | |
80 UCAS tariff points from Highers or Advanced Highers, to include:
|
In addition to five Standard grades 1-3 including:
|
| Welsh Baccalaureate | |
80 UCAS tariff points from A-level, AS-level, or the Welsh Bac Core((where the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate has been taken), including:
|
Science subject at A-level refers to Biology or Human Biology, but we will also conisder Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. General Studies is not acceptable as a subject at A2/AS |
| GCSE (in addition to further qualifications, see above) | |
At least five at C grade or above including:
|
Key Skills Level 2 in Communication can be accepted instead of GCSE English and Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number can be accepted instead of GCSE Mathematics NOTE: If you do not have any qualifications higher than GCSE, you may wish to consider the work-based training route - see the Veterinary Nursing section of the RCVS website for details . |
Other qualifications accepted as equivalent to the requirements above
| International and EU applicants |
|---|
We welcome applications from international students. Candidates must meet the entry requirements by means of the prescribed qualifications listed or other acceptable alternative qualifications. Alternative qualifications will need to satisfy the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as well as the College. The course demands an excellent understanding of both written and spoken English language as demonstrated preferably by an IELTS score of 7.0 overall. For advice on the acceptability of your qualifications please send details, referring to each of the required subjects (Biology, Maths, and English and any other science subjects) to international@rvc.ac.uk. |
| Other Qualifications |
Equivalent qualifications will be considered on their own merit. For advice on the eligibility of other qualifications, please contact Admissions at enquiries@rvc.ac.uk. Prospective students must have achieved a sufficient level of knowledge in the prescribed subjects before entry to this course. Email: enquiries@rvc.ac.uk For international enquiries call: +44 (0)20 7468 5146 |
Work Experience:
We ask for work experience in a veterinary practice in order for you to develop your animal handling skills and obtain an insight into the work of veterinary nurses.
Before you apply you must have completed (with written references) at least:
- two weeks work experience in a small animal veterinary practice
- and a further two weeks in other animal environments. Examples include, but are not limited to: kennels, cattery, animal shelter, pet shop etc.
You must state clearly on your UCAS application form the dates and length of time spent on each work experience.
After you have applied you may be sent a supplementary form to complete in order for us to gain more information about these placements. See the How to apply section for more information about references.
To get the most of our your placements you may also want to see our advice about how to get started with your work experience.
