Programme and Assessment structure
Programme structure
The programme comprises of a bridging module, three core professional modules and three elective clinical modules.
| Module | (Level) Credits |
| Pre-requisite Bridging module —Contemporary study skills – 7 weeks | (L6) 10 |
| Core modules —Applied Clinical nursing – 14 weeks —Problem solving In Veterinary Physiology – 14 weeks —Professional studies – 10 weeks | (L6) 20 (L6) 20 (L6) 10 |
| Elective modules Three from this list (20 credits per module) – 14 weeks each—Anaesthesia incorporating Analgesia —Emergency and Critical Care Nursing incorporating Fluid therapy —Surgical Nursing incorporating Wound Management —Diagnostic Imaging —Medical Nursing | (L6) 60 |
| Total credits awarded | (L6) 120 |
Students are assessed in a variety of ways throughout the modular programme. Whether you have recently qualified as a veterinary nurse, or have been out of the learning environment for some time, we do all we can to ensure that you adapt readily to online learning. Our introductory Orientation Week will ensure that you are confident in using modern learning technologies throughout the programme.
- Participants receive one-to-one feedback on progress, in order to identify future development requirements
- Exams and assignments include written essays and extended patient care reports, designed to assess knowledge and skills
Written assignments are submitted both during and at the end of each module.
These published papers are some examples of Graduate Diploma written assignments from our students.
Written examinations are taken at the end of the professional core modules and then written and practical examinations are taken at the end of the clinical elective modules. Examinations are held in April/May (professional core modules) and September (clinical elective modules) and require you to come to RVC campus in Hertfordshire.
Assessment methods
A range of assessment methods are used throughout the course which have been selected and managed to promote deep and effective learning. During each of the modules, students are given opportunities to practice, and will receive individualised feedback so that they can assess their progress and identify and plan their further learning needs. In addition, exams and written assignments such as essays, case reports and case logs are used to ensure that students demonstrate the baseline knowledge and competencies required for the VN practitioner at Graduate Diploma level. Written assignments are submitted during and at the end of each module. Written and practical examinations are taken at the end of the block of professional core modules and then again at the end of the clinical elective modules. These examinations are held annually in July/August/September and are held at the Royal Veterinary College campus, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.