Access to Higher Education - Veterinary Science

This course is designed to give mature learners (19 years and over) a second chance at education or the opportunity to find their dream job. The course is held at our Cambridge campus in Milton, where Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing programmes have successfully ran for years. Please note that this course is currently subject to validation.

What will I do on this course?

You will cover topics including:

• General sciences
• Veterinary business and law
• Veterinary environments
• Animal handling and practical animal skills

The College of West Anglia is a longstanding and successful provider of Access to Higher Education courses and understands the challenges which come with retraining or getting back into education. This course will also give you the opportunity to refresh your maths and English skills and help prepare you for higher education with study skills sessions (e.g. research methods, assignment writing techniques and referencing).

Returning to Learning Events

We know how difficult it can be to even consider getting back into education after a long time away. Maybe you're worried that you don't have the time, can't afford it or that childcare may be a barrier.

If you can identify with any of the above, come along to our informal 'Return to Learning' event at the King's Lynn campus and meet some of our students who returned to learning and find how it's working for them. You'll also have the opportunity to speak to our teaching and student services staff about how our courses can fit around your commitments and lifestyle, and get more information about financial and childcare support.

If you're interested in coming along, click here to go to our event page and find 'Return to Learning'.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English, maths and science. Functional skills qualifications in English and Maths at level 2 are considered equivalent.

• A minimum of 4 weeks of animal related work experience (preferably with time spent in a veterinary practice). You and your supervisor will be asked to complete a work experience feedback form to evidence this.

This course is a year long and is likely to be 2 days per week (TBC).

What can I do after this course at CWA?

The College of West Anglia offers many opportunities to continue studying from entry level through to degrees at University Centre West Anglia. Some of the courses available for those who have successfully completed this course include:

• FdSc in Veterinary Nursing & Applied Animal Behaviour (Cambridge)
• BSc in Veterinary Nursing & Applied Animal Behaviour (Cambridge)

Successful students could also apply to progress elsewhere to study Veterinary Science or Bio-Veterinary Science students.

Fee information

All our Access to Higher Education courses have a course fee which could be waived if you are aged 19-23 at the start of your course and have not completed a level 3 (or above) course before.

Otherwise, you could also consider applying for the Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course. If you complete an Access course and then progress onto and complete a degree (with us or elsewhere), you will not be required to pay back the remaining amount of your Advanced Learner Loan!

Advanced Learner Loan Information

What qualification will I achieve?

Access to Higher Education Diploma in Veterinary Science

How is my course assessed?

Theoretical and practical elements of the course curriculum will be assessed using a variety of methods, including computer based exercises, essays, practical reports, laboratory skills, project reports and seen and unseen examinations.