warding Institution Teaching Institution Delivery Location Study abroad / Exchange / Credit recognition Department responsible for programme Programme Title Professional Statutory or Regulatory Body Links Highest ward Title Default ward Title Interim ward Titles Mode(s) of Study Programme Specification Hartpury Hartpury Hartpury None Part 1: Basic Data Veterinary Nursing BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) None BSc Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) BSc Veterinary Health Studies Dip HE Veterinary Health Studies Cert HE Veterinary Health Studies Full time Codes UCS: BD71 JCS: D310 HES: Relevant Q Subject Benchmark Statements griculture, Forestry, gricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences; Veterinary Nursing Last Major pproval Date 1 September 2017 Valid from 1 September 2018 mendment pproval Date Version 1.2 Review Due By 1 September 2023 mended with effect from pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 1 of 11
Part 2: Educational ims of the Programme The programme focuses on preparing individuals to become competent, flexible and accountable veterinary nurses. The student will gain a strong educational basis, integrated with professional competencies to enable them to progress in their career. The student will gain a working understanding and develop a critical awareness of the problems and/or new insights in the field of veterinary nursing science, including issues pertaining to the area of animal health, nutrition and nursing techniques. s independent learners, the BSc (Hons) student will develop analytical and reflective skills to apply within their careers and graduates may continue in academic study and/or enter employment, and upon completion will be eligible to register as a Veterinary Nurse. The programme will prepare the learner with a foundation for lifelong learning and: 1 Build on basic scientific principles to develop a knowledge and understanding of the animal in health and disease and use this knowledge to study animals in the context of present day veterinary industry and nursing environment; 2 Provide students with the opportunity to think constructively and critically, discuss and evaluate concepts and theories in the field of veterinary nursing science, propose sound and reasoned solutions to problems and show clear developments of these skills; 3 Develop vocational skills, knowledge and understanding which enable students to be competent to the most recent PSRB industry standards (RCVS, LNTR); 4 Provide a higher level of qualification which is still relevant to veterinary nursing and facilitate graduates registering as a Veterinary Nurse; 5 ssess the abilities of the students in a rigorous and constructive way; 6 Meet the needs of the industry sector providing the foundation for a range of careers; 7 Provide students with the ability to transfer skills to different working environments and enable students to be adaptable to the changing demands of veterinary business; 8 Develop skills and qualities appropriate to all aspects of personal and working life by completing part of their study in a work environment; 9 Provide students with an intellectual challenge based on a scientific and analytical approach; 10 Provide high quality education and professional development, supported by a strong base of creative and applicable research; 11 Enable students to progress into postgraduate study or research. Programme requirements for the purposes of the Higher Education chievement Record (HER) To successfully pass this programme the student must achieve all of the learning outcomes identified in the modules, this includes a placement module of a minimum of 1800 hours completed in a veterinary practice setting (minimum of 35 hours per week). The veterinary practice setting allows students to develop their practical veterinary nursing competencies in a variety of nursing contexts, in addition the opportunity to develop career long professional relationships and future employment opportunities forms a significant part of the work based learning experience. The Veterinary Nursing modules validated as part of this programme are accredited by the professional body, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and successful completion allows recognition and entry to the register. pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 2 of 11
Part 3: Programme Structure for BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) This structure diagram demonstrates the student journey from Entry through to Graduation for a typical full time student, including: 1 level and credit requirements 2 interim award requirements 3 module diet, including compulsory and optional modules ENTRY Compulsory Modules Optional Modules Interim wards Foundation Year Year 1 ENTRY TO YER ONE Year 2 ENTRY TO FOUNDTION YER Year 3 Not applicable. Not applicable. CertHE Veterinary Health Studies Credit requirements: 120 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 100 are at level 4 or above. natomy for * (HVNXNP-30-4) nimal Husbandry for Veterinary Nurses* (HVNXNT-15-4) Professional Veterinary Nursing Practice* (HVNXPX-15-4) Patient Care 1 for * HVNXPY-30-4) Placement Preparation for Veterinary Nurses* (HVNXQ3-15-4) Pharmacy Management for * (HVNXQ4-15-4) Placement for * HVNV6H-45-5) maximum of 52 weeks (minimum) work placement in an RCVS approved veterinary nursing training practice Diagnostics for * (HVNXQ6-15-5) Surgical and naesthesia Practice for * (HVNXQ7-15-5) Patient Care 2 for * (HVNXQ8-15-5) Reflective Veterinary Nursing Practice* (HVNV6G-15-5) Undergraduate Research Process (HVNXU5-15-5) Not applicable. Not applicable. nimal Therapy 1 (HNXU4-15-5) DipHE Veterinary Health Studies Credit Requirements: 240 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 220 are at level 4 or above and not less than 100 at level 5 or above. BSc Veterinary Health Studies Credit Requirements: 300 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 280 are at level 4 or above, not less than 100 at level 5 or above and not less than 60 at level 6 or above. BSc Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) Credit Requirements: 300 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 280 are at level 4 or above, not less than 100 at level 5 or above and not less than 60 at level 6 or above and RCVS certificate, including all compulsory modules. TRGET WRD: BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) Credit Requirements: 360 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 340 are at level 4 or above, not less than 200 at level 5 or above and not less than 100 at level 6 or above and all the compulsory modules including placement modules. GRDUTION Year 4 The Professional Veterinary Nurse (HVNXQV-30-6) Students need to select 45 credits from the following compulsory modules; Undergraduate Dissertation (HNV3R-45-6) OR pplied Research Project (HNV3S- 30-6) ND Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate (HNV4Y-15-6) Students are normally required to select 45 credits from level 6 optional modules listed below: Undergraduate Independent Study (HNV3M-15-6) Equine Ethics and Welfare (HEQV4L- 15-6) pplied Business Management (HNXKU-15-6) nimal Therapy 2 (HNV36-15-6) Developments in nimal Science (HNV3G-15-6) pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 3 of 11
Part 4: Learning Outcomes of the Programme The award route provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: Learning Outcomes: natomy for nimal Husbandry for Professional Veterinary Nursing Practice Patient Care 1 for Placement Preparation for Pharmacy Management for Placement for Diagnostics for Surgical and naesthesia Practice for Patient Care 2 for Reflective Veterinary Nursing Practice Undergraduate Research Process nimal Therapy 1 The Professional Veterinary Nurse Undergraduate Independent Study Undergraduate Dissertation OR pplied Research Project ND Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate Equine Ethics and Welfare pplied Business Management nimal Therapy 2 Developments in nimal Science ) Knowledge and understanding of: 1 The principles which relate theory to practice in veterinary nursing science and related animal practice. 2 sound knowledge of anatomical, physiological and nutritional principles related to animal health and disease. 3 Principles behind the healing process in animals and common diseases and malfunctions of the body systems. 4 Legislative, ethical and welfare issues in treating animals. 5 The ability to apply underpinning principles of nursing techniques to animals in health and sickness. 6 The purpose and relevance of IT applications and interpersonal relationships to the modern veterinary practice. 7 Business organisation in relation to the veterinary practice. 8 cademic skills to enable further study at honours level. B) Intellectual Skills: 1 Seek out, describe and interpret information in the field of Veterinary Nursing and nimal Health. 2 Describe, interpret and organise data which can be used to defend an opinion formed on the basis of evidence. 3 pply given techniques/methods accurately to a well-defined problem, pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 4 of 11
draw appropriate conclusions and make recommendations. 4 Demonstrate the ability to identify, describe and analyse problem situations when in practice. 5 Demonstrate skills of analysis and decision making when discussing modern nursing techniques. 6 Reflect on actions and priorities and formulate effective strategies for achieving goals. 7 Understand and apply numerical conventions, interpreting trends and data. 8 Debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives. C) Subject/Professional/Practical Skills: 1 pply practical animal nursing skills, using knowledge and understanding based on scientific principles. 2 Be competent to relevant industry standards. 3 Recognise moral/ethical dilemmas and issues. 4 Be adaptable to the changing demands of a veterinary practice and individuals who engage with it. D) Transferable skills and other attributes: 1 Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means. 2 Reflect upon academic, vocational and professional performance. 3 Utilise problem solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations. 4 Respond to changing demands in the workplace. 5 Manage time effectively, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress. 6 Understand career opportunities and challenges ahead and begin to plan a career path. 7 Use information management skills, for example: information technology, library resources, the use of information technology in the workplace. *Subject to validation by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 5 of 11
Part 5: Student Learning and Student Support Teaching and learning strategies to enable learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated There is a policy for a minimum average requirement of 15 hours in year one and 12 hours/week contact time over the course of the full undergraduate programme. This contact time encompasses a range of face: face activities as described below. In addition a range of other learning activities will be embedded within the programme which, together with the contact time, will enable learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated. The purpose of the programme is to provide a balance of vocational and academic study that is intellectually challenging, vocationally relevant, and provides a foundation for pursuing a career within veterinary nursing and animal management. The programme encompasses the Veterinary Nursing Occupational Standards (LNTR) and the RCVS Day One Skills and Compentencies for Veterinary Nurses and, on successful completion of the programme, the student is able to register as a qualified veterinary nurse. In the honours degree programme, academic knowledge and understanding will reinforce and support the development of vocational skills to equip the student with the skills and knowledge relevant to their employment and to the needs of employers. There has been substantial dialogue with the veterinary industry and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) thus identifying current needs in Veterinary Nursing and associated professions. Only on successful completion of all of the compulsory modules including the placements, and graduating, will the student become a qualified veterinary nurse and be awarded BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW). The programme design is unique to ensure the best learning experience for students. Core modules in year 1 provide the student with a basic understanding of veterinary nursing techniques as well as developing investigative skills for research. This knowledge is expanded in the subsequent modules at level 5. Students have the opportunity to study the principles of veterinary nursing science, and apply these across a wide range of animals. The diversity of experience and transferable skills will give BSc (Hons) graduates a good foundation for Continuing Professional Development. There is a maximum of 52 weeks (2100 hours) of work experience built in to the programme which consolidates the students academic knowledge whilst giving the student the opportunity to develop practical skills required in the industry. This placement is inextricably linked to the achievement of the RCVS Day One skills in Veterinary Nursing which is a requirement for students to achieve the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW). The student, whilst on placement, will produce reflective reports. The reports will develop the learner s ability to evaluate their own academic, vocational and professional performance with direct feedback from the placement provider. Students are provided with placement opportunities, and are supported through study skills sessions and visiting speakers. The institution must obtain permission from the Training Practice s (TP) Primary Centre before the student can commence their placement. The professional and vocational nature of this programme requires that students are fit to practice and enter the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nursing Register on graduation from the institution. If learners are deemed to be unfit to practice at any point during their programme of studies the current version of the Univerity Fitness to Practice policy will be envoked to protect the integrity of the award. Learners will be supported throughout the programme through online web-based support and Digital Collection and individual tutorial sessions with a designated tutor. pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 6 of 11
Through complementary studies, students are able to acquire professional qualifications such as manual handling, first aid, health and safety, and risk assessment. Opportunities for learners to develop their information technology skills are again available through complementary studies. Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) This programme is supported by a VLE where students will be able to find all necessary programme/module information. Direct links to information sources will also be provided from within the VLE. To support learner s career preparations, careers personnel visit the institution on a regular basis and the students can use all the on line resources as well. Tutors will also offer subject specific careers advice through module sessions or individual tutorials. Careers Fairs are arranged periodically to allow students to engage directly with employers from the industry sector. Description of any Distinctive Features 1 The purpose of the programme is to provide a balance of vocational and academic study that is intellectually challenging, vocationally relevant, and provides a foundation for pursuing a career within the veterinary and animal based sector; on successful completion of the programme, the student may register as a qualified veterinary nurse. 2 Learners will have the opportunity to establish and refine their professional competencies. 3 The programme reinforces academic knowledge and understanding, whilst supporting the development of vocational skills to equip the student with the skills and knowledge relevant to their employment. There has been substantial employer input in the design of the programme through vocational panels representing employers from the local area, thus identifying employer s needs and current skills shortages in veterinary nursing. 4 The programme has been designed to build on the competencies of a wide spectrum of students. The programme delivery maximises benefits of co-teaching with specialised seminars and practical sessions. 5 Students undertaking an Honours degree will study alongside Foundation degree students for many of their modules. Lectures and practical work may be shared, and students benefit from the differing strengths and experiences of each student cohort. Separate seminar work, assessment and tutorials given maintain the distinction between the two programmes. 6 For the purposes of training, students are required to enroll with The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a student veterinary nurse. 7 In order to complete the programme and gain the highest award title; BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) students must achieve all institution module assessments, achieve (where required by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nursing Byelaws) RCVS examinations, and complete a maximum of 52 weeks/2100 hours (minimum) work placement in an RCVS approved veterinary nursing training practice and complete a minimum of 94 weeks of training from RCVS enrolment to graduation. 8 Students must be eligible to register with The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons prior to graduation. 9 maximum of 52 weeks/2100 hours (minimum) work placement is a compulsory and essential feature. The placement incorporates the completion of the RCVS Day One Skills within the relevant placement module. The students are supported by the Veterinary Nursing Team to develop their skills and prepare for placement before commencement. During placement students have continued support via tutor visits and, the placements are supported/co-ordinated by the institution Primary Centre and the Placement Co-ordinator. The institution s contacts and expertise are used to ensure students gain the most from this important part of the programme. 10 The programme may require students to undertake the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons examinations, written and or OSCE practicals. 11 The distinctive nature of this programme means that students will incur additional costs over and above the expected institution fees, this includes costs for return to the institution during placement (travel and accommodation) RCVS enrolment and examination fees where necessary, placement accommodation and travel, Veterinary Nursing uniforms etc. 12 The fourth year of the programme allows learners to develop further their professional skills, with particular reference to professional obligations, the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct and Continuing Professional Development. pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 7 of 11
Part 6: ssessment This module will be assessed according to the cademic Regulations published for the academic year on the website http://www.hartpury.ac.uk ssessment Strategy ssessment strategy to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated: ssessments will take place throughout the programme and appropriate assessments will be used at each level to test both theoretical understanding and practical ability. In line with the institution s commitment to facilitating equal opportunities, a student may apply for alternative means of assessment if appropriate. Each application will be considered on an individual basis taking into account learning and assessment needs. For further information regarding this please refer to the VLE. ssessment Map The programme encompasses a range of assessment methods and these are detailed in the following assessment map: ssessment Map for BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) Type of assessment* Unseen Written Exam Open Book Written Exam In-class Written Test Practical Exam Practical Skills ssessment Oral assessment and/or presentation Written ssignment Report / Project Dissertation Portfolio Compulsory Modules Level 4 Compulsory Modules Level 5 Optional Modules Level 5 Compulsory Modules Level 6 natomy for Veterinary Nurses nimal Husbandry for Professional Veterinary Nursing Practice Patient Care 1 for Placement Preparation for Pharmacy Management for Placement for Diagnostics for Surgical and naesthesia Practice for Patient Care 2 for Reflective Veterinary Nursing Practice Undergraduate Research Process nimal Therapy 1 The Professional Veterinary Nurse Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate ND (50) B (50) (50) B (50) (50) B (50) (50) B (50) B (P/F) (50) B (50) (50) B (50) pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 8 of 11
Optional Modules Level 6 pplied Research Project OR Undergraduate Dissertation Equine Ethics and Welfare pplied Business Management *Subject to validation by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) nimal Therapy 2 (75) B (25) Developments in nimal Science Undergraduate Independent Study *ssessment should be shown in terms of either Written Exams, Practical exams, or Coursework as indicated by the colour coding above. pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 9 of 11
Part 7: Entry Requirements pplicants will have achieved entry criteria appropriate for the year of entry, which can be found through the institution s website (www.hartpury.ac.uk). We also welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds who do not have the entry requirements outlined above. pplicants will be considered on the basis of evidence of personal, professional and educational experience which indicates an applicant s ability to meet the demands of the programme. Where appropriate experience or learning has been gained prior to enrolment on the programme RPL/RPEL may be possible. pplicants whose first language is not English must also gain a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 prior to entry onto the programme. Part 8: Reference Points and Benchmarks Description of how the following reference points and benchmarks have been used in the design of the programme: Q UK Quality Code for HE Has been used to define the minimum level of achievement that students need to achieve to succeed on this programme and achieve the qualification. It has also been used to inform the academic quality of the programme and enhance the quality of the learning opportunities and the assessment methods used to measure achievement on the programme. The Standards and Guidelines for Quality ssurance in the European Higher Education rea (ESG) 2015 The programme has been designed considering how it addresses aspects of part one of the ESG. In particular the programme has been designed so that it meets the objectives set for them, including the intended learning outcomes. The qualification resulting from a programme should be clearly specified and communicated, and refer to the correct level of the national qualifications framework for higher education and, consequently, to the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education rea. dditionally the design and teaching, learning and assessment strategy within this programme encourages the programme to be delivered in a way that encourages students to take an active role in creating the learning process, and that the assessment of students reflects this approach. Relevant subject benchmark statements: Veterinary Nursing The Purpose of this Subject Benchmark Statement is to make explicit the nature and academic standards of degrees in the area of veterinary nursing. The statement clarifies the boundaries of the subject area and the specific threshold standards for foundation degrees and bachelor s degrees with honours. This includes: Nature and scope of veterinary nursing Subject knowledge and understanding Subject specific and generic skills (clinical, technical, personal and professional) Teaching, learning and assessment griculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences Work based and Placement Learning (Q 2007)) have informed the characteristics of the subject matter and curriculum development of the programme, the programme learning outcomes and the attributes that a graduate of this programme should be able to demonstrate. Other relevant reference points: pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 10 of 11
Hartpury 2020 Strategy and the Teaching and Research Excellence Strategy 2017-2021 These have been used in designing this programme to ensure that the programme is: learningcentred; underpinned by sound health and safety practices and informed by research and professional practice; inclusive, flexible and accessible, exemplified in particular by the part-time and accelerated study routes; and, provides a diverse assessment diet. Furthermore, the programme aims to produce graduates who: know and value themselves as open-minded, reflective and inter-dependent learners, and participants, employees, self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs in global settings and as global citizens; and, reflect on their own learning and practice, who value others as collaborators in their learning and its exchange. ssessment within the programme: is an integral part of a dynamic learning and teaching process and not separate from it; plays a key part in the rigorous setting and maintaining of academic standards; provides all students with the entitlement to parity of treatment; makes no distinction between different modes of study; ensures that progression is achieved by credit accumulation and the completion of pre-requisites and co-requisites; recognises different module learning in different forms of assessment; and, affords students the maximum opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, competencies and overall strengths through a variety of assessed activities. What methods have been used in the development of this programme to evaluate and improve the quality and standards of learning? This could include consideration of stakeholder feedback from, for example current students, graduates and employers. In order to facilitate the development of this programme and to evaluate and improve the quality and standards of learning, feedback from the professional body, current students, graduates and employers has been and continues to be requested, considered and utilised. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of individual modules can be found in module specifications, available on the Institution s website. pproved by: CC20170901 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science (SW) v 1.2 Valid from: 01 Sept 2017 Page 11 of 11