Why this programme

• Specifically designed to support the delivery of quality care, evidence-based learning and best practice techniques.
• Devised by experts from different fields of veterinary nursing and the wider veterinary industry, this means the planning and delivery of courses remains current, relevant and valuable to you, especially when it comes to furthering your career.
• You will learn alongside veterinary nurses from a variety of clinical settings and geographical locations, creating a rich professional community where ideas, experiences and best practice can be shared.
• Through engagement with current research, quality improvement methodologies and evidence-based veterinary nursing, you will develop the skills to critically evaluate practice, implement change and improve outcomes for both patients and teams.
• Learning is closely linked to your own professional context, allowing you to apply new knowledge and skills directly within your workplace from the outset. As you progress through the programme, you will be supported to evaluate practice, lead evidence-informed improvements and develop the confidence, expertise and professional credibility needed to advance your career and contribute to the future of veterinary nursing.
• The programme is taught by an experienced multidisciplinary team with expertise across veterinary nursing, clinical practice, education and research, ensuring that your learning remains relevant, contemporary and directly applicable to professional practice.
• As part of the University of Glasgow's internationally recognised veterinary community, you will benefit from a supportive learning environment, access to extensive digital resources and opportunities to build your professional network while studying flexibly from anywhere in the world.

Accredititation 

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).  Upon completion of the PgCert, Registered Veterinary Nurses who have pre-enrolled with the RCVS will be able to apply for award of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN), the only RCVS post-registration qualification. Successful candidates will be able to use the CertAVN post nominal and will receive the CertAVN blue badge and certificate.



International veterinary nurses who are registered, licenced or certified with a statutory (non-voluntary) governing body may also be eligible to enrol onto the CertAVN.

Discover the programme through our playlist of videos featuring the Programme Director, alumni, and online open day sessions. Hear first-hand about the student experience, learn what to expect from the programme, and explore how studying with the University of Glasgow can support your career.

Career prospects

This programme is designed for ambitious veterinary nurses who want to expand their professional influence and advance their careers within a rapidly developing profession.

Graduates develop advanced skills in critical appraisal, evidence-based practice, reflection, quality improvement and professional leadership. These skills are highly valued across a range of veterinary settings and can support progression into senior clinical, managerial, educational and professional development roles. The programme is particularly valuable for veterinary nurses seeking to:

• Progress into senior or advanced clinical practice positions.
• Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Take on management or leadership responsibilities within practice.
• Develop roles in veterinary education, coaching and mentoring.
• Contribute to clinical governance and evidence-based decision making.
• Support professional development within veterinary teams.
• Undertake research activity and contribute to the veterinary nursing evidence base.
• Pursue further postgraduate study and academic opportunities.

Many graduates report increased confidence in influencing clinical practice, leading change within their organisations and championing evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for patients, clients and veterinary teams. The programme's emphasis on applying learning directly to practice means that students often begin to see the benefits of their studies within their workplace long before graduation.

Claire Oglesby, MSc Advanced Practice in Vet Nursing 2025 student, UK
“It was many years since I had undertaken any formal education, but the advice and support I received from the start really helped to boost my confidence. This online course offers extensive flexibility which has enabled me to fit the courses around everyday life. I have found the topics to be relevant and applicable for clinical roles as well as opening up different career path opportunities. I have just started a role in education which I would not have achieved without this programme.”

Fees & funding

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

Entry requirements

This programme is open to all RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) and international veterinary nurses/technicians who hold a relevant qualification.

Those who hold a Bachelor's Degree in any subject or other recognised qualification in Veterinary Nursing (e.g. FdSc, HND, RCVS Advanced Diploma, Veterinary Technician Speciality) are typically automatically admitted onto the programme.

We also often accept applications from RVNs that hold the RCVS Level 3 Diploma who have at least one-year post-qualification work experience or have evidence of ongoing continuing professional development.

Please contact the programme director to discuss your qualifications and experience if you are unsure.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

• Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Application deadlines

For entry in September 2027

• Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.