
Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
Course Overview
Ranked 1st in the UK (Animal Science and agriculture Guardian subject rankings 2026), this course is for those who are passionate about providing team-based healthcare, working in clinical settings, and promoting the physical and mental well-being of animals. Bristols Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour course offers students the opportunity to combine practical nursing skills with in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour. By combining hands-on clinical practice with focused studies in comparative anatomy and physiology, animal p...
<strong>Course Overview</strong><br/><br/>Ranked 1st in the UK (Animal Science and agriculture Guardian subject rankings 2026), this course is for those who are passionate about providing team-based healthcare, working in clinical settings, and promoting the physical and mental well-being of animals. Bristols Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour course offers students the opportunity to combine practical nursing skills with in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour. By combining hands-on clinical practice with focused studies in comparative anatomy and physiology, animal psychology, and behaviour management, youll develop the expertise needed to excel as a Veterinary Nurse and support evidence-based nursing practice.<br/><br/>This exciting degree provides a range of career options and allows graduates direct application to the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses (https://www.rcvs.org.uk/registration/check-the-register/). Whether you are interested in working as a veterinary nurse in general practice, would like to explore opportunities in the field of behaviour and welfare for animal charities or are keen to work in the commercial sector, this degree opens up a whole range of job opportunities upon graduation.<br/><br/><strong>Dual campus experience with access to cutting-edge facilities</strong><br/><br/>Your first two years are based predominantly within the vibrant cultural hub of Bristol city centre, where our pre-clinical facilities are situated at the UKs only School of Anatomy (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/anatomy/). You will also spend time at the nearby Bristol Veterinary School (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/vet-school/), located at our rural Langford campus, where you will be hands-on with animals and develop your practical veterinary nursing skills in a clinical setting.<br/><br/>Bristol Veterinary School is home to a range of extensive facilities including Langford Vets (https://www.langfordvets.co.uk/) multidisciplinary small animal referral hospital, farm animal and small animal practices, a dairy farm and diagnostic labs, with an equine practice nearby. Students can also enjoy the onsite cafe, gym, student social and study areas and abundant green spaces, alongside our much-celebrated welcoming and supportive community of staff and students.<br/><br/>Take a virtual tour of the Langford Campus (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/virtual-tour/)<br/><br/>See further key information about our veterinary courses on the Bristol Veterinary School website. (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/vet-school/study/undergraduate/key-information/)<br/><br/>Accreditations<br/>Our Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour BSc is accredited by CCAB (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/vet-nursing/bsc-veterinary-nursing-and-companion-animal-behaviour/), RCVS (http://www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/list-of-rcvs-accredited-higher-education-qualifications-in/) and ABTC (https://abtc.org.uk/)
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
D313
Institution Code
B78
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,B,C
Standard Higher: BBBBC.
Access to HE Diploma
D:15,M:30
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction in Biology units. Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
29
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 in Higher Level Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM
DMM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Biology units. DMM in the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management. DDM in the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science Pathway) including one of the following modules: 308: Wildlife and Ecology Conservation. 319: Inheritance and Genetics. 334: Fish Biology.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must also meet these GCSE profile requirements: standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent) and standard literacy requirement (4 or C in GCSE English or equivalent). Further information about GCSE requirements and
Scottish Advanced Higher
B,B
Advanced Higher: BB including Biology.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/ D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/ M2 is B, and M3 is C.
A level
B,B,C
Standard offer: BBC including B in Biology.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £31,300 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |