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  • Accreditation by Skills & Education Group Access
  • 600 notional learning hours

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

This Course at a Glance

  • Help animals recover from injury and illness
  • Support the health of numerous species from birth to old age
  • Secure a place on a veterinary degree without A Levels
  • No classes, timetables, or exams
  • Flexible payment options
  • Study online at home

About your Diploma

Have you always loved animals and wanted the chance to help them in your career? Now’s your chance by studying an online course that acts as a route to a job as a Veterinarian or Vet Nurse.

If this has been a passion of yours but the A Levels to get into university stopped you in your tracks, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is the answer you’ve been looking for. As a Level 3 qualification and the equivalent to three A Levels, you can meet veterinary degree requirements quickly and conveniently.

Being a vocational course that typically takes less than a year to complete, the veterinary science diploma is designed to efficiently develop your knowledge on subjects surrounding the role and responsibilities of a veterinary professional.

Throughout the course, you will learn about important topics like animal physiology, animal behaviour and welfare, aspects of animal biology and more!

The course also includes modules that are designed to equip you with the study skills for university, so you are more than prepared for degree level veterinary studies. You can explore the rest of the modules covered in this course by viewing the ‘Syllabus’ tab.

This course satisfies the entry criteria for many subject-related higher education study programmes, such as the *University of Bristol’s BVSc Veterinary Science degree.

university of bristol logo

*Please note that our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) has been accepted for 2023 entry. Students should refer to the University prospectus for 2024 entry requirements.

Hartpury University will also consider applications from students with this qualification, for more information on entry requirements, please visit BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (2023) | University | Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

Get into Hartpury University with an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

Getting Started

Studying with Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides a convenient and flexible approach to education. You can learn on your terms as there are no timetables or classes, but you will receive an Individual Learning Plan that outlines your submission deadlines and helps you stay on track. Not only that, you will get full support from a team of dedicated professional tutors.

You can also relax in the knowledge that you are gaining a quality education, as this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). You have 24 months to complete the course, but on average, our students take 9-12 months to complete their course. 

*Entry requirements differ between universities - Check that this qualification will be accepted before you enrol.

On successful completion of the Skills & Education Group Accesss Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40014757). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

Skills & Education Group Access are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Skills & Education Group Access work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners to gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma. You also need to have a UK address to enrol.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.

In many cases, to get started on healthcare courses at university, you will need:

  • A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
  • A face-to-face interview at the university
  • Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
  • Course-related work placements or work experience
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)

It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, presentation (video and audio recording), scenario analysis, illustrated report, series of questions, work sheet, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Membership required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Unit 1: Animal Cells, Locomotion and Senses

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the biology of animal cells.
  • Understand locomotion of different non-human animals.
  • Understand sensory organs in non-human animals.

Unit 2: Animal Patterns of Behaviour, Communication and Welfare Issues

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand non-human animal behaviour patterns and conditioning.
  • Understand non-human animal communication.
  • Understand animal welfare needs and issues affecting welfare of animals in specific contexts.
  • Understand animal welfare law and groups in the UK.

Unit 3: Major Physiological Processes of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand feeding behaviours of different non-human animals.
  • Understand the respiratory and circulatory differences between different animals.
  • Understand how a range of different types of animals move.
  • Understand reproductive processes and factors of a range of different animals.

Unit 4: The Digestive System and Dietary Needs of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand nutrient requirements and sources for an animal.
  • Understand the need for a balanced diet in animals.
  • Understand digestive systems of animals and the impact of ruminating.
  • Be able to calculate the energy requirements and nutritional values required to keep animals healthy.
  • Understand the causes, signs, impact, and treatments for issues arising from nutritional imbalance.

Unit 5: Cell Division and Genetic Variation

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell division.
  • Understand genetic variation.

Unit 6: Cellular and Subcellular Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell metabolism including metabolic pathways.
  • Understand the process of producing ATP via the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
  • Understand the dark reactions phase which occurs during photosynthesis.
  • Understand how subcellular organelles generate ATP.

Unit 7: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table.
  • Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table.
  • Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3.
  • Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions.
  • Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.

Unit 8: Atomic Structure, Electronic Structures, and bonds

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand atomic structure and relative atomic mass.
  • Be able to write and interpret electronic structures.
  • Understand ion formation and ion bonds.
  • Understand covalent bonds formation.

Unit 9: Hydrocarbons, Alkanes and Alkenes

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the impact of organic compounds.
  • Understand alkane structure and reactions.
  • Understand alkene structure and reactions.

Unit 10: Molarity and chemical change

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to calculate solution concentrations.
  • Understand enthalpy change.
  • Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order.
  • Understand chemical equilibrium.

Unit 11: The structure and bonding of molecules

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand electronic configuration.
  • Understand different types of chemical bond.
  • Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces.
  • Understand the structure and properties of different molecules and compounds.
  • Be able to apply electron pair repulsion theory.
  • Understand the nature of organic chemicals.

Unit 12: Applied Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to devise a statistical investigation.
  • Be able to collect and statistically process data.
  • Be able to apply data analysis to an investigation aim and hypotheses.
  • Be able to critically evaluate an investigation.

Unit 13: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cellular structure.
  • Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
  • Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Unit 14: Exploring the Structure of the Atom

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons.
  • Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope.
  • Understand s, p, and d orbitals.
  • Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity.
  • Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table.

Unit 15: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
  • Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
  • Understand different reading strategies.
  • Be able to take effective notes.
  • Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 16: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to write academically and with relevance.
  • Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
  • Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

 

Your work will be assessed through assignments at the end of each unit. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification.

To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.

OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
83%
(National Average 77.1%)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

This Course at a Glance

  • Help animals recover from injury and illness
  • Support the health of numerous species from birth to old age
  • Secure a place on a veterinary degree without A Levels
  • No classes, timetables, or exams
  • Flexible payment options
  • Study online at home

About your Diploma

Have you always loved animals and wanted the chance to help them in your career? Now’s your chance by studying an online course that acts as a route to a job as a Veterinarian or Vet Nurse.

If this has been a passion of yours but the A Levels to get into university stopped you in your tracks, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is the answer you’ve been looking for. As a Level 3 qualification and the equivalent to three A Levels, you can meet veterinary degree requirements quickly and conveniently.

Being a vocational course that typically takes less than a year to complete, the veterinary science diploma is designed to efficiently develop your knowledge on subjects surrounding the role and responsibilities of a veterinary professional.

Throughout the course, you will learn about important topics like animal physiology, animal behaviour and welfare, aspects of animal biology and more!

The course also includes modules that are designed to equip you with the study skills for university, so you are more than prepared for degree level veterinary studies. You can explore the rest of the modules covered in this course by viewing the ‘Syllabus’ tab.

This course satisfies the entry criteria for many subject-related higher education study programmes, such as the *University of Bristol’s BVSc Veterinary Science degree.

university of bristol logo

*Please note that our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) has been accepted for 2023 entry. Students should refer to the University prospectus for 2024 entry requirements.

Hartpury University will also consider applications from students with this qualification, for more information on entry requirements, please visit BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (2023) | University | Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

Get into Hartpury University with an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

Getting Started

Studying with Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides a convenient and flexible approach to education. You can learn on your terms as there are no timetables or classes, but you will receive an Individual Learning Plan that outlines your submission deadlines and helps you stay on track. Not only that, you will get full support from a team of dedicated professional tutors.

You can also relax in the knowledge that you are gaining a quality education, as this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). You have 24 months to complete the course, but on average, our students take 9-12 months to complete their course. 

*Entry requirements differ between universities - Check that this qualification will be accepted before you enrol.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas
OUR PASS RATE
(National Average 77.1%)
83%

On successful completion of the Skills & Education Group Accesss Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40014757). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

Skills & Education Group Access are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Skills & Education Group Access work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners to gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities.

Unit 1: Animal Cells, Locomotion and Senses

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the biology of animal cells.
  • Understand locomotion of different non-human animals.
  • Understand sensory organs in non-human animals.

Unit 2: Animal Patterns of Behaviour, Communication and Welfare Issues

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand non-human animal behaviour patterns and conditioning.
  • Understand non-human animal communication.
  • Understand animal welfare needs and issues affecting welfare of animals in specific contexts.
  • Understand animal welfare law and groups in the UK.

Unit 3: Major Physiological Processes of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand feeding behaviours of different non-human animals.
  • Understand the respiratory and circulatory differences between different animals.
  • Understand how a range of different types of animals move.
  • Understand reproductive processes and factors of a range of different animals.

Unit 4: The Digestive System and Dietary Needs of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand nutrient requirements and sources for an animal.
  • Understand the need for a balanced diet in animals.
  • Understand digestive systems of animals and the impact of ruminating.
  • Be able to calculate the energy requirements and nutritional values required to keep animals healthy.
  • Understand the causes, signs, impact, and treatments for issues arising from nutritional imbalance.

Unit 5: Cell Division and Genetic Variation

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell division.
  • Understand genetic variation.

Unit 6: Cellular and Subcellular Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell metabolism including metabolic pathways.
  • Understand the process of producing ATP via the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
  • Understand the dark reactions phase which occurs during photosynthesis.
  • Understand how subcellular organelles generate ATP.

Unit 7: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table.
  • Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table.
  • Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3.
  • Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions.
  • Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.

Unit 8: Atomic Structure, Electronic Structures, and bonds

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand atomic structure and relative atomic mass.
  • Be able to write and interpret electronic structures.
  • Understand ion formation and ion bonds.
  • Understand covalent bonds formation.

Unit 9: Hydrocarbons, Alkanes and Alkenes

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the impact of organic compounds.
  • Understand alkane structure and reactions.
  • Understand alkene structure and reactions.

Unit 10: Molarity and chemical change

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to calculate solution concentrations.
  • Understand enthalpy change.
  • Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order.
  • Understand chemical equilibrium.

Unit 11: The structure and bonding of molecules

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand electronic configuration.
  • Understand different types of chemical bond.
  • Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces.
  • Understand the structure and properties of different molecules and compounds.
  • Be able to apply electron pair repulsion theory.
  • Understand the nature of organic chemicals.

Unit 12: Applied Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to devise a statistical investigation.
  • Be able to collect and statistically process data.
  • Be able to apply data analysis to an investigation aim and hypotheses.
  • Be able to critically evaluate an investigation.

Unit 13: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cellular structure.
  • Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
  • Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Unit 14: Exploring the Structure of the Atom

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons.
  • Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope.
  • Understand s, p, and d orbitals.
  • Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity.
  • Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table.

Unit 15: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
  • Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
  • Understand different reading strategies.
  • Be able to take effective notes.
  • Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 16: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to write academically and with relevance.
  • Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
  • Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

 

Your work will be assessed through assignments at the end of each unit. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification.

To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.

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