Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education

The Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education aims to facilitate skills and knowledge in all areas of teaching and assessment, to maintain evidence based professional practice, and to develop competent and reflective practitioners. 

The course is designed to meet the requirements of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). Please note, however, that applications to be a Fellow of HEA can only be made by those who are teaching at level six and above. The course comprises 60 credits and consists of ten units of study, structured within two modules:

• Module 1 - Foundations in Veterinary Education (FIVE) This module provides a broad overview of the key principles which underpin professional education. The units of study are designed to cover the elements needed to achieve AFHEA.
• Module 2 - Applied Concepts in Veterinary Education (ACIVE) This module builds on the concepts covered in module 1 and provides a broad overview of how they may be applied practically in veterinary and para-veterinary education. The units of study are designed to cover the elements needed to achieve FHEA.

Aims

To develop educators who are able to engage with education research and theory and use this to critically evaluate, reflect on and develop their own teaching or educational practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, and as a result of support to develop reflection on experience, participants will be able to:

• Design, justify and critically evaluate a range of educational approaches, taking into account the diverse needs of students and different disciplinary areas, as well as personal reflections on experience
• Develop, critically evaluate and implement appropriate assessment and feedback strategies to support students in achieving their learning outcomes
• Critically evaluate education theory and research and use it to critically reflect on and develop one’s own education practice
• Recognise the positioning of one’s own role in both the local and wider educational context, and be able to make appropriate pedagogical decisions about student education in a way that reflects one’s own role as well as the impact on wider stakeholders.

The timetable for the PG Certificate in Veterinary Education 2024-25 academic year is available here.

Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Education

The Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Education comprises the above plus four optional modules of 15 credits each, chosen from:

• Assessment, feedback and learning
• Clinical reasoning and patient-based teaching
• Curriculum development and leadership
• Education leadership and coaching
• Engaging large groups in the modern university
• *Evidence based veterinary education
• Professional Identity and Interprofessionalism
• Small group teaching
• Technology supported learning and teaching

*Bridging module for MSc, for students who do not have prior Level 7 research experience.

Aims

To develop educators who can use education research and theory to critically reflect on their own education practice, and in addition use this knowledge and skills to support the development of peers and contribute to wider curriculum and programme design.

Learning Outcomes

• Building on the PG Certificate outcomes,  engage in-depth with current education literature and discourses in a specific subject area, and consider this critically within the context of participants’ own education experiences and roles ( Competence: supporting critical development)  
• Design, justify and critically reflect on education interventions for one’s own context, based on pedagogically sound principles and theories, and demonstrate how these fit into the wider curriculum design (Assessment: practical)  
• Critically reflect on others’  teaching practices, and design feedback to support peer development (teaching/ formative assessment: peer observation)
• Critically reflect on one’s own knowledge, skills and attitudes and use this to inform ongoing personal and professional development (essay)
• Engage with the complexities of education by recognising the multiplicity and context-dependent nature of problem-solving and education design [practical and written assignment].

The timetable for the PG Diploma in Veterinary Education 2024-26 is available here. 

MSc in Veterinary Education

The MSc in Veterinary Education comprises the above, plus two compulsory modules:

• Educational Research methods – Qualitative and Quantitative (15 credits)
• Research project (45 credits).

Aims

To support educators in the practice of education research, including critical review of contemporary research, the needs of education, and personal and professional development as educators, researchers and leaders.

Learning Outcomes

An MSc graduate of the programme will be able to: ·        

• Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative education research that is relevant to one’s own discipline (ERMQQ)     
• Identify and critically assess education and how it meets the demands of local needs, and design research that contributes to addressing identified education issues (ERMQQ and RP)        
• Develop and carry out education research, including applying appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (RP)
• Take the lead on preparing education-based manuscripts suitable for peer reviewed publication (Research Project written report)         
• Critically reflect on one’s own research and related education practice (Research Project viva)          
• Communicate the methods and outcomes of one’s own education research to experienced colleagues (Research Project written report and viva)

The timetable for the MSc in Veterinary Education 2024-26 is available here.  

Academic qualifications

Applicants are required to be actively involved in the teaching and training of students and/or work-place training, as there are compulsory practical assessments that involve teaching.

*Veterinary Nursing applicants without degrees

We welcome applicants whose background is in Veterinary Nursing and are aware not all such applicants will hold degrees. Degree-level study is important due to the level of study on the course being Level 7 (i.e. above a Bachelor's degree) and so those without study at at least Level 5 (e.g. a Foundation degree) will first need to complete a Bridging module 'Contemporary Study Skills' with the RVC in order to gain a place on the PGCert.

RVNs applying to the PGCert without the equivalent of a UK degree will, if successful, have the bridging module applied automatically as part of their offer conditions. They do not need to apply having already completed this module. 

Please note that the CSS bridging module begins in April each year. Depending on the timing of your application, if you are required to complete this module, you may need to defer your start date until the following year. 

English language requirements

The course demands an excellent understanding of both written and spoken English language. If your first language is not English you may be required to take an English Language qualification:

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component

For those without IELTS, please see our English Language Requirements page for a full list of qualifications we will accept as alternatives.

PLEASE NOTE: All teaching observation sessions MUST be presented in English.

What will I be able to do with my qualification?

The MSc programme will provide you with the skills to develop your performance as an educator and to provide an enhanced learning experience to anyone you teach or train. It will enable you to get expert input on your teaching, to enhance your career progression and to participate in a supportive peer community of veterinary educators around the world.

The MSc appeals to a broad range of individuals from a wide variety of veterinary professions. For example, as well as those aiming to build a career in higher level education or academia, course participants have included animal welfare education officers, veterinary pharmaceutical company representatives, veterinary librarians, practising veterinarians, veterinary nurses and many more. Approximately half of our students are UK based with the remainder studying as distance learners from USA, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Denmark, Ireland, Hong Kong, Sri-Lanka and Kenya, amongst others.

Your MSc is internationally recognised, being awarded by the University of London with the Lead College named as the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The RVC was the first veterinary school in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC,  currently holds full accreditation from RCVS, AVBC and AVMA and conditional from EAEVE.

What our students say

The programme calls on the expertise of a core team of RVC staff and lecturers. Additionally, lecturers and consultants from outside the college bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and perspective from other institutions.

RVC core team

Professor Liz Chan:  Professor of Higher Education and Course Director

Ms Crystal Cooper: Online Developer in Distance Learning and Veterinary Education

Dr Rachel Davis: PG Certificate Co-Lead / PG Diploma Co-Lead

Ms Emma Driver: Senior Teaching Fellow 

Mrs Kirsty Fox: PG Diploma Lead / MSc Co-Lead

Ms Emily Hall: PG Certificate Co-Lead   

Dr Tierney Kinnison: MSc Co-Lead

Dr Avril Senior: Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Education

Ms Anna Willis: Course Support Administrator

To get in touch, please contact the course support administrator mscvetedu@rvc.ac.uk 

Additional experts

Charlotte Bullard: Course Tutor  

Mr Christopher Butcher: Course Tutor

Dr Sarah Channon: Module Leader

Dr Kate Exley: Course Tutor

Deborah Humphrey: Course Tutor 

Christina Richardson: Course Tutor 

Claire Robinson: Course Tutor 

If you have any specific queries regarding the course or your suitable to apply that are not answered below, please do not hesitate to get in touch via mscvetedu@rvc.ac.uk 

When are applications open?
Applications are open on an annual basis, early February to early June, to commence study in September.  We are unable to accept applications outside of the admissions window.

How long does the programme take to complete?
The full programme takes 3-6 years to complete.  We offer flexible study routes on the PGDip and MSc, which you select to best suit your areas of interest and time available.

• The PGCert is taken over one year.
• The PG Diploma can be taken over one or two years
• The MSc is normally completed over two years, however in some circumstances can be taken over one year or 18 months.

How much time do I need to spend studying?
Study hours are based on the credits awarded for the individual modules. They include a combination of contact time, self-study and reflection:

• Focused study time, working through online course materials and engaging in required module activities.
• Assessment time: planning and preparing formal assignments.
• Informal study time: reflecting on the application of taught content to one’s daily practice, which might take place during the participant’s own teaching and professional work.

Are there compulsory sessions?
No, there is no compulsory attendance, we understand that you have very busy lives. Much of the learning will be in your own time, however PGCert students are expected to attend one synchronous session each week, per unit.

• Unit webinars and reflection clinics are usually held 2-3pm on Wednesdays, so this would be the ideal time to hold in your diary if possible. The sessions are recorded, but students do find it more beneficial to attend. ·        
• Online tutorials are flexible to suit individual group members.

I am not actually teaching at the moment. Can I still apply?
In order to successfully complete this course, applicants are required to be actively involved in the teaching of students and/or work-place training as there are compulsory practical assessments that involve teaching.

Is there tutorial support?
Yes. You will be assigned to a tutor on the Certificate who is available throughout to help you with any queries or challenges you may be experiencing. Tutorial support on the Diploma and MSc RP is provided by the Module leaders and Course leads.

How much feedback will I get?
Students will receive regular feedback, both formal and informal, throughout the programme. Feedback may be written, in person or via online links / calls. The aim of the programme is to enable students to develop as reflective practitioners primarily through the use of formative assessment.

Is there a practical element to the course?
Yes. The programme is a combination of theoretical study and practical assignments. For example, as part of the PG Certificate you will do a Teaching Observation; successful completion of this task is mandatory in order to pass the PG Certificate. You will need to consider if you will be able to teach in English at your current place of work. If this is problematic, we can sometimes offer Distance Learners the opportunity to teach here at the RVC in England but travel to and from the RVC will be at your own expense.   

How are teaching observations conducted?
The objective of teaching observations is to assess how you plan, execute and self-critique a typical teaching session, whether that is a large group lecture, a small group discussion or a practical demonstration. You will be asked to film yourself whilst teaching and then write an analysis of how the session went. The video and the analysis will then be marked by your tutor who will provide feedback.

How will I be assessed?
The assessment for each part of the course involves a combination of formative and summative written assignments, as well as practical assignments. In all cases, assessments have been designed to incorporate the learner’s own work requirements and facilitate reflective practice.

I am not a native English speaker. Can I still take this course?  
The course demands an excellent understanding of both written and spoken English language. If your first language is not English you may be required to take an English Language qualification: IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component.

For those without IELTS, please see our English Language Requirements page for a full list of qualifications we will accept as alternatives.

PLEASE NOTE: All teaching observation sessions MUST be presented in English.

What sort of research projects do students undertake?
A research project is compulsory as part of the MSc phase of the programme. The project must have an educational significance and be feasible to conduct within your study period. An RVC supervisor will be allocated and students will be given guidance on developing the project and planning the research.

What happens if I want to take a study break?
The RVC team, administrators as well as teaching staff, are available to help you with any problems that you may have. However, if for any reason, you need to take a break from your studies, you will need to formally request a deferral. Deferral will be subject to compliance with the RVC College Regulations and Procedures.

Is this a Masters qualification that is recognised internationally?
The RVC is part of the University of London and therefore the Masters qualification will be from the University of London with the Lead College being named as the RVC. The RVC is the only school in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, RCVS, EAEVE and AVBC. Further details regarding the international status of this qualification in the USA can be found here: https://www.mastersdegree.net/are-online-masters-degree-programs-accredited/ 

What does AFHEA and FHEA mean; are these only relevant to the UK?
AFHEA (Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy) and FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy) are both part of the AdvanceHE professional recognition scheme. This scheme provides international recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning in higher education and demonstrates that your practice is aligned with the AdvanceHE PSF (Professional Standards Framework). It provides an indicator of professional identity for higher education practitioners, including the entitlement to use post-nominal letters; as such it is a portable asset, that has UK-wide relevance and which is increasingly recognised by higher and further education institutions around the world.

Do you have a range of professions and nationalities represented in the student body?
Students come from a variety of backgrounds, both in terms of profession and nationality. Professions include academics from further and higher education, veterinary nursing and veterinary pharmaceuticals, as well as practising veterinarians and support staff. Approximately half of the current PG Certificate cohort is Distance Learners, who come from a number of overseas locations including Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Pakistan, Africa and Europe.

Can credits from sections of the degree be transferred to other qualifications?
Not at the moment.  

What Level of qualification is this?
This is a Level 7 qualification, as described in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/qualifications-frameworks       

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for students commencing the course in 2024/25 are as follows:

NB - The annual fee is reflective of the 60 credits unique to that level (i.e. the PGDip in full compromises 120 credits and the MSc 180).

*a 10% discount is applied if fees for the full programme are paid in advance. 

Discounts are available for organisations who sponsor four or more participants.

The College offers self-funded students the option to pay in three instalments. Please check here for details.

The appropriate procedures for payment of fees, collection of fees, withdrawals and calculation of refunds are included within the full Tuition Fee Policy document. 

The UK government postgraduate student loan is not normally available to those enrolling on a part-time Master’s degree course. 

Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.