Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)
- SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 29th September
- SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 29th September
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)
This Course at a Glance
- Save the lives of animals through your career
- Learn how to support and maintain the health of different species
- Study a veterinary degree without A Levels
- Learn on your terms
- 100% online course
- No exams
About your Diploma
If you’ve always had an adoration for animals and an urge to help them in your career, you can now get on a fast-track route to becoming a Vet or Vet Nurse through online study.
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.
*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.
Study a Veterinary Degree Without A Levels
A Levels are the traditional post-school qualification and the typical barrier to entry most learners face when contemplating degree-level study. If you too were put off the idea of a veterinary degree because you didn’t hold multiple A Levels, this course provides the perfect alternative.
As a Level 3 equivalent, you can now meet the requirements for a veterinary science or veterinary nursing degree with one course. That’s because this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is designed to build your knowledge ahead of degree-level learning of these subjects. What’s more, it takes most of our learners less than a year to complete.
Learn All About Veterinary Practice
Being a vocational course, this veterinary science diploma concentrates your focus on all the elements involved in the roles and responsibilities of a veterinary professional.
During your studies, you will cover topics like:
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- Animal Nutrition and Digestive Systems
- Animal Physiology, and more!
You will also complete a number of modules that are designed to build up your study skills ahead of your degree, so you can hit the ground running in the next phase of your veterinary education. For more information on what you’ll learn in this course, view the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the UK’s leading distance learning provider. 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).
Learn When It Suits
Being online, this veterinary science course can be studied as and when it suits your lifestyle. Should you only be free at night, that’s fine, or if you need to study around your children, simply log on and learn when you’re available. That’s the beauty of having no classes or timetables!
You get up to two years to complete the course but most of our learners have it finished within 9-12 months.
Don’t Lose Track
Once enrolled, you’ll get an Individual Learning Plan that details the submission deadlines for your assignments. This will help you stay on track throughout your studies.
*Please note the entry requirements can be different between universities. It’s always best to check before you enrol that this qualification will be accepted.
88%
Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 4: Atomic Structure
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses
- Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes
- Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals
- Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity
- Understand the position of elements within the Periodic Table from ionisation energy data
Unit 5: Cell Division and Heredity
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division
- Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation
Unit 6: Aspects of Animal Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand aspects of cell biology
- Understand a range of skeletal and locomotory systems in animals
- Understand sensory organs in animals
Unit 7: Periodic Table
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the Periodic Table
- Understand periodicity in the elements of period 3
- Understand ionisation energy
- Understand oxidation and reduction
- Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
- Understand the Group 7 elements
Unit 8: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to identify behaviour patterns for a range of animal species both in captive and in wild settings
- Be able to investigate methods of communication in a range of animals
- Understand UK animal welfare issues and codes of practice
- Understand UK welfare legislation and enforcement
Unit 9: Atomic Structure & Bonding
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure of the atom
- Understand electronic structures
- Understand the formation of ionic bonds
- Understand the formation of covalent bonds
Unit 10: Cell Metabolism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the glycolytic pathway and fermentation of sugar to yield alcohol
- Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
- Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
- Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles
Unit 11: Animal Nutrition and Digestive Systems
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the functions of the essential nutrients in an animal’s diet
- Understand the nutritional requirements of animals
- Understand the ruminant and non-ruminant digestive systems of animals
- Understand the energy and nutritional requirements for different animals depending on size, age, sex and use to which they are put
- Know common animal nutritional problems
Unit 12: Chemical Bonding and Structure
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the nature of organic chemicals
Unit 13: Animal Physiology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand different methods of feeding in animals
- Understand gas exchange in a range of animals
- Understand selected modes of locomotion
- Understand reproductive strategies in a range of animals
Unit 14: Hydrocarbons
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the importance of organic compounds
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
Unit 15: Statistical Research
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to plan for an investigation within an appropriate subject area
- Understand how to carry out an investigation by collecting and processing an appropriate range of data
- Understand how to interpret and analyse results
- Understand how to evaluate the investigation
Unit 16: Chemical Change
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions
- Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
- Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
- Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
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 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
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
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.
Is 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.
Course Fees
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.
The assessment process of our veterinary science course consists of the following:
Assignments
The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.
At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment. Your tutor will then mark this and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you progress.
Credits
To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of this veterinary diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their diploma.
AIM Qualifications Assessment Group
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), (QAA ref = 40013443), you will receive an AIM Qualifications, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a leading Awarding (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award-winning qualifications and nominated end-point assessment services.
AIM has over thirty years of experience in developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. They approve the colleges, training providers, and other education centres that deliver their qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high-quality delivery.
AIM is also regulated by the public regulator governing qualifications in England – Ofqual.
Once you successfully complete this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), you will be perfectly prepared to study a veterinary science or veterinary nursing degree at university. This will depend entirely on which career path you’re most interested in.
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you qualify and become a registered Veterinarian or Veterinary Nurse, your registration needs to be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This includes any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset but doesn’t fall under your mandatory and statutory training.
CPD training can also provide the perfect opportunity to try out a specialist area you might want to explore, as there are many progression paths for Veterinarians and Vet Nurses once qualified.
As a Vet Nurse, you could develop specialist skills in rehabilitation, focus on the care of exotic pets or step into leadership and management roles as you gain experience.
As a Vet, you could study courses on:
- British Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Herpetology
- Marine Biology
- Wild Animal Behaviour
- Zoology
With additional specialist knowledge and qualifications, you could progress into senior roles like:
- Equine Veterinarian – Work solely with horses
- Official Veterinarian – Help manage animals that cross the border
- Veterinary Specialist – Concentrate on a particular specialism like dentistry, surgery or emergency care
- Zoo Veterinarian – Support the health of exotic animals in zoos
Should you choose to complete the necessary postgraduate qualifications, you could teach future Veterinarians and perform research.
- SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 29th September
- SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 29th September
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)
This Course at a Glance
- Save the lives of animals through your career
- Learn how to support and maintain the health of different species
- Study a veterinary degree without A Levels
- Learn on your terms
- 100% online course
- No exams
About your Diploma
If you’ve always had an adoration for animals and an urge to help them in your career, you can now get on a fast-track route to becoming a Vet or Vet Nurse through online study.
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.
*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.
Study a Veterinary Degree Without A Levels
A Levels are the traditional post-school qualification and the typical barrier to entry most learners face when contemplating degree-level study. If you too were put off the idea of a veterinary degree because you didn’t hold multiple A Levels, this course provides the perfect alternative.
As a Level 3 equivalent, you can now meet the requirements for a veterinary science or veterinary nursing degree with one course. That’s because this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is designed to build your knowledge ahead of degree-level learning of these subjects. What’s more, it takes most of our learners less than a year to complete.
Learn All About Veterinary Practice
Being a vocational course, this veterinary science diploma concentrates your focus on all the elements involved in the roles and responsibilities of a veterinary professional.
During your studies, you will cover topics like:
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- Animal Nutrition and Digestive Systems
- Animal Physiology, and more!
You will also complete a number of modules that are designed to build up your study skills ahead of your degree, so you can hit the ground running in the next phase of your veterinary education. For more information on what you’ll learn in this course, view the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the UK’s leading distance learning provider. 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).
Learn When It Suits
Being online, this veterinary science course can be studied as and when it suits your lifestyle. Should you only be free at night, that’s fine, or if you need to study around your children, simply log on and learn when you’re available. That’s the beauty of having no classes or timetables!
You get up to two years to complete the course but most of our learners have it finished within 9-12 months.
Don’t Lose Track
Once enrolled, you’ll get an Individual Learning Plan that details the submission deadlines for your assignments. This will help you stay on track throughout your studies.
*Please note the entry requirements can be different between universities. It’s always best to check before you enrol that this qualification will be accepted.
Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 4: Atomic Structure
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses
- Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes
- Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals
- Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity
- Understand the position of elements within the Periodic Table from ionisation energy data
Unit 5: Cell Division and Heredity
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division
- Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation
Unit 6: Aspects of Animal Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand aspects of cell biology
- Understand a range of skeletal and locomotory systems in animals
- Understand sensory organs in animals
Unit 7: Periodic Table
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the Periodic Table
- Understand periodicity in the elements of period 3
- Understand ionisation energy
- Understand oxidation and reduction
- Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
- Understand the Group 7 elements
Unit 8: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to identify behaviour patterns for a range of animal species both in captive and in wild settings
- Be able to investigate methods of communication in a range of animals
- Understand UK animal welfare issues and codes of practice
- Understand UK welfare legislation and enforcement
Unit 9: Atomic Structure & Bonding
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure of the atom
- Understand electronic structures
- Understand the formation of ionic bonds
- Understand the formation of covalent bonds
Unit 10: Cell Metabolism
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the glycolytic pathway and fermentation of sugar to yield alcohol
- Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
- Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
- Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles
Unit 11: Animal Nutrition and Digestive Systems
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the functions of the essential nutrients in an animal’s diet
- Understand the nutritional requirements of animals
- Understand the ruminant and non-ruminant digestive systems of animals
- Understand the energy and nutritional requirements for different animals depending on size, age, sex and use to which they are put
- Know common animal nutritional problems
Unit 12: Chemical Bonding and Structure
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the nature of organic chemicals
Unit 13: Animal Physiology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand different methods of feeding in animals
- Understand gas exchange in a range of animals
- Understand selected modes of locomotion
- Understand reproductive strategies in a range of animals
Unit 14: Hydrocarbons
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the importance of organic compounds
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
Unit 15: Statistical Research
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to plan for an investigation within an appropriate subject area
- Understand how to carry out an investigation by collecting and processing an appropriate range of data
- Understand how to interpret and analyse results
- Understand how to evaluate the investigation
Unit 16: Chemical Change
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions
- Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
- Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
- Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
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 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
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
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.
Is 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.
Course Fees
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.
Assessment
The assessment process of our veterinary science course consists of the following:
Assignments
The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.
At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment. Your tutor will then mark this and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you progress.
Credits
To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of this veterinary diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their diploma.
Qualifications
AIM Qualifications Assessment Group
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), (QAA ref = 40013443), you will receive an AIM Qualifications, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a leading Awarding (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award-winning qualifications and nominated end-point assessment services.
AIM has over thirty years of experience in developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. They approve the colleges, training providers, and other education centres that deliver their qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high-quality delivery.
AIM is also regulated by the public regulator governing qualifications in England – Ofqual.
Once you successfully complete this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science), you will be perfectly prepared to study a veterinary science or veterinary nursing degree at university. This will depend entirely on which career path you’re most interested in.
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you qualify and become a registered Veterinarian or Veterinary Nurse, your registration needs to be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This includes any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset but doesn’t fall under your mandatory and statutory training.
CPD training can also provide the perfect opportunity to try out a specialist area you might want to explore, as there are many progression paths for Veterinarians and Vet Nurses once qualified.
As a Vet Nurse, you could develop specialist skills in rehabilitation, focus on the care of exotic pets or step into leadership and management roles as you gain experience.
As a Vet, you could study courses on:
- British Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Herpetology
- Marine Biology
- Wild Animal Behaviour
- Zoology
With additional specialist knowledge and qualifications, you could progress into senior roles like:
- Equine Veterinarian – Work solely with horses
- Official Veterinarian – Help manage animals that cross the border
- Veterinary Specialist – Concentrate on a particular specialism like dentistry, surgery or emergency care
- Zoo Veterinarian – Support the health of exotic animals in zoos
Should you choose to complete the necessary postgraduate qualifications, you could teach future Veterinarians and perform research.
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learning
learning hours
