Veterinary General Practice PGCert - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
PGCert Veterinary General Practice
PGCert Veterinary General Practice (Distance Learning)
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time with Distance Learning | PCE55001 | 60 credits and 30 ECTS credits |
| Part-time with Distance Learning | PCE55002 | 60 credits and 30 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Veterinary Medicine
Programme Leader
CAMPOS AQUINO Larissa (Vet Med)
Date of production/revision of spec
11/05/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Provide training for veterinary graduates in the knowledge, skills and attributes required for veterinary general practice
- To support veterinarians wishing to undertake the statutory RCVS membership examination
- To support veterinarians wishing to refresh their knowledge in veterinary general practice
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| The student will demonstrate the systematic understanding of the knowledge, skill and attributes with critical awareness of the current problems and/or new insights required for small animal general practice in the UK. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will demonstrate the systematic understanding of the knowledge, skill and attributes with critical awareness of the current problems and/or new insights required for equine general practice in the UK. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will demonstrate the systematic understanding of the knowledge, skill and attributes with critical awareness of the current problems and/or new insights required for production animal general practice in the UK. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will demonstrate the systematic understanding of the knowledge, skill and attributes with critical awareness of the current problems and/or new insights required for Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the practical application of all the Day One competencies expected of new graduate veterinarian in the UK. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will have a conceptual understanding to critically evaluate the current research and scholarship surrounding the importance of sustainability by using medicines responsibly, recycling and reducing waste. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will demonstrate global and cultural awareness through communicating and building relationships with students from different backgrounds. | CT | PGCert | |
| The student will the exercise initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations and apply independent learning ability required for continuing professional development to increase their employability. | CT | PGCert | |
| The student demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks through reflective engagement and active learning the importance of resourcefulness and resilience. | CT | PGCert | |
| The student will continue to advance their knowledge and understanding using digital learning and capability including the latest advances in artificial intelligence tools applicable to the veterinary profession to develop new skills to a high level. | CT | PGCert |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time with Distance Learning
This programme is studied full-time over one year, consisting of 60 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Part-time with Distance Learning
This programme is studied part-time over 22 months, consisting of 60 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMSM002 | COMPANION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM003 | EQUINE STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM004 | PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM005 | VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH, PATHOLOGY AND PROFESSIONALISM | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
Part-time (Year 1) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMSM002 | COMPANION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM003 | EQUINE STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM004 | PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Part-time (Year 1) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must select 30 credits worth from:
VMSM002
VMSM003
VMSM004
Part-time (Year 2) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMSM005 | VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH, PATHOLOGY AND PROFESSIONALISM | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM002 | COMPANION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM003 | EQUINE STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
| VMSM004 | PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Part-time (Year 2) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must select the remaining 15 credits worth from (this module must not have been taken in year 1 previously):
VMSM002
VMSM003
VMSM004
Plus VMSM005
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Global and cultural awareness
Through developing consultation and professional skills the student will develop intercultural awareness and informed views on global, social and ethical issues (Companion Animal Studies, Equine Studies, Production Animal Studies, Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism).
Employability
The student will develop individual, professional, and surgical skills which are relevant to the veterinary profession in the UK, veterinary career ambitions and employability. (Companion Animal Studies, Equine Studies, Production Animal Studies, Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism).
Sustainability
The student will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to meet the needs of the profession without compromising future generations.
(Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism).
Resourcefulness and Resilience
The student will develop independence, agility, self-awareness proactivity and self-regulation appropriate for their veterinary professional life (Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism).
Digital Capabilities -the student will be able to:
Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools applicable tot he veterinary profession appropriately.
Perform clinical and production animal performance data analysis using spreadsheets (Production Animal Studies).
Perform digital data base searches in the practice of evidence-based veterinary medicine (Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism).
Record clinical information electronically using dedicated clinical records software (Companion Animal Studies)
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.