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 | PCE55001 | 60 credits and 30 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | 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
LIVESEY Alison (Vet Med)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/12/2024
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 understand the knowledge, skill and attributes required for small animal general practice in the UK. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand the knowledge, skill and attributes required for equine general practice in the UK | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand the knowledge, skill and attributes required for production animal general practice in the UK | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand the knowledge skills and attributes required for Veterinary Public Health, Pathology and Professionalism | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand the Day One competencies expected of new graduate veterinarian in the UK | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand the importance of sustainability by using medicines responsibly, recycling and reducing waste. | KCPT | PGCert | |
| The student will learn global and cultural awareness through communicating and building relationships with students from different backgrounds | CT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand how the skills gained through the programme will increase their employability | CT | PGCert | |
| The student will understand through reflective engagement and active learning the importance of resourcefulness and resilience. | CT | PGCert | |
| The student will use digital learning to improve their digital capability | CT | PGCert |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
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
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 | 1 |
| VMSM003 | EQUINE STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| VMSM004 | PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| VMSM005 | VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH, PATHOLOGY AND PROFESSIONALISM | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
Part-time Unstructured - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMSM002 | COMPANION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| VMSM003 | EQUINE STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| VMSM004 | PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| VMSM005 | VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH, PATHOLOGY AND PROFESSIONALISM | Compulsory | 15 | Year-long |
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:
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.