Syllabus Veterinary Nursing

Brief facts

120 Higher Education credits

Programme Code: VM007
Finalized by: Utbildningsnämnden, 2021-09-09
Revised: 2024-12-16
Revised By: Programnämnden för utbildning inom veterinärmedicin och husdjursvetenskap
SLU ID: 2024.3.1.1-4107
Education plan valid from: Autumn 2025
Responsible programme board: The programme board for education in veterinary medicine and animal science

 

Entry Requirements
 

To be admitted to Master’s programme Veterinary Nursing, the following criteria must be met:

• General entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
• Specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising 90 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains: veterinary nursing or veterinary medicine.

The specific entry requirements can also be met by someone who has acquired the equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.

In addition, knowledge equivalent of English 6 is required. SLU regulations state that applicants may meet this requirement if they were awarded a first-cycle degree from a Swedish university, or have completed 120 credits at SLU.

There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme.

 

Content
 

Programme description

The Master’s Programme in Veterinary Nursing can lead to doctoral studies. The programme provides students with knowledge about how advanced development work can be conducted in future veterinary health and medical care. The programme draws on scientific, social and ethical elements with clear links to research, industry and future professional practice.

Through the range of courses offered and the final degree project, students are able to develop specialised theoretical and practical knowledge within veterinary nursing, focusing on veterinary health and medical care. In addition, they will have insight into the latest research and development work. Students practise working independently and in groups. They will also train their ability to find new and relevant knowledge based in science and proven experience. Throughout the programme, students will develop their scientific approach and methods, academic writing and oral presentation skills. A significant part of the programme involves independently finding, evaluating and critically interpreting scientific literature. The programme emphasises the ability to analyse problems within veterinary nursing and their solutions drawing on the perspectives of ethics, efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The programme also includes components relating to professional approaches, such as collaboration and communication with fellow veterinary nurses and other colleagues in the veterinary care team as well as animal owners.

The first year provides students with a good understanding of scientific methodology, preparing them for their independent project, and teaches scientific approaches relevant to their future careers. The programme provides students with advanced knowledge of veterinary nursing and areas such as anaesthesiology, medical hygiene, assessment, and treatment methods for rehabilitation veterinary nursing for complex diseases.

In-depth subject study continues during the second year of the programme. Knowledge is applied to relevant projects. The programme concludes with an independent degree project, in which students can apply their knowledge and skills to a relevant topic in their main field of study.

In accordance with the SLU guidelines for equal opportunities, a well-functioning study environment is characterised by openness, equality and inclusiveness. This promotes a climate that draws upon the diverse backgrounds, lives, and skills of students and staff.

The programme is taught in English.

Courses in the programme

Main field of study: Veterinary Nursing (VN)

Year 1
A scientific approach to veterinary nursing, 15 credits (VN, A1N)
Anaesthesia care in veterinary nursing, 15 credits (VN, A1N)
Principles and scientific fundaments within veterinary rehabilitation, 15 credits (VN, A1N)
Complex care needs and clinical nutrition, 15 credits (VN, A1N)

Year 2
Infection prevention and control and emergency veterinary nursing, 15 credits (VN, A1F)
Veterinary rehabilitation 2, evidence-based practice, 15 credits (VN, A1F)
Independent project in Veterinary Nursing, 30 credits (VN, A2E)

The courses offered may change during the programme. This may lead to a new version of the syllabus in which information on transitional regulations is provided. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.

Each course on the programme has its own syllabus that describes the course content and other specifics. Detailed information on when the courses are offered is available on the SLU student web.

During certain study periods (parts of the semester), SLU offers several program courses that the student can choose from. The student is guaranteed a place on one of these courses provided that the entry requirements are fulfilled and that the student has registered on time.

 

Objectives
 

General outcomes

The general learning outcomes for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).

Qualitative targets

The Annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences stipulates that for the Degree of Master, the student shall have:

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Independent project (degree project)
For a master's degree, the student must, within the course requirements, have completed an independent project (degree project) of at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The independent project may comprise less than 30 credits, but at least 15 credits, if the student has already completed an independent project at advanced level of at least 15 credits within the main field of study or the equivalent from foreign education.

Miscellaneous
For a master's degree with a particular focus, the specified requirements that the University of Agriculture determines within the requirements in this degree description shall also apply.

 

Qualification Requirements
 

Degree awarded on completion of the programme

The Master’s programme Veterinary Nursing leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Nursing, which is a general qualification. Other degrees may be awarded, provided that the requirements for the degree are fulfilled. See the qualification requirements and SLU’s system of qualifications.

Students who fulfil the qualification requirements will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Nursing (120 credits).

Degree requirements

A Degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Nursing is obtained when the student has a full course portfolio of 120 credits with the following requirements:

• at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in veterinary nursing (A1N; A1F)
• at least 30 credits of degree project for second-cycle studies in the field of veterinary nursing (A2E)

In addition, the prior award of a Degree of Bachelor, Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, professional or vocational qualification of at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad is required.

 

Other Regulations
 

Successful completion of the Master’s Degree in Veterinary Nursing does not provide students with the qualification necessary to be able to apply for a licence to practice veterinary nursing in Sweden.

 

Other Information
 

General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes

For more information on semester dates, examination and credit transfer, see the Regulations for education at Bachelor´s and Master´s level available on the SLU student web.

Possibilities for further studies

It is possible for students to continue onto third-cycle (doctoral) studies once they have successfully completed the Master’s Programme in Veterinary Nursing and have been awarded their degree.