Veterinary Degrees Online

Are you concerned about the environment? Do you want to see exciting animals like the tiger and giant panda saved from extinction? Are you worried about the declines seen in many of our more familiar plants and animals closer to home? Do you want to play an active part in conserving wildlife? If so, this is the course for you.

With greater public awareness of the environment and increasing concern about the over – exploitation and destruction of wildlife resources, our degree programme in Wildlife Conservation aims to investigate the causes of biodiversity loss and to develop practical and sustainable ways of halting and reversing it. The programme is underpinned by an understanding of ecology as a basis for developing scientifically sound but practical solutions to conservation problems. The design and evaluation of conservation projects at local, national and international levels is investigated through study of a range of modules. Particular features of the course include:

• Teaching of fauna and flora identification skills

• Learning how to interpret wildlife conservation through the media and public education

• Extensive fieldwork at a range of locations

• An opportunity to attend an overseas field course

• The potential for experience in the use of Geographical Information Systems to benefit conservation projects

• Opportunities for work placements

• A strong emphasis on the relevant subject specific and transferable skills necessary for careers in conservation.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Long-term career prospects for our graduates are good with over 95% of the respondents in a recent survey of the School’s graduates finding employment. Many were employed in jobs related to their degree, while others had used their degree to gain graduate employment in areas such as financial consultancy and business management.

Duration: 1 year full time.
Commences: February
Applications: Due 30 October. Late applications may be considered.
Enrolment Fees: $4,997 (indicative 2009)
International Enrolment Fees: NZ$15,910 (indicative 2009)
Additional Costs: $50 CPIT Polo shirt, outdoor clothing; travel to workplace and field trips; stationery; $15 NZQA qualification application fee
Location: City Campus
Programme Code: NC5418

Content:
This popular qualification, developed in consultation with the New Zealand Veterinary Association, will provide you with the skills essential to start a career in an animal related profession or work as an informed and skilled assistant to a veterinary surgeon. Topics include the care of animals and first aid, animal behaviour, breeding animals, routine animal nursing care, administering drugs, assisting with anaesthesia and surgical procedures and radiography procedures. Ethics and legislation, business administration, computing and communication skills are covered so the graduate has the skills and knowledge to get involved in all areas of the workplace. You will develop practical skills with work placements and visits to veterinary clinics and other animal rel

Entry requirements
You will need 120 points including one science A-level or Applied A-level (preferably in Biology) and five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English, Maths and Science. A National Diploma qualification in a science subject may be considered.

All prospective students must have obtained at least two weeks work experience in one or more veterinary practices before being invited to attend an admissions interview. Please reference all work experience in your personal statement when applying.

Applications are encouraged from mature students.

Reasons to choose this course
It is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
We offer access to a brand new veterinary nursing building on campus to support the course.
You will gain work experience in veterinary practices throughout the course.

About the course
The course integrates work experience in a veterinary training practice with the underpinning teaching at the University. These work placements are incorporated throughout the three year course with placements from three to 26 weeks and allow you to complete the National Occupational Standards.

The newly built veterinary nursing building contains a simulated veterinary practice to give you the practical ‘know-how’ on vital veterinary nursing procedures and the adjoining new animal unit will allow you plenty of handling practice of a wide range of species.

Assessment
Assessment will be via a combination of written and practical university exams and assignments, together with an external examination by the RCVS. Students will also complete a portfolio of evidence within the workplace, which is assessed externally.

Progression
Successful graduates may have the opportunity to fast track to the third year of a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing qualification by attending a summer school.

Your future career
Students successfully achieving the Certificate in Veterinary Nursing may be entered onto the registered list of qualified veterinary nurses, which is held by the RCVS. Students can then use the post-nominal letters VN and are qualified to give animals medication and perform acts of minor surgery under veterinary direction.