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Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour
The Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour program at the University of Bristol is a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of animal health, care, and behavior. The program covers key topics such as animal physiology, veterinary nursing practices, companion animal behavior, and animal welfare. Students will also engage in practical clinical placements and fieldwork, working alongside veterinary professionals to gain hands-on experience in animal care.
The University of Bristol offers access to state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, ensuring that students gain the skills needed to provide high-quality care for companion animals. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers as veterinary nurses, animal behaviorists, or in animal welfare organizations, where they can apply their knowledge to improve the health and well-being of pets and other animals.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Duration: 4 Years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On-campus
- Application Deadline: 14th January 2026
- Location: University of Bristol, United Kingdom
- Field of Study: Veterinary Medicine
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Veterinary Nursing and Animal Care
- Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animals
- Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- Basic Clinical Skills and Laboratory Techniques
- Academic Skills and Professional Communication
Year 2 – Intermediate Veterinary Nursing and Behaviour
- Pathophysiology and Animal Health
- Clinical Nursing Practices and Patient Care
- Animal Behaviour Assessment and Applied Techniques
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Electives: Small Animal Surgery, Animal Nutrition, or Preventive Medicine
Year 3 – Advanced Veterinary Nursing and Clinical Practice
- Advanced Clinical Skills and Case Management
- Behavioural Intervention and Animal Training Techniques
- Diagnostic Methods and Laboratory Techniques
- Applied Research Project in Companion Animal Behaviour
- Electives: Shelter Medicine, Exotic Animal Care, or Animal Ethics
Year 4 – Professional Practice & Capstone Project
- Independent Research Project / Dissertation
- Advanced Clinical Practice and Professional Standards
- Animal Behaviour Consultancy and Applied Case Studies
- Electives: Behavioural Therapy, Clinical Specialisation, or Animal Welfare Policy
- Professional Portfolio and Career Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program develop practical clinical, behavioural, and research skills, preparing them for careers in veterinary nursing, animal behaviour consultancy, companion animal welfare, clinical practice, and animal care management. Hands-on clinical training and applied animal behaviour studies equip graduates for roles in veterinary practices, animal shelters, research facilities, and private consultancy. Graduates are also well-prepared for postgraduate study in veterinary sciences, animal behaviour, or animal welfare.
Why Choose This Program
This program combines veterinary nursing expertise with companion animal behaviour knowledge, giving students a unique skill set for both clinical practice and behavioural consultancy. Students gain hands-on experience in clinical and behavioural techniques, as well as research and problem-solving skills, preparing them for professional practice. Independent projects and advanced electives allow students to develop specialized expertise, ensuring graduates are highly employable in veterinary care, animal behaviour, and animal welfare industries.
