Veterinary Business Management (PgDip/MScVBM)

From September 2026 the University of Liverpool is excited to be launching a brand new Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Veterinary Business Management.

Building on the success of our Postgraduate Certificate (PgCertVBM), our Level 7 (Masters level) Veterinary Business Management Programme offers study to Postgraduate Diploma (PgDipVBM) or Masters (MScVBM) level.

Open to anyone currently working in Veterinary Business Management, including practice/team managers, clinical directors and veterinary staff wanting to develop their skills.

The two year part-time programme covers the core business management areas from strategy, vision and mission, entrepreneurship, through marketing and human resources to finance and accounting and leadership for change.

Optional 3rd year research project module to progress to MSc award.

Aims:

  1. To develop comprehensive understanding of the core areas of veterinary business management; finance and accounting, human resources, marketing and business strategy and entrepreneurship.
  2. To develop the ability to reflect critically on the subject matter and apply it to real world veterinary business settings in a systematic manner.
  3. To produce graduates who meet the requirements of potential employers in a veterinary industry through the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and with the capacity for self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of vision and mission statements in the management of veterinary business.
  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate critically, current business strategies that may be used in small to medium sized enterprises with reference to the current literature.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of financial accounting, management accounting and marketing techniques.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of current human resource management theories and different management structures.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the value of a business plan and its wide distribution within an organisation.
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the challenges faced by, and the advantages held by entrepreneurial enterprises and relate them to real world settings.

Successful graduates of the programme will have enhanced career opportunities through obtainment of an industry specific knowledge base and skills set (as outlined above) targeted at the veterinary industry.

Obtainment of a PgDip or MSc in Veterinary Business Management offers a significant advantage to job candidates seeking employment within veterinary business management roles, as the highest level of bespoke veterinary training that exists in the field to date.

Method of Teaching

The PgDip/MScVBM is provided 100% online, so you can study from home and you are continuously assessed throughout the modules. When you access the structured modules, the topics and assessment deadlines are listed, so you can plan ahead around busy work/home commitments.

You will receive full library access and extensive peer to peer interaction is encouraged through the use of discussion boards where students can interact and collaborate, bouncing ideas between colleagues and academic staff within the virtual 'classroom'.

The structure of the modules is such that learning materials and assessments are provided on a weekly basis allowing candidates to work through each module at a steady pace. Weekly time commitments may vary week to week, but you are expected to study approximately 8 hours a week.

Assessment

Assessment is on-going and throughout each module there are a number of assignments with set submission dates and feedback provided by module tutors. Assignments take various forms, including essays, short answer questions and assessed discussion boards reflecting the study material learnt against the candidates' own business experience.

Programme Structure 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Business Management comprises six modules to be studied on a part-time basis over 2 years (3 modules per year).

The Postgraduate Masters in Veterinary Business Management comprises six modules to be studies on a part-time basis over 3 years.

Each module is 20-credits

Start date: September each year

YEAR 1  
VETS7731 Introduction to Veterinary Business Management
VETS7732 Business Evolution and Leadership
VETS7733 Marketing
YEAR 2  
VETS7734 Human Resource Management
VETS7735 Finance Accounting and Resource Management
 VETS7736  Work Based Learning
YEAR 3 Optional  (MSc students Only)
VETS777 Research Project (60 credits)

Following completion of the PgDip, students can undertake a 60-credit research module to progress to an MSc award.

Timetable 

  • All modules must be completed in a specific prescribed order only.
  • All modules should be completed within two years of commencement of the first module.
  • Commencement of the programme is only once per year in September. 

Current timetables can be found here: VBM Timetable

 

Eligibility 

Applicants must:

  • Have a recognised undergraduate degree (FHEQ level 5/6) in veterinary science, veterinary nursing or a business management related subject.
  • AND be working in Veterinary Business Management for over 12 months, with a reference from their current employer or colleague (if they are the employer) stating that they will have access to business data and supported to do the programme.
  • However, for applicants without the necessary prerequisite HE training, but working in Veterinary Business Management for over 12 months, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis for entry onto the programme primarily on the basis of 2 references required. For applicants who have not been in full time education for a number of years, a written submission of work answering a discipline related question (500 words) may be required to determine their suitability and ability to work at level 7. This will be assessed by the programme Director.
  • If the applicant is from a country where English is not the first language they will be required to show evidence of attainment of English at a minimum IELTS score of 7 or equivalent.

Fees 

Fees for 2026/27 to be paid in full per year at the time of booking:

  • Year 1 - £2293
  • Year 2 - £2293
Fees stc

How to Enrol 

Candidates wishing to apply to start in September 2026 should complete the Veterinary Business Management Registration Form in the first instance, by the application deadline of 19 July 2026. Candidates who are eligible will be sent a booking form to register for each year.

A copy of the application form can be found here: