Veterinary Business Management (PgDip/MScVBM)
From September 2026 the University of Liverpool is launching a new Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Veterinary Business Management.
Building on the success of our Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Business Management (PgCert VBM), our Level 7 (Masters level) Veterinary Business Management Programme offers study to Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Masters (MSc) level.
The programme is 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 PGDip 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. There is an optional 3rd year, where a 60-credit research project module is completed, for those progressing to an MSc award.
Aims:
The Programme aims to produce graduates who have:
- A comprehensive understanding of the core areas of veterinary business management; finance and accounting, human resources management, marketing, business strategy, entrepreneurship and leadership.
- The ability to reflect critically on the subject matter and apply it to real world veterinary business settings in a systematic manner.
- Work skills that meet the requirements of potential employers in various roles throughout the 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:
- Critically evaluate vision, mission and values statements that are used in the management of sustainable veterinary businesses
- Critically evaluate current business strategies that may be used in small to medium sized enterprises with reference to the current literature
- Critically evaluate the challenges faced, and advantages held by veterinary businesses and relate them to sustainability in real world settings
- Critically appraise the use of current human resource management theories and different management structures in veterinary businesses
- Critically evaluate the use of financial accounting, management accounting and marketing strategies in veterinary businesses
- Critically appraise how leadership, project management, organisational culture and workforce management can facilitate or provide barriers to change projects
- Formulate answerable research questions and hypotheses and independently design and conduct appropriate research to address them (MSc students only)
The programme is aimed at currently employed professionals who are actively working in role in veterinary business management and is designed to develop employment-related skills for the future of work (LLF) directly relevant to the veterinary sector. 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
Teaching 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 comprises six modules to be studied on a part-time basis over 2 years (3 modules per year).
The Postgraduate Masters comprises six modules to be studies on a part-time basis over 3 years.
Each module is 20-credits
Start date: September each year
Veterinary Business Management timetable: September 2026 intake.
| Year 1 | Term 1 | |
| 7th September - 30th November 2026 | VETS7731 Introduction to Veterinary Business Studies (20-credits) | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 4th January - 29th March 2027 | VETS7732 Business Evolution and Leadership (20-credits) | |
| Term 3 | ||
| 26th April - 19th July 2027 | VETS7733 Marketing (20-credits) | |
| Year 2 | Term 1 | |
| 6th September - 29th November 2027 | VETS7734 Human Resource Management (20-credits) | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 10th January - 3rd April 2028 | VETS7735 Finance Accounting and Resource Management (20-credits) | |
| Term 3 | ||
| 24th April - 17th July 2028 | VETS7736 Change Management (20-credits) | |
| Year 3 | Whole year | |
| MSc students only | 4th September 2028 - July 2029 | VETS777 Research Project (60 credits) |
- 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 for the PGDip, and 3 years for the MSc.
- Commencement of the programme is only once per year in September.
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
Tuition fees are for start date of September 2026 to be paid in full per year at the time of booking:
- PGDip and MSc Year 1 - £2,293
- PGDip and MSc Year 2 - £2,293
- MSc Year 3 (Research Project) - £2700