Veterinary Professional Studies (PGDip / MSc) and RCVS CertAVP
Click here if you are already enrolled on the Veterinary Professional Studies programme and want to know how the September 2026 programme changes will affect your study.
About this course
The Veterinary Professional Studies (VPS) programme is a flexible online part-time postgraduate programme, aimed at veterinary surgeons working in practice. Most modules are also accredited by the RCVS as part of their Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), allowing students to exit with two qualifications.
The programme is aimed at practicing veterinary surgeons with at least one year’s experience in practice and is designed to develop professional and clinical knowledge and skills, with emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence-based clinical practice. You can take many different pathways options, with the goal of developing knowledge and skills in a chosen species and subject area of the profession or take a custom route to suit your learning requirements. The programme will enhance current practice within existing employment or provide opportunities for practitioners to practice in more advanced or species/subject specific roles.
Click here to apply for this programme or enrol on your next module
Programme Structure
All modules carry 20-credit value in the VPS programme, except for the final 60-credit research project module required as part of the MSc. Modules also accredited by RCVS, continue to count as 10-credit modules as part the RCVS CertAVP qualification.
There are three intakes to the programme each year, with students able to start the programme each September, January and April/May. The 20-credit modules run across 12 weeks in three semesters a year: semester 1 (September to December), semester 2 (January to March/April) and the summer semester (April/May to July). The PGDip can be completed in a minimum of two years, and the MSc in three years, if all modules are taken consecutively. The flexible nature of the programme means that students can easily takes breaks in their study between the semesters, to fit in with professional or personal pressures often felt by professionals undertaking postgraduate study.
| Module name | Credits | RCVS CertAVP code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Module A | Foundations in Advanced Veterinary Practice | 20 credits | A-FAVP.1 |
| Core Module B - one of | Small Animal Practice | 20 credits | B-SAP.1 |
| Production Animal Practice | 20 credits | B-PAP.1 | |
| Equine Practice | 20 credits | B-EP.1 | |
| Optional C modules: Four further C Modules | 4 x 20-credits | See complete module list |
Maximum registration period PGDip: 4 years
Masters in Veterinary Professional Studies (180 credits):
Students can apply to continue from their PGDip study and complete a final research project module (60 credits), to gain an MSc in Veterinary Professional Studies.
Maximum registration period: 6 years
Programme pathways
Programme pathway options enable students to study towards a qualification that is relevant to a specific species and/or area of practice or leadership, or the programme can be built from a wider combination of modules, outside of these pathways, for those wishing to study from a wider choice of module options. The pathway options available can be found here.
An overview of the pathways available for higher awards in Veterinary Professional Studies:
How you will learn
This programme of study will equip students with the professional knowledge and skillset to become high-level scholar practitioners with primary and secondary research techniques that can be used in professional practice.
Our teaching places particular emphasis on the development of our students’ knowledge of key principles and current issues relevant to roles in education, health and social care.
Additionally, our teaching encourages students to engage with theoretical perspectives on local, national and global health concerns, consistent with doctoral level study.
The programme will also support the development of subject specific and key transferable skills necessary for employment in sectors where an understanding of varied dimensions of health is critical.
The curriculum also provides opportunities for students to enhance digital fluency via the Virtual Learning Environment to access programme materials related to their programme.
How you will be assessed
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 written reports, essays, short answer questions and assessed discussion boards. Some modules also require the completion of a case log and for those candidates taking the equine dentistry modules there is one compulsory practical element.
Many clinical modules require reflective case reports and case logs, requiring access to case materials in the topic that you are studying.
Assessment methods for each module can be found on the module outline documents, accessed by clicking the module titles on this page.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must either be MRCVS or alternatively must hold a registerable qualification. This will be determined by checking the RCVS register for UK veterinary qualifications. International candidates without MRCVS status will have a certified copy of their degree checked against published veterinary degree providers to check eligibility. Candidates must also have at least 1 year’s practice experience. Selection will be based on a reference or other evidence (e.g. Professional Development Phase documentation) confirming practice experience of 1 year.
Non-MRCVS applicants from a country where English is not the first Language will be required to show evidence of attainment of English at a minimum IELTS score of 7 or equivalent.
Fees
Modules are priced individually, and candidates can book and pay for one module at a time, allowing flexibility for candidates to take breaks between modules and pay as you go.
Fees for 2026/27
- All 20-credit modules- £895 per module.
- Research Project (VETS777) - £2700
Some clinical 20-credit modules may also have an optional in-person workshop, taking place at the Liverpool Leahurst Campus, associated with them that can be booked at an additional, but discounted, cost. These options will be highlighted on booking.
Please note that all module fees are set for the 202627 academic year and will be subject to increase each September.
Click here to apply for this course or enrol on your next module
Have a question about this course or studying with us? The Veterinary Postgraduate Unit booking team can help.
Email us on vpuoffice@liverpool.ac.uk
Phone +44 (0)151 794 6016