Programme Changes

The changes to the Veterinary Professional Studies (VPS) programme come into effect for every module taken from September 2026, whether you are starting the programme or are nearing the end. Credits that you have acquired from modules taken prior to September 2026 can still be used towards an award at their previous credit level e.g. if a 10-credit module was taken, it will still count as 10-credits in the programme.

The main changes from the programme you enrolled on are:

  1. Credit changes to modules: All modules started from September 2026 onwards, which were worth 10 credits, are now worth 20 credits. This change takes into account university standards regarding assessment load and recognises the time during the course that students must spend reviewing, critically reflecting on, and evaluating their own practice in the workplace.
  2. Introduction of programme pathways: there are 23 new pathways that closely follow CertAVP designations. If certain module combinations are taken, it is possible to graduate with a PGDip or MSc in your chosen pathway. You can also opt to take a non-pathway option with a wider combination of C-modules.
  3. The removal of the PGCert as a target award: As only three 20-credit modules would be required to achieve a PGCert, this has been removed as a target award.

The programme changes mean that the new target awards will be a PGDip (120 credits made up of six 20-credit modules) or an MSc (the PGDip plus a 60-credit research module). With a combination of completed 10-credit modules and the newer 20-credit modules you have yet to complete, you can build your University of Liverpool degree as before:

PGCert: 60-credits minimum, completed within 3 years

Although the PGCert as a target award is being withdrawn for those joining the programme from September 2026 onwards, if you started on the programme taking 10-credit modules then you can still graduate with a PGCert (Veterinary Professional Studies), if you have taken a total of 6 modules i.e. equivalent to the CertAVP).

PGDip: 120-credits minimum, completed within 4 years

You can continue to complete additional modules until you reach 120-credits. How many modules you need to take will be determined by how many 10-credit modules you took before the changes.

MSc: 180-credits minimum, completed within 6 years, including a 60-credit research project

After reaching the level of PGDip, you have the option to apply for the 60-credit research module, continuing your studies to achieve an MSc.

The effects will be felt slightly differently depending on how many modules are taken. Please see some questions and answers below if you want to know more on how this will affect you.

 

Q&A

The changes to the Veterinary Professional Studies (VPS) programme come into effect for every module taken from September 2026, whether you are starting the programme or are nearing the end. Credits that you have acquired from modules taken prior to September 2026 can still be used towards an award at their previous credit level e.g. if a 10-credit module was taken, it will still count as 10-credits in the programme.

Below are some FAQ's about the programme changes, if you cannot find an answer to your query here please contact vpuoffice@liverpool.ac.uk

 

 

Can I graduate with one of the new pathways if I am part way through the programme?

Yes, you can still graduate with a pathway if you have competed the required modules, though only if you continue to PGDip or MSc. There is no option to graduate with a pathway on a PGCert.

Do these changes affect me achieving the CertAVP?

No. All modules continue to be accredited by the RCVS for the CertAVP qualification and you will still need to compete the same number of modules as previously.

Can my previously completed 10-credit modules be recognised as 20-credits as part of the new programme changes?

No. Unfortunately, as these were taken at the level of 10-credits, it is not possible within University regulations to change the credit warded for modules already completed.

I have completed one 10-credit module- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed module will count as 10-credits on the programme, but any modules you complete from September 2026 onwards will be worth the new 20-credits on the VPS programme. You would still need to take 5 more modules, to have completed a total of six modules, the same as that required on the CertAVP, to graduate with a PGCert(VPS). You would have a total of 110-credits, and would also have the option of continuing to a PGDip if you completed a minimum of 120-credits in total i.e. just one further module. 

I have completed two 10-credit modules- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed modules will count as 10-credits on the programme (i.e. 20-credits in total), but any modules you complete from September 2026 onwards will be worth the new 20-credits on the VPS programme. You would still need to take 4 more modules, to have completed a total of six modules, the same as that required on the CertAVP, to graduate with a PGCert(VPS). You would have a total of 100-credits, and would also have the option of continuing to a PGDip if you completed a minimum of 120-credits in total i.e. just one further module. 

I have completed three 10-credit modules- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed modules will count as 10-credits on the programme (i.e. 30-credits in total), but any modules you complete from September 2026 onwards will be worth the new 20-credits on the VPS programme. You would still need to take 3 more modules, to have completed a total of six modules, the same as that required on the CertAVP, to graduate with a PGCert(VPS). You would have a total of 90-credits, and would also have the option of continuing to a PGDip if you completed a minimum of 120-credits in total i.e. two further modules, within 4 years. 

I have completed four 10-credit modules- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed modules will count as 10-credits each on the programme (i.e. 40-credits in total), but any modules you complete from September 2026 onwards will be worth the new 20-credits on the VPS programme. You would still need to take 2 more modules, to have completed a total of six modules, the same as that required on the CertAVP, to graduate with a PGCert(VPS). You would have a total of 80-credits, and would also have the option of continuing to a PGDip if you completed a minimum of 120-credits in total i.e. two further modules, within 4 years.   

I have completed five 10-credit modules- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed modules will count as 10-credits on the programme (i.e. 50-credits in total), but any modules you complete from September 2026 onwards will be worth the new 20-credits on the VPS programme. By taking one more 20-credit module, you would be eligible to graduate with a PGCert(VPS) with a total of 70-credits, if these credits have been completed within the required 3 years. You also have the option of continuing towards a PGDip, or and MSc.

I have completed six (or more) 10-credit modules- what will the changes mean for me?

Your previously completed modules will count as 10-credits on the programme i.e. 60-credits in total. You are eligible with this to graduate with a PGCert(VPS) if the 60-credits have been completed within the required 3 years. You also have the option of continuing towards a PGDip, or and MSc.

If I complete 60-credits but fewer than 6 modules, can I graduate with a PGCert?

The PGCert(Veterinary Professional Studies) has been withdrawn as a target award (this refers to an award that you might enrol for specifically), except for those who completed modules prior to September 2026 and have completed six modules, as per the CertAVP. You can graduate with an exit award of a PGCert with 60-credits and fewer that six modules, but it is an un-named degree.

I will not be able to complete all my modules/credits within the timeframe of the programme. What are my options?

All credits do need to be completed within the timeframes given for each degree. If you are out of time, you can still complete CertAVP modules as CPD, i.e. not on the University of Liverpool Programme, and this will not affect your ability to complete an RCVS CertAVP, which allows up to 10 years to complete all modules. If you are unsure, please get in contact with our team to ask.