Course leader
CAMEO KNIGHT – MSc, BSc (Hons)
WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE UNIQUE?
- Give a real feel for Higher Education, building confidence alongside industry and academic connections as well as time to select the right degree course for you
- Learn vital skills to support your transition into Higher Education, such as referencing and other integral academic competencies
- Taught by University Centre Sparsholt’s industry specialists within Higher Education, you’ll also enjoy full access to our state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Background
While Access to Higher Education Diplomas (‘Access courses’) and integrated foundation years play a similar role in preparing students to take degree-level study, there are important differences:
a. An Access course is a standalone qualification equivalent to A-levels, which provides the holder with the opportunity to take a variety of courses at different higher education providers, at any point in the future. In contrast a foundation year is an extra year at the start of a degree course at a specific higher education provider, with the expectation that the student will continue to the full degree course after completing the year.
b. There are often differences in the required entry qualifications. Foundation year courses usually require students to hold A-level qualifications or equivalent, whereas Access courses are more likely to require GCSE-level qualifications.
c. There are also differences in the tuition fees and the loans available. Integrated foundation years are treated the same way as degree courses, with fees of up to £9,250 and student support available for tuition fees and living costs. For Access courses, the fees are lower and support is available for tuition fees but not necessarily for living costs. If eligible students go on to complete a higher education course after achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma, the loan for the Access course will be written off.
What will I learn?
Veterinary science course: provides you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a specialist course in the veterinary science sector. You’ll gain core skills in anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biology alongside study skills to develop your understanding of critical thinking, self-reflection and communication, plus dedicated units relating to the role and regulation of the veterinarian and a veterinary-based research project.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll gain valuable preparation for Higher Education through a variety of assessment methods such as academic posters, presentations and seminars, reports, essays, portfolios and time constrained assessments.
Focused on your future
This course gives you UCAS tariff points for entry to University and – subject to meeting entry requirements – will enable you to progress onto a variety of relevant degree pathways. For those taking the land-based option, these may include animal management, sciences and zoo biology, equine sciences, performance and business management, marine conservation, wildlife ecology conservation, agriculture and aquaculture. Complete a full Level 3 qualification with us and we’ll guarantee you an offer of a place on one of our relevant University Centre Sparsholt degree courses, subject to Admissions Terms & Conditions.
A work placement period is embedded into the course to support gaining industry connections, networking opportunities and guidance around degree progression to suit career aspirations. The work placement period also allows learners wanting to progress onto veterinary courses the opportunity to gain in practice experience alongside meeting the relevant entry requirements for their degree progression.
How our graduates are shaping the future:
- Gaining skills needed to be successful undergraduate students, our learners typically progress onto their chosen degree pathways after completing this course
Entry requirements
You will need to have GCSEs at grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in both Maths and English.
Our degree is widely respected and recognised for access onto a veterinary degree in the UK.
Most students will progress on to a land‑based degree, either at University Centre Sparsholt or elsewhere.
Most learners are aged 19 or above at the start of the course, however entry at 18 may be possible – please contact the UCS admissions team for more details.