Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine is an 18-month, part-time program designed for veterinary practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in small animal medicine. Delivered primarily online, the program emphasizes evidence-based practices, case-based learning, and peer collaboration, aiming to equip participants with the confidence to manage clinical cases effectively and encourage lifelong learning.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine is designed for qualified veterinary practitioners working in small animal practice who want to enhance their knowledge and approach in this field. It is also suitable for vets seeking to refresh their skills after a career break or for new graduates aiming to expand their skillset.
Key Objectives:
- Develop an evidence-based approach to Small Animal Medicine.
- Equip veterinarians with the skills to become effective evidence-based practitioners.
- Foster a confident approach to clinical cases, enhancing diagnosis and management.
- Encourage independent learning with metacognitive skills, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Program Philosophy:
- Emphasizes an applied approach using case-based material and current thinking.
- Focuses on 90% online learning with individual work and group collaboration for peer-to-peer learning.
- Offers flexibility with approximately 10-12 hours per week of home study.
- Encourages self-directed study, peer feedback, guidance from experts, and exposure to clinical specialists.
Assessment:
The assessment strategy combines regular formative and low-stakes assessments with end-of-semester summative assessments:
Formative Assessments:
- Group discussions of cases on discussion boards with feedback.
- Concept maps.
- Critical appraisal of papers.
- Construction of evidence-based summaries.
- Group work.
Summative Assessments:
- End-of-semester single best answer questions.
- A written critically appraised topic.
- A structured case report (capstone assessment).
Teaching:
- The program is delivered primarily online.
- It emphasizes group work and peer-to-peer learning.
- Students receive guidance from experts in the field and are exposed to the clinical expertise of veterinary specialists.
- The program aims to develop independent learners with metacognitive skills, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Other:
- The program is part-time and has a duration of 18 months.
- The program is open to both domestic (EEA) and international (non-EEA) applicants.
- The program is delivered online.
- The program is offered in September.
- The program is subject to change.
EU Applicant:
5280 euros per year
Non-EU Applicant:
5280 euros per year
