This exciting degree offers a combination of veterinary nursing and companion animal behaviour. The course may lead to a range of career routes, from working as a veterinary nurse in general practice, to opportunities in the field of behaviour and welfare for animal charities or the commercial sector. The first two years of your studies are completed at the Clifton campus, where our pre-clinical facilities are based, with some days spent at Bristol Veterinary School in Langford. In year one you will learn the fundamental concepts of anatomical science, understanding body function and pre-clinical science, and will be introduced to the principles and practice of veterinary nursing. The second year builds upon the basic sciences through classroom-based study in veterinary anatomy. You will also cover anaesthesia and fluid therapy; surgical nursing and theatre practice; medical nursing, diagnostics and therapeutics. You will study the principles of animal ethology, behavioural development, and welfare, focusing on the commonly owned companion animal species. To meet the clinical placement requirements of the RCVS you will spend ten weeks in clinical practice during the vacation in years one and two. Usually, this placement takes place close to your home. Your third year comprises a 42-week placement in first-opinion veterinary practice within a 50-mile radius of the Bristol Veterinary School, and you will study professional veterinary nursing practice through lectures and online tutorials. In your final year you will study units in applied clinical veterinary nursing and clinical skills in companion animal behaviour. You will also complete a ten-week research project on a topic of your choice, supervised by one or more members of academic staff. The degree allows entry into the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Register of Veterinary Nurses and fulfils the academic requirements for certification as a clinical animal behaviourist (CCAB). It also provides you with the opportunity to complete the level one practical requirement for certification as a CCAB by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) (ASAB accreditation is pending; please contact the Bristol Veterinary School for up-to-date information).