What is the criteria for enrolment?
Applicants must hold a veterinary qualification.

• If the applicant is based in the UK, he/she must be on the RCVS Home Practising Register
• If the applicant is based outside the UK, he/she must hold a veterinary qualification which would entitle him/her to register as a member of the RCVS

Applicants must have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice

Veterinary surgeons who qualified in 2007 or later and who are based in the UK must have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase (PDP) before they can enrol

It is not an absolute requirement that applicants should currently be working in veterinary practice, but applicants are advised that it may be difficult for them to place the knowledge and skills acquired in context, and to complete the casebook element of each programme, if they are not working in a practice environment.

Are the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) and the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificates (PGCertSAM and PGCertSAS) academically equivalent?
Each qualification is positioned at Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and carries 60 academic credits at this level. The qualifications are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent. Click here to find out more

Can studies be flexible?

Yes, you can complete your studies between 3 and 5 years.

If you intend to complete the programme in three years, your timeline will look like this.

10 units and online materials in year 1

10 units and online materials in year 2

Written exam February Year 3

Casebook preparation, with submission in October

Oral exam November

Final results December

However, if you prefer, you can spread out your studies up to a maximum of 5 years. For example:

5 units in year 1

5 units in year 2

5 units in year 3

5 units in year 4

Exams and case book

as above in year 5

The programmes are designed to be flexible and there are other possible options.

Will I get support along the way?

Yes, we aim to support you during your studies towards the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate. When you first enrol on the programme, you will be allocated a mentor, whose role is to provide you with general advice and encouragement should you need it. 

The pastoral support offered by mentors is in addition to academic support as you study. There will be numerous opportunities for you to ask questions – at the taught courses, via the online discussion boards, and through the central academic enquiry point certificate@bsava.com.

When you reach the case book section of the programme there will also be a case book co-ordinator to provide advice on case book preparation and submission.

Can I spread the payment of enrolment fees?

Yes, arrangements can be made to spread payment of fees over the academic year by monthly direct debit.

Are you planning on expanding certificate subjects in the future?

Yes, we are currently investigating further subjects, so if you are interested in doing a postgraduate certificate in another subject please contact us with your suggestions.

How can I contact you?

Email: certificate@bsava.com

Tel: 01452 726715