MSc in Veterinary nursing with a Major in Veterinary Nursing

The Degree of Master of Science with the stated major will be awarded upon successful completion of 120 credits, of which 90 must be from second-cycle courses that meet the following requirements:

• a minimum of 30 credits of courses with specialised study in the main field of study (A1N; A1F);
• a minimum of 30 credits from a degree project in the main field of study (Master’s dissertation/A2E).

Additionally, students must have successfully completed a Degree of Bachelor, a professional qualification comprising a minimum of 180 credits, or have an equivalent qualification from abroad.

The Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) may contain a maximum of 30 credits from first-cycle courses, provided these credits were not included in a Degree of Bachelor or its equivalent.

Content

Programme description

The Master’s Programme in Veterinary Nursing can lead to doctoral studies and provides students with the knowledge necessary for working both sustainably and ethically with development, innovation and veterinary nursing. The programme draws on relevant scientific, social and ethical elements with clear links to research, industry and the future professional role.

Internationalisation is made possible through collaborations with higher education institutions abroad that offer Bachelor’s programmes in veterinary nursing. Thanks to these collaborations, it is possible to conduct study visits, projects and work with the independent project abroad.

During their first year, students will take a range of closely linked courses. In the second year, students choose further courses and complete an independent project. They will develop both broad subject knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the theoretical knowledge and methods in veterinary science. Students will also gain insight into research and development work. Students will develop skills for working both independently and in groups, and for seeking new and relevant knowledge. Throughout the programme, students will have the opportunity to practise their written and oral skills. The programme emphasises the ability to apply ethical, efficient and sustainable perspectives to analysing solutions, and includes elements of professional attitudes. Throughout the programme, students will learn about and practise communication and collaboration skills with other professionals and animal owners.

The first year provides students with a good understanding of the philosophy of science thus preparing them for their independent project, and teaches scientific approaches relevant to their future careers. The programme provides students with advanced knowledge of veterinary nursing, medicine and surgery, assessment and treatment methods for rehabilitation and veterinary nursing for anaesthesiology and emergency/intensive care.

In-depth subject study continues during the second year of the programme. Knowledge is applied to relevant projects and is used in discussions with societal stakeholders. The programme concludes with an independent degree project worth 30 credits, in which students can apply their knowledge and skills to a relevant topic in their major. The programme provides students with a good understanding of the philosophy of science and creates a solid basis for doctoral studies.

The programme is taught in English.

Courses in the programme

Year 1

• Veterinary nursing- a scientific approach, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1N)
• Veterinary nursing within emergency and intensive care, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1N)
• Veterinary rehabilitation- principles and scientific fundaments, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1N)
• Medical and surgical veterinary nursing 1, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1N)

Year 2

• Veterinary nursing within anaesthesiology, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1N)
• Veterinary rehabilitation – evidence-based practice, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1F)
• Medical and surgical veterinary nursing 2, 15 credits (Veterinary nursing, A1F)
• Independent project in Veterinary Nursing, 30 credits (Veterinary nursing, A2E)

The courses offered may change during the programme. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.

Each course on the programme has its own syllabus that describes the course content and other specifics. Detailed information on when the courses are offered is available on the SLU student web.

The general objectives for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Swedish Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).

Objectives for a Degree

In accordance with the appendix to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for a Degree of Master (120 credits), the student must meet the following objectives:

Knowledge and understanding

For the Degree of Master (120 credits), the student must:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field, in addition to insight into current research and development work. The student must also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of methodology in the main field of study.

Competence and skills

For the Degree of Master (120 credits), the student must:

• Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work.
• Demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• Demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

For the Degree of Master (120 credits), the student must:

• Demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work.
• Demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Career opportunities include, in addition to an academic career, innovation work and advanced work in veterinary care, medical technology, entrepreneurship, product development and work in government agencies. A master's degree makes it possible to apply for postgraduate studies.