Veterinary Science Courses

Study veterinary science online

Veterinary science is all about looking after the health and wellbeing of animals, from preventative care and psychological evaluations to complex surgeries. If you’re thinking about working in the field, or you want to improve your knowledge in this area, one of our online veterinary courses is the ideal place to start.

Our courses are 100% online, so you have the freedom and flexibility to study whenever suits you. We offer a range of course types, including free short courses, programs and degrees. If you join the Edward Jenner Leadership for Veterinary Professionals program, you can complete a series of in-depth leadership courses for veterinary professionals and develop your expertise.

Gain veterinary certifications and CPD

If you’re interested in gaining a professional certification, several of our courses are CPD certified, meaning they have been scrutinised to ensure integrity and quality. This can be great for your professional development and help you work towards your career goals.

You can also receive a digital certificate when you complete a short course if you choose to upgrade with us. You can upload your certificate to LinkedIn or attach it to your CV to demonstrate your capability and interest in veterinary medicine.

Build your career in veterinary science

If you want to eventually work in a career related to veterinary science, our courses are a great way to learn the necessary skills. There is a wide range of exciting veterinary careers to choose from, such as a vet, veterinary nurse, veterinary assistant and veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary jobs are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting that the need for veterinarians will rise by 18% between 2018 and 2028. Jobs in this field can also bring the personal satisfaction of making a difference to the health and lives of animals.

Your options for studying veterinary science

We’ve partnered with UK universities and other well-recognised global institutions, such as the Vet school at Universidad Complutense of Madrid, to bring you a range of courses where you can either gain an introduction to veterinary science or build on your current skills. These courses can help you upskill to a new role or develop your professional credentials.

We offer a range of course types, from free short courses to programs. Our short courses take between two and ten weeks to complete and offer an overview of veterinary science or a particular topic within it. If you decide to complete a program, you will receive a FutureLearn Award as proof of completing the program of study and deeper subject knowledge.

FAQs

What is veterinary science?

Broadly, veterinary science is all about looking after animals and maintaining their physical and psychological health. Veterinary studies include disease prevention, genetics, livestock management, pathology and surgery, so there’s a lot to learn in the field. However, you don’t need to have as much specialist knowledge or as many qualifications to be a veterinary nurse or assistant.

Can I learn veterinary medicine online?

Veterinary courses are a great way to introduce you to the science or help you build your skills and knowledge to supplement practical training. Our veterinary courses are completely online and don’t require any in-person teaching, so you’re free to study whenever suits you. You can also learn from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to a digital device.

What are the top veterinary courses?

If you’re trying to decide whether a veterinary career is right for you, our Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession course is perfect for you. On it, you’ll learn what it takes to become a vet and explore the challenges of the vet profession.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more specific course in the field, we have courses such as Animal Viruses: Their Transmission and the Diseases They Produce and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Practice, where you can learn how to protect animals from disease.

Is it difficult to study veterinary science?

There is a lot to learn in the world of veterinary science but the difficulty will depend on the area you’re studying. For example, a veterinary program will require more knowledge, hard work and attention than learning on a short veterinary course.

It will also help if you’re passionate about veterinary medicine and have an interest in biology and animal care. However, no matter what you choose, our courses are designed by successful veterinary experts who will help you to succeed in your studies.

How do I start a career in veterinary medicine?

There are several different potential careers you can get into if you’re interested in veterinary science, including a vet, veterinary nurse, and veterinary assistant. Most of these jobs will require specific education and training - veterinarians will need to complete a 5-year veterinary degree and veterinary nurses will need to complete a diploma.

Since these careers require a great deal of commitment, it can be useful to try an online course and see if you’re passionate about veterinary science and animal care first. Find out more about how to become a veterinary nurse.