RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Online Learning) PgProfDev

Assessment submission links and support materials are provided online via Blackboard Learn.

Online support materials include:

• reading lists
• online discussion forums
• sample case notes/essay topics
• guidance notes on assessment criteria
• study skills support

Studying online at Edinburgh

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree:

• Postgraduate online learning

The programme is structured to allow sequential progression through the A module (foundation skills), B module (core skills) and C modules (advanced skills).

While it is recommended that the Certificate is taken in this way, it is also possible to take the modules in any order.

The Certificate can be taken over 10 years, with each module taking between 1-2 years. It is possible to complete the full programme (60 credit equivalent) in one year, though this will depend on the assessment timetable for each module.

For most candidates the usual route of study is:

• A-FAVP, 10 credits = one year of study
• B module, 10 credits = one year of study
• C module (x4), 10 credits each = two years of study per module allowing time to gather cases and so on
• Synoptic assessment to achieve a designated certificate as required

Assessment

Attendance at Edinburgh is required for any module which has an examination element, for example:

• Production Animal Practice
• Veterinary Cardiology

All other written submissions are online, for example, case logs, case books, essays.

Where assessment involves both a written submission and an examination component at Edinburgh, this must be taken in the same examination diet.

It is not possible to take one aspect of an assessment in one year, and the remaining in a following year, with the exception of a resit requirement.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Candidates will demonstrate:

• a thorough understanding of the knowledge base, and a critical awareness of developments, at the forefront of their area of professional practice
• a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own area of practice
• originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and clinical enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their professional area
• conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically current literature and research in their professional area and evaluate clinical methodologies and techniques, and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate to propose new approaches to professional practice

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• deal with complex issues in an organised and creative manner, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to veterinary colleagues and to non-veterinary audiences, including clients
• demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in their professional area of work
• continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level

Holders of the Certificate will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for professional veterinary work.

Candidates may elect to progress to a European Diploma following completion of the certificate.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

You must:

• be a member of RCVS, or hold a registrable degree

• have at least 1 year of postgraduate experience working as a veterinary surgeon

• be enrolled with RCVS if intending to take the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (enrolment will be valid for 10 years)

You can check the list of recognised international qualifications on the RCVS website:

• RCVS-recognised qualifications

If you graduated after 2007 we recommend that you complete the Professional Development Phase (PDP) before enrolling for any modules.

Students from China

This degree is Band D.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Candidates who are European graduates do not have to take an IELTS test to become a member of the RCVS.

For those graduating outside Europe, the RCVS expects language skills to an overall IELTS score of 7 before the candidate can sit the membership exam.

The CertAVP is an RCVS qualification. The University of Edinburgh provides and assesses modules for candidates to complete towards the Certificate, on behalf of the RCVS but does not accredit these modules towards a final degree award. Consequently, the University of Edinburgh does not set a minimum language requirement for entry. Although it is not essential that you have evidence of your level of English when applying, we would strongly recommend that you are confident in your level of written and spoken English to ensure that you gain the greatest benefit from taking part in the certificate.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Application fee

None.

Deposit

None.

Additional programme costs

You will be required to pay an additional examination registration fee for the oral synoptic examination. The fee listed is for one examination only. The resit fee is the same, there is no reduced resit fee. Module and synoptic exam fees are subject to annual revision and may increase each year.

• £800

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money

  • taking out a loan

  • family support

• personal savings

• income from work

• employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding