Qualification overview
Graduates must have a degree in either Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine and be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Any graduate who is not a member of the RCVS will require approval from Central College of Animal Studies in order to undertake the diploma. Supervised experience must be undertaken in a professional approved veterinary practice. The Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Medicine (PgDipVetMed) is awarded by Central Qualifications (CQ).
Graduates enrolled on the diploma will work in specifically selected veterinary practices in order to develop their clinical skills in a supportive working environment. Whilst graduates will usually commence working within a small animal environment, they can choose to develop their clinical skills and confidence in equine and farm animal practice.
Individual veterinary practices and groups can ‘buy in’ to the programme to support the professional development of their own graduates which has been designed to facilitate graduates’ transition from veterinary student to qualified veterinary surgeon working in clinical practice.
Programme delivery
- Open to all veterinary surgeons but is particularly aimed at those who are recently qualified, qualifying from overseas, returning to practice after a career break, or changing from one practice type to another
- involves practice-based learning using a variety of strategies to ensure that graduates can undertake clinical tasks and responsibilities both proficiently and independently
- aims to provide graduates with the ability to apply and enhance the theoretical knowledge and skills gained during their veterinary degree.
Assessment
All assessments must be passed in order to achieve the PgDipVetMed.
Practical skills will be assessed by:
- experienced veterinary surgeons appointed by Central College of Animal Studies. Progress will be recorded on an electronic work-based progress log of Entrustable Professional Activities (Central Skills Log (CSL)) – to include video observational assessment, case management portfolio and formative assessment, via directly observed procedural skills
- Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS) examination – set and administered by CQ
- VIVA – set by and administered by CQ.
