To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Katherine Spear — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:10:57 GMT

If you are thinking about Masters I definitely recommend the Leeds Professional Ethics MA - they offer scholarships every year I think maybe?, scholarships/studentships are definitely work looking at to fund studies.

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Samantha Fontaine — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:25:35 GMT

Also, don't forget that some programmes are RCVS accredited for the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (CertAVN), so you can often gain this additional qualification (and post-nominal) at the same time as you complete your PG studies. This may make it easier to chose one programme over another if you are still struggling.

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/postgraduate-qualifications/certificate-in-advanced-veterinary-nursing/

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Samantha Fontaine — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:22:35 GMT

As someone who runs an advanced programme at Glasgow Uni (Advanced Practice in Vet Nursing), I would say absolutely don't discount yourself with whatever level of qualification you have. I have had students from a range of professional background (diploma only, to degree) and almost everyone can succeed. Okay, those with a degree definitely find the studies easier, are likely to have a better grade profile (as they can already critically appraise, as Louise mentioned) and they have a less steep learning curve. But if you are committed and motivated, there is no reason why you can't make the jump from FdSc to level 7 (postgraduate).

Many PG programmes value work experience and other qualifications, so check out the admissions pages for any courses you are interested in. Even if it doesn't look like you would be eligible then I'd say it is always worth contacting admissions to find out. Some programmes have different application processes depending on your background, for example, on my programme I ask for evidence of academic writing from those coming from non-traditional backgrounds (ie diploma route) and I may invite you for a chat to discuss if level 7 studies are the best option for you.

As for a PGCert vs PGDip, many loans providers only fund part time studies if it's two years or more, meaning the PGDip is the more attractive route. If studying to PG Dip level though, I'd always encourage my students to continue to the final year and get their MSc. There may be payment plans available at some institutions, so that is also worth checking out so that you can spread the cost of your studies if you are not eligible for a loan.

Your final question about how to pick one, then I'd say think about what interests you and what you want your career trajectory to look like. Are there certain programmes that offer options that will make you more attractive within your current workplace and open up other role opportunities for you, or are you looking to ultimately change careers, say into something like education? Ultimately though, you are more likely to be successful in your studies if you are learning about something that you are interested in, as opposed to something that feels like a slog and a box-ticking exercise only.

Good luck with whatever you chose to do!

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Katherine Spear — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:32:14 GMT

I always think more learning is worth it! I was able to get a scholorship to do a Masters at the University of Leeds in Professional Ethics which was really brilliant, its worth looking around. BVNA also offer grants for education.

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Louise Buckley — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:30:15 GMT

I would be surprised if it made a difference. The courses are likely to have been designed to deliver the same or similar content to Level 6 or 7 as, unless you have large numbers of applications, these courses are not likely to be financially viable unless you can find ways to share content. The individual provider though could give you more info.

I would probably pick the option that will get you into a stronger veterinary nurse with a good CPD budget - and then build a case for your employer to pay or part pay for the second one rather than accumulate more debt.

Personally, I would do the Level 6 in your situation. The reason for this is the jump from a level 5 to 7 is a big one. One of the things students very often find challenging is quality critical appraisal and this is not required to get an "A" at FD level but at Level 7 level if you don't show critical appraisal skills you will find you mark will probably be capped at around 40 - 59. If I am marking a PG student piece of work, it doesn't matter how good their knowledge and understanding is or how many references they have used, if they take a descriptive approach to the work they will not get higher than 59. Level 6 is a half way house so you could achieve a better mark for the same work, and develop your CA skills at the same time. Then, once you have banked this (+ possibly a top up to Honours degree at the same time and no more money), you could:

1. stop there

2. Do a different level 7 advanced VN qualification and set yourself apart from your honours degree peers because you will then have a FD, an advanced VN qual in X, possibly an honours degree top up in VN, and an advanced VN qualification in Y - while your Honours degree primary qual peers while have a primary qualification + 1 advanced VN qual.

2. Save your one funding opportunity at PG level to potentially change careers e.g. do vet physio, train as a social worker, nurse, or similar should you ever want to leave vet nursing in the future.

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Pengul — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:04:52 GMT

That’s very helpful! I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective. definitely worth some more reserach and not writting it off completely (yet).

yes it’s for the advanced nursing qualifications- trouble is there are several that I quite like the sound of. How to you pick which one to study at what level?

RE: To study a pgcert/pgdip or not?

Louise Buckley — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:50:34 GMT

Is this to do one of the advanced veterinary nursing qualifications?

If so, these are usually offered (I think, that was the original plan with them) at level 6 and 7. Same course, different assessment (or same assessment with wording tweaked to meet needs of higher level assessments, or a different marking rubric). You are potentially at an advantage compared to degree nurses here. Unless you already ALSO have a level 6 degree (FD = level 5) you currently have one year of undergrad funding unused. You could probably do 60 credits at e.g. Harper Adams, Nottingham Trent, Myerscough to complete a top up degree and/or a advanced vet nurse cert (some providers might have designed the course to allow you to achieve both). I am a bit out of touch now on what different providers are offering so you would need to look at their individual programmes and ask the course leader but I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Having done that you could then do an advanced cert at Level 7 in another advanced vet nurse cert and be eligible for postgrad funding. A significant advantage over nurses who trained by getting a Honours degree for their primary qualification - as they can only get student loans company funding for one advanced qualification!

If you had a FD qualification and want to do a postgraduate qualification in something else you options are likely more limited because that is big jump from level 5 to 7, and the more heavily subscribed PG courses would likely screen you out for someone qualified at level 6+ (if their admissions criteria allowed level 5 + life experience). You almost certainly wouldn't be a top pick for heavily subscribed courses without a level 6 qualification, but I believe some Masters will allow this. Your funding then is postgraduate and depending on where you are in the UK the funding may not cover the full tuition fees, Scotland's being particularly poor for PG stuff (but free for undergrads).