Vets Course
Small Animal Medicine
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
HAU Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
Register Interest- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
- FAQs
07 Oct 2025 - 01 Jul 2027
This highly popular small animal medicine programme will enhance your skills by providing a comprehensive and structured approach to diagnosing and managing internal medicine cases.
Join thousands of veterinary surgeons worldwide who have invested in their careers and developed their confidence, knowledge and skills to give the best care to their patients.
This programme covers the main canine and feline body systems such as clinical pathology and cytology, diagnostic imaging, respiratory, cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, emergency medicine and critical care and so much more.
By gaining additional knowledge in these areas, you will elevate your skills and deliver optimal care to small animal patients in your practice with the following benefits:
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Develop expertise in diagnosing and managing internal medicine cases
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Foster reflective practice and improve problem-solving abilities
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Create a clear and logical approach to clinical problems
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Broaden your knowledge base in small animal medicine
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Improve productivity with expedient and accurate diagnoses
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Enhance service value and client satisfaction
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Increase confidence in tackling small animal medical cases
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Sharpen interpretation skills for effective diagnoses
Key features of this programme
Expert Speakers
Leading experts in a variety of clinical topics delivering the latest content and who will guide you throughout the programme
Different learning options
This programme is delivered face to face or in an online format providing flexibility to tailor the course to your preferred learning style
Reflective learning
In addition to the taught modules, you will receive pre- and post-module questions to help you reflect and track your learning. This approach to reflective learning will assist you throughout your career as a veterinary professional
Flexibility
Various points to join throughout the programme
Modules
15 theoretical modules and 6 practical modules, delivered monthly to minimise time away from practice
World-leading online learning resources
- A copy of the Improve International Manual of Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine, Volumes 1 and 2
- Online forum for peer discussion
- Module notes, reading lists and papers
- Access to Harper Adams Library once registered for the PgC
100% online
Giving you access 24/7 wherever you are
Latest clinical training environments
Convenient and state-of-the-art training and practical facility with the latest equipment in Swindon
Assessments and exams
All assessments and exam fees are included
Programme support
Dedicated support will ensure you have all the right tools and information to support you from the start of your programme to the moment you receive your qualification
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Cytology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Imaging Practical Film Reading and Abdominal Ultrasound
- Respiratory disease
- Cardiovascular Medicine I
- Cardiovascular Medicine II
- Gastroenterology I
- Gastroenterology II
- Immunology
- Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
- Endocrinology I
- Endocrinology II
- Medical Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Neurology
- Urology I
- Urology II
- Canine Infectious Disease
- Feline Infectious Disease
- Ophthalmology
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
By attending the full structured taught programme and following successful assessment, you can gain the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) from Harper Adams University (HAU).
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
The PgC represents Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. It provides 60 transferable academic credits towards the 180 required for a Master's degree in the UK or 30 ECTS credits (Europe).
On successful attainment, you will also be awarded the GPCert(SAM) and a personalised certificate, and your name will be included in the ISVPS register of General Practitioner Certificate holders.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status
After completing your Postgraduate Certificate, you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes. You will also need to provide evidence of Key Professional Skills knowledge to the RCVS when applying for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) and Master's Degree
By continuing your learning journey with us, your PgC may also be used towards an ISVPS GPAdvCert or a Professional Master's degree (pending validation) with Harper Adams University. These qualifications will enable you to expand your knowledge and further demonstrate your skills while obtaining academic recognition.
Speakers
Venue: Swindon
Date: 07 Oct 2025 - 01 Jul 2027
GPCert/PgC in Small Animal Medicine
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more01 - Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind selection of appropriate tests for your patients
- Consider the different sampling techniques, sample processing and identify factors that may affect them
- Become familiar with the clinical pathology of hepatobiliary and renal disease
- Structure your approach to anaemia to differentiate between non-regenerative and regenerative types before determining possible underlying causes
- Transform your understanding of haemostasis to enable you to determine when, why and how it goes wrong
- Use your knowledge to interpret laboratory data from clinical patients to help you prioritise further investigations
- Develop your haematological skills by becoming adept at interpreting both normal and abnormal haemograms, identifying reticulocytes and discovering platelet and white cell abnormalities
- Improve your approach to patients with neutropaenia and marked leucocytosis
02 - Cytology
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the principles and practical aspects of cytological sample collection, storage and preparation
- Maximise the value of your microscopy skills
- Perfect your ability to describe the principles of routine cytological examination and how this informs a cytological diagnosis
- Transform your understanding of the different cytological characteristics of effusions, aspirates and lavage samples
- Familiarise yourself with some of the conditions most commonly diagnosed by cytology
03 - Diagnostic Imaging
Key learning objectives:
- Review the principles of radiography, radiology and the significance of radiation protection
- Appreciate the use of contrast radiography in a variety of situations and using a variety of techniques
- Understand the principles of ultrasound imaging
- Familiarise yourself with the basic principles of advanced imaging
- Compare and contrast CT and MRI as diagnostic tools
04 - Diagnostic Imaging Practical Film Reading and Abdominal Ultrasound
This practical day will include:
- Case based discussion
- Film reading session
- Practical abdominal ultrasound scanning
Key learning objectives:
- Develop your ability to critique radiographs
- Enhance your skills in interpreting radiographs in a systematic and thorough manner
- Practice your ultrasound imaging skills to help you to differentiate between normal and abnormal abdominal structures
05 - Respiratory disease
Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker
Key learning objectives:
- Improve your understanding of the importance of a detailed and thorough physical examination
- Integrate a dyspnoea algorithm into your investigations of respiratory disease
- Develop an understanding of the importance of diagnostic aids in the investigation of respiratory disease: radiography; endoscopy; ultrasonography and cytology
- Consolidate your knowledge of upper and lower airway disease, parenchymal and pleural space disease
- Familiarise yourself with the principles of primary and ancillary respiratory therapeutics
- Learn the best approach to the acute management of the dyspnoeic patient
06 - Cardiovascular Medicine I
Key learning objectives:
- Extend your understanding of the principles and importance of a physical examination in patients with suspected cardiac disease
- Familiarise yourself with the principles of electrocardiography
- Integrate your understanding of the approach to electrocardiographic interpretation to help you identify common arrhythmias
- Improve your evaluation of thoracic radiographs in reference to cardiac patients
- Understand the basic principles of echocardiography and its role in diagnosis of cardiac disease
07 - Cardiovascular Medicine II
Key learning objectives:
- Recognise and understand the events involved in the pathophysiology of cardiac failure
- Define systolic and diastolic failure
- Appreciate the species differences in prevalence of congenital and acquired cardiac diseases
- Describe the major congenital cardiac diseases in dogs and cats
- Transform your understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of acquired valvular, myocardial and pericardial diseases
- Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic options and their applications in patients with cardiac disease
- Learn how to manage emergency cardiac patients for improved outcomes
08 - Gastroenterology I
Key learning objectives:
- Develop your understanding of deglutition and dysphagia
- Familiarise yourself with the pathophysiology of:
- Regurgitation
- Acute and chronic vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Enhance your diagnostic approach to gastrointestinal abnormalities
- Describe the principles and basic use of endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease and when it is indicated
09 - Gastroenterology II
Key learning objectives:
- Improve your understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic and hepatobiliary disease
- Devise a systematic diagnostic approach to the jaundiced patient
- Perfect your investigative approach to suspected hepatobiliary disease
- Understand the pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic disease
- Describe the investigative approach to acute and chronic exocrine pancreatic diseases
- Discuss the therapeutic options in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases
10 - Immunology
Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker.
Key learning objectives:
- Learn the basis of immune function and the immune response to better understand the pathophysiology of immune-mediated disease
- Develop your diagnostic approach to common immune-mediated diseases in small animals
- Transform your understanding of the basis of therapy for immune-mediated diseases
- Discuss the use of common immunosuppressive therapies
11 - Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
Key learning objectives:
- Familiarise yourself with a thorough and systematic approach to the assessment of the critically ill patient’s major body systems
- Enhance your understanding of the minimum database and its’ interpretation
- Implement your assessment of your patients when considering their fluid, electrolyte and transfusion requirements
- Understand the principles and practical aspects of critical patient monitoring
- Recognise imminent cardiopulmonary arrest more promptly
- Learn how to select and apply both basic and advanced life support
This module includes a practical session where the following techniques will be reviewed:
- Placing a tracheostomy tube
- Thoracocentesis
- Chest drain placement and appropriate management
12 - Endocrinology I
Key learning objectives:
- Get to grips with the underlying principles of endocrine anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
- Become familiar with the clinical signs and diagnostic approaches in cats and dogs with endocrine disorders such as:
- Hypo and hyperadrenocorticism – common and uncommon presentations
- Hypo and hyperthyroidism
- Primary and Secondary hyperparathyroidism
- Understand the basis of medical and (where appropriate) surgical management for diseases affecting the adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid glands
13 - Endocrinology II
Key learning objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical signs associated with endocrine pancreatic disease including insulinoma
- Describe the investigation and management of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in the dog and cat
- Get to grips with understanding the causes of failure to control diabetes and the approach to the unstable diabetic patient
- Understand the pathophysiology of pituitary endocrine diseases
- Become familiar with the clinical signs, investigation and management of pituitary endocrine disease in the dog and cat
14 - Medical Oncology
Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker
Key learning objectives:
- Be able to understand the principles of tumour biology and staging
- Formulate a general investigative approach to the cancer patient
- Develop your understanding of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical oncology
- Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic management of common canine and feline neoplasms
- Enable yourself to recognise and manage common oncologic emergencies
15 - Dermatology
Key learning objectives:
- Develop a problem-solving approach to skin diseases
- Describe the steps involved in dermatologic examination in cats and dogs
- List and understand the techniques used for the laboratory investigation of skin disease and when they should be used
- Recommend a rational problem-solving approach to the investigation and treatment of :
- Alopecia
- Pruritus
- Become familiar with the common presentations of bacterial, parasitic and fungal skin disease
- Identify common dermatologic manifestations of systemic disease and their pathogenesis
16 - Medical Neurology
Key learning objectives:
- Revise your understanding of the principles of functional neuroanatomy
- Become adept at a thorough and systematic neurologic examination to help you localise lesions
- List and understand further diagnostic techniques available to investigate neurologic disease
- Consider the investigation and management of common neurologic syndromes
- Understand the steps involved in the investigation into the aetiology of seizures in dogs and cats
- Improve your ability to manage seizures in an emergency and longer term.
17 - Urology I
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the diagnostic techniques available to investigate urinary disease
- Delve into the detail of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic renal failure, glomerular disease and proteinuria
- Develop your investigative approach into renal disease
- Improve your therapeutic management of such cases
18 - Urology II
Key learning objectives:
- Describe and understand the factors involved in the development of crystalluria and urolithiasis in cats and dogs
- Understand the principles of management of lower urinary tract disease in cats and dogs
- Explore the often complicated management of FLUTD and urethral obstruction
- Examine the possible causes of urinary incontinence, their diagnosis and management
- Classify canine prostatic diseases and understand their pathogenesis, diagnosis and medical management
19 - Canine Infectious Disease
Delivered online through our Moodle platform supported by the module tutor/speaker
Key learning objectives:
- Compile a list of the major infectious diseases in dogs and cats
- Describe the diagnosis and management of common infectious diseases in dogs and cats
- Familiarise yourself with the clinical signs of significant imported diseases occurring in dogs and cats
- Understand the principles of vaccination and vaccination regimes
- Learn the steps involved in the pet travel scheme
- List notifiable diseases in dogs and cats
20 - Feline Infectious Disease
Approach the pathophysiology, diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment and management of common viral diseases in cats including FeLV, FIV and FIP and respiratory infections.
- Diagnose and treat Haemoplasma infections
- Explain the diseases of hunting cats including toxoplasmosis, pox virus, mycobacterial disease and salmonellosis
- Approach enteric infections of the cat including protozoal disease (Trichomonas foetus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora) and bacterial/viral disease
- Understand fungal mycoses
- Control infectious and zoonotic disease in the home, clinic, shelters and cattery situations
21 - Ophthalmology
Key learning objectives:
- Perfect your ability to perform common ophthalmic examination techniques:
- Basic neuro-ophthalmological examination
- Ophthalmoscopy: Distant Direct; Close Direct & Indirect
- Correct use of Fluoroscein for corneal evaluation
- Tonometry & Gonioscopy
- Get to grips with current ocular therapeutics: what do you need to have on your pharmacy shelf?
- Familiarise yourself with the medical management of common ocular conditions
- Identify the ocular manifestations of systemic diseases
- Be able to recognise common ocular conditions that require surgery
Venue: Swindon
Date: 07 Oct 2025 - 01 Jul 2027
GPCert/PgC in Small Animal Medicine
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out morePricing Billing
Small Animal Medicine
Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
---|---|---|---|
PgC Payment In Full - (with Exam) | £9,900.00 | - | £9,900.00 |
PgC Deposit and Remaining Balance - (with Exam) | £1,800.00 | £8,100.00 | £9,900.00 |
PgC Monthly Payments - (with Exam) | £1,800.00 | £495.00 x 18 (monthly) | £10,710.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve both a GPCert from ISVPS and a PgC from Harper Adams University.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payment for the course can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.
2. Please contact us for pricing relating to corporate veterinary groups and multiple booking discounts.
3. Full details regarding the course cancellation procedure can be found here: Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 07 Oct 2025 - 01 Jul 2027
GPCert/PgC in Small Animal Medicine
Get in touch
Accredited by
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions
Practical Sessions
Where are practical CPD courses or face-to-face modules held?
We have two main venues for our practical modules and CPD courses:
Courses and sessions marked as ‘Swindon’ will be held in our Clinical Excellence Centre, which can be found on the Ground Floor, Delta 1200, Delta Business Park, Welton Road, Swindon, SN5 7XZ.
Courses and sessions marked as ‘Sheffield’ will be held at Benchmark House, 8 Smithy Wood Drive, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 1QN.
Find out more about our venues and facilities.
What will the timings be for face-to-face certificate modules and practical CPD sessions? How will my day be structured?
Start times vary between 09:00 and 09:30, depending on the course you are attending. Please refer to communications from your Programme Coordinator or Practical Course Coordinator, or check the online learning platform for details. UK venues open at 08:30 to give you plenty of time to get settled in.
You will have a short morning and afternoon break to get refreshments and an hour-long lunch break.
Where do the cadavers come from for the practical CPD and surgical modules/courses?
Improve Veterinary Education established the Pet Gifting scheme several years ago, which allows local veterinary practices to offer clients the option to donate their pet to us at time of euthanasia. Please contact us or speak to a member of the team at the venue if you would like more information.
What should I wear to a practical CPD course/module?
Practical surgical sessions, held in the wet labs, will have PPE provided (surgical gowns). You may chose to bring scrubs, if you wish. For modules/courses involving live dogs (including ultrasound and physiotherapy courses), we recommend bringing a scrub top. No open-toed shoes are to be worn for practical modules.
I will be travelling from overseas, do I need a Visa?
Delegates attending face-to-face or practical CPD from overseas may require a Visa in order to participate in sessions. Please seek advice from your local embassy in relation to exact requirements. Improve Veterinary Education (IVE) does not provide support in obtaining Visas, but we can supply documentation to support your application. Please also note that a Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable because IVE is a private education provider.
Will the dogs used for practical CPD courses be sedated?
No, we do not sedate dogs used in practical CPD courses, including ultrasound scanning courses. The dogs we use are chosen for their relaxed and compliant temperament and if they show signs of distress, they are removed and allowed to settle.
Will the dogs used for scanning have any abnormalities?
The dogs we use are clinically fit and healthy. We are not able to source animals with specific problems and we feel that would be unethical. Learning to accurately scan and assess normal physiology is the best approach when teaching ultrasonography.
Are the dogs used for ultrasound CPD clipped?
We are very grateful to the owners of dogs who allow their dogs to be used for our ultrasound CPD. We always ask the owners whether their dog can be clipped and make them aware of the benefit to our vets and nurses of having a clipped patient. However, clipping is sometimes denied, especially if the dog has previously had clipper rash, as many of our ultrasound scanning dogs are return patients. We find enabling the ultrasound gel to soak in by applying in advance allows non-clipped dogs to be used.
Are cats used for any of the ultrasound courses?
We do not provide cats for any practical ultrasound courses or modules, due to the stress this would cause to the animal through transportation and restraint. As it is not clinically necessary to scan the cat, it would not be ethical to use them for learning purposes.
Postgraduate Certificates (PgCs)
What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)?
The Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) is a recognised academic qualification that will demonstrate that you have achieved a certain standard in your subject or discipline. The PgC provides 60 academic credits and is positioned at Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework for higher and further education. This makes the PgC equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP and the BSAVA PGCert as well as other ‘Level 7’ qualifications. Our PgCs are validated by Harper Adams University. The 60 credits from the PgC can be used towards achieving a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) or Professional Masters (MProf), which represent 120 credits and 180 credits respectively. For more information about continuing to these higher awards, please contact our team.
Please note that not all GPCerts are eligible to continue to PgCs – check individual programme details for more information.
Am I eligible for the PgC programme?
In addition to the GPCert criteria detailed above, vets who wish to complete the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) after their General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) assessments need to have been in clinical practice for a year before starting the GPCert programme. UK-based applicants must be on the RCVS home practicing register, while applicants from outside the UK must hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS.
How do I enrol on the PgC programme?
By choosing to pursue a PgC certification, you will be automatically enrolled in both the GPCert and PgC courses, along with their respective assessment requirements. You will need to register separately with both ISVPS (for the GPCert) and Harper Adams University (for the PgC) to receive their designated certifications. Instructions for how to do this will be provided at the start of your programme.
In programmes where the GPCert and PgC are offered separately, delegates have the option to “upgrade” to the PgC. This upgrade will be reviewed in collaboration with your programme coordinator (IVE) and the Customer Success Team (ISVPS) to confirm eligibility and provide support. You can upgrade anytime within 4 years of receiving the GPCert award. Please note there will be additional costs to upgrade to the PgC.
I have previously achieved a GPCert. Can I still upgrade to a PgC?
As long as you were qualified as a vet for at least a year before you started the GPCert and you have done all of the GPCert course, you are able to “upgrade” from a GPCert to a PgC within 4 years of the GPCert exam date. Please contact ISVPS for further information – they will help you check eligibility and register with HAU for any further modules/assessments.
Is the PgC equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP, BSAVA PGCert, and other university-awarded veterinary postgraduate certificates?
Yes. Each veterinary postgraduate certificate is a recognised higher education qualification. The qualification represents Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides 60 transferable academic credits at this level. Our PgCs are validated at this level by Harper Adams University, while other veterinary postgraduate certificate providers are validated by other universities. The PgC, CertAVP and PGCert are all Level 7, providing 60 credits, and are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent.
How are Improve’s PgCs different from other providers?
At Improve Veterinary Education, we pride ourselves on delivering CPD that meets the needs of busy vets in practice. We’ve been developing courses and programmes for over 25 years, combining modern learning technologies and time-honoured teaching principles. We don’t just deliver modular programmes – we pioneered them. Our world-renowned speakers are not only experts in their field, they’re excellent lecturers too, seamlessly blending theory with hands-on practical sessions where they’re appropriate. Many of our PgCs can be studied entirely online with our world-leading learning platform, enabling vets to study from the comfort of home. For more information about what it’s like studying with us or how our modern, immersive learning technologies ensure that studying for an online veterinary certificate is interactive, see our Content Hub.
Will a PgC enable me to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status?
After you have successfully obtained your Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes. The following programmes can lead to a PgC enabling you to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status:
- Cardiology
- Dentistry & Oral Surgery
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Emergency Medicine & Surgery.
- Exotic Animal Practice
- Feline Practice
- Ophthalmology
- Small Animal Medicine
- Small Animal Surgery
* Please note, you can achieve a PgC in Endoscopy and Endosurgery, but currently the RCVS does not list Endoscopy & Endosurgery as a designated Advanced Practitioner subject so it is not possible to apply for the Advanced Practitioner status with this qualification.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery, there is an additional requirement for evidence of Professional Key Skills CPD, access to this will be provided at the end of your programme. There will be an additional fee to complete this with Harper Adams University, please contact us for more information.
How will I be assessed for the PgC?
In addition to the GPCert assessments, delegates studying towards a Postgraduate Certificate will need to complete and pass additional ISVPS assessments, consisting of a Case Report (pass mark 50%) and Case Log. The Case Log consists of multiple cases which will have been completed in practice during the time period of the programme. Delegates studying towards a PgC in Cardiology, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency Medicine & Surgery, Exotic Animal Practice, Endoscopy & Endosurgery, Feline Practice and Ophthalmology additionally undertake the distance learning Advanced Practitioner module with HAU, which requires further assessments.
Delegates taking the PgC in Small Animal Medicine or Small Animal Surgery take an additional Veterinary Professional Skills Module with HAU only if they want to apply for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.
You must have attended all modules in order to be eligible to sit the examinations and submit the assessments.
What does the PgC fee include?
In addition to the resources included in the course fee for the GPCert, the course fee for the PgC includes a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts, registration with HAU, and HAU exam fees (first attempt only)
What’s not included in the PgC fee? Do I need to budget for further costs?
The PgC programme fee does not include:
- Travel and accommodation costs if needed
- Assessment fees or exam fees after the first attempt
- Missed module fees if you haven’t notified us in writing more than 14 days before the module date
- Access to further textbooks, libraries, and journals of your choice.
If you wish to take the Veterinary Professional Skills Module (required for RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status) with HAU, this is also not included.
Payments & Finance
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments by credit card/debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and bank transfer (BACS).
Do you offer any flexible payment plans?
It is not possible to set up a payment plan for short or practical CPD courses. However, vet and vet nurse/paraprofessional certificate programmes have payment plans available, allowing you to pay a deposit for enrolment and then monthly instalments. Details about the amount and number of instalments can be found in the pricing tab for each programme on our website.
What payment methods can I use for setting up a direct debit?
Not all payment methods can be used for direct debit due to their technical characteristics. For direct debit you can use a debit card, a credit card, or your bank account number.
Do you issue separate invoices for each instalment?
Before starting to pay instalments, you will receive an invoice detailing the remaining balance (e.g the remaining amount after deducting the deposit you’ve paid from the total cost of the enrolment).
Your instalment payments will be allocated against this invoice, which reduces the outstanding amount with each instalment you pay. There won’t be a separate invoice for each instalment.
Why was my Direct Debit payment not charged on the day that is established in my payment plan?
Depending on the payment method chosen for the Direct Debit the payment can take more days to be processed. For example, credit and debit card payments will be charged immediately and might appear on the same or the next day in your bank account statement. However, payments charged on your bank account (BACS/SEPA payments) might take up to 5 business days to be processed.
There might be other reasons for the payment not being processed. Here are the main reasons:
- Insufficient funds on the account
- Transaction is not authorised by the bank
- Card used for the payment has expired
- Card issuer suspected fraud and declined transaction
If the transaction has been declined by the bank, please contact them to discuss the problem, then try again to make the payment.
Why couldn’t I make payment during check-out?
- Bad internet connection.
- Amount you have tried to pay is much higher than your daily spending pattern so your bank didn´t authorise the transaction for safety reasons.
- You have exceeded the limit of the transactions per day.
- Missing Strong Customer Authentication.
- Insufficient funds on the account.
Where can I find the bank details for the bank/wire transfer?
If you wish to pay for your CPD course or certificate programme by bank transfer (BACS), the bank details are at the bottom of the invoice.
What happens if my circumstances change and I need to cancel my order?
According to our terms and conditions you have a 14-day cooling off period from the date your order was placed. If you cancel your order within this time, your full order will be refunded. If your circumstances change after the 14 days have passed and it is more than 30 days from the start day of the CPD course you would be liable for the deposit, and the rest will be refunded to you. If it is less than 30 days from the start date of the course you would be liable for the full cost of the course. We are sometimes able to offer the option to defer to another cohort or to substitute another person into the place on the course. Please contact our friendly team for more information.
When is payment for my veterinary CPD course due?
- Full payment – the total amount of the enrolment price must be paid within 30 days of registration.
- Deposit + remaining amount – deposit for the enrolment must be paid within 5 days of registration, while the remaining amount of the enrolment must be paid up to 30 days before the course starting date.
- Deposit + instalments – deposit for the enrolment must be paid within 5 days of registration, while the remaining amount of the enrolment will be split into instalments and paid once per month following an established payment plan.
How much do the veterinary CPD courses and certificate programmes cost?
The cost of any CPD course or veterinary certificate programme, including applicable payment schedules, can be found in the ‘pricing’ tab of any programme page.
My course includes assessments with HAU, how do I make payment for these?
For those taking a programme that includes a HAU qualification (eg a PgC programme), the cost of the assessments is included in the fees. However, this only applies to first attempts – if you require a re-sit, you’ll need to pay HAU directly. Please contact our team for more information on how to do this.
My CPD course includes assessments with ISVPS, how do I make payment for these?
For those taking a programme that includes an ISVPS qualification, the cost of the assessments is included in the programme fee. However, this only applies to first attempts – if you require a re-sit, you’ll need to pay ISVPS directly. If you need more information, contact our friendly team.
Can I pay by Direct Debit?
Yes …..
General Practitioner Certificates (GPCerts)
What is the criteria for enrolling in a General Practitioner Certificate programme?
In order to enrol onto any Improve Veterinary Education Veterinary Certificate Programme, delegates must be qualified veterinary surgeons. If you intend to take the assessments to achieve the ISVPS GPCert, UK-based applicants must also be on the RCVS Home Practicing Register. Please note there are additional requirements if you intend to continue from GPCert to the PgC – see PgC FAQs below if your certificate programme is eligible for the PgC.
What is the difference between a GPCert and a PgC?
The ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) is a peer-recognised veterinary postgraduate award. The Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) is a university Level 7 postgraduate certificate awarded by Harper Adams University. While all our postgraduate programmes provide the teaching for the GPCert qualification, not all are eligible for the PgC. Where the subject is eligible for both, candidates have the option of continuing to the PgC by taking a further ISVPS assessments and in some disciplines an additional module and assessment with HAU. The awards you can achieve after the teaching programme are listed in the course details.
Can I use this veterinary certificate programme towards my veterinary CPD hours?
Yes you can. In the UK, CPD requirements for vets and nurses are set by the RCVS. Currently, there are no limitations to what you can use towards CPD, but the RCVS recommend planning your CPD to best support your professional development. Taking a General Practitioner Certificate is an excellent way to do this, and details about CPD hours provided is available on the specific programme details. You will receive a certificate at the end of each module to help you evidence your CPD with the RCVS using the 1CPD platform/app. Don’t forget you’ll also need to reflect on your CPD. More tips on planning and completing your CPD can be found in our Content Hub.
How long does a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) take to achieve?
GPCert programmes vary in length depending on the discipline, but most certificates take 8-24 months to study. Start and end dates can be found in the table on the right of the course details page, and more information about the planned timings for each session in the veterinary certificate programme can be found in the ‘modules’ tab. Module dates will be confirmed in your MyImprove area once you’ve started the course.
I want to register for a veterinary certificate course but I may be away for some of the modules. Does this mean I will miss out?
No. We understand that you are busy professionals, and we aim to be as flexible as possible. First, check to see whether an online or blended programme is available before you enrol in the course – you may be able to study these more flexibly, or remotely while you are away.
If you still need to miss a compulsory module, we’ll need advance notice. We will make every effort to find you an alternative venue and date, or stream/record the session. If the alternative dates don’t suit, you can request to transfer attend the missed module when the programme runs the following edition/year. Module transfer will need to be made in writing The only restriction is that you need to attend all of the taught modules before you can sit the relevant ISVPS examination, and you’ll need to complete the certificate (including assessments) within 7 years of your course start date (see below for more details).
How long do I have to finish the modules for my GPCert?
The certificate must be achieved within 7 years of starting your course, or 4 years of the course completion (whichever is sooner). We recommend completing the modules and taking the examination at the earliest opportunity to ensure that your learning is still fresh and current.
What resources will be available to support me through the certificate programme?
It’s a big undertaking to study a veterinary certificate programme, but we provide plenty of resources to help you succeed. The Improve Online Learning Platform provides access to a course notes library, delegate discussion forum, and other study resources including webinars.
A dedicated team of Programme Coordinators and Customer Success Advisors will be on hand to support every individual during their postgraduate certificate programme, assessments and examinations to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey. You may also find your Module Tutor a good source of support.
Delegates on specific certificate courses may also receive further resources in the form of one of our “Improve International Manual of” books if relevant to their course. The full list of manuals we have available can be found here.
How long do I have access to the course material for?
You’ll retain access to our online learning platform for a year after your veterinary postgraduate certificate course ends (which includes the first exam opportunity). This means you can re-watch videos or check things in your notes easily when faced with new cases in practice. We also recommend downloading your course notes or making your own while on the programme to help you look up techniques in future.
How will I be assessed for the GPCert?
At the beginning of the certificate programme, you will receive a syllabus and specific learning objectives for all of the taught modules. During the programme, you should document your current knowledge and skills prior to each module and undertake an informal short multiple-choice exercise. After the module, you can then undertake a further multiple-choice exercise, allowing you to demonstrate and reflect on the knowledge gained and implement a strategy to address any outstanding knowledge and skills gaps via independent study.
While the exact assessments vary depending on the veterinary postgraduate certificate you’re studying, they usually include:
- A 90-minute online Case-Based Scenario (CBS) examination, focusing on the management of in-depth clinical cases, to assess case-based decision making, for which the pass mark is 60%
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE) with a variety of questions, which assesses a candidate’s application of clinical knowledge, for which the pass mark is 60%
You will receive the exact details of exam dates and requirements once you start your certificate programme, but you can also contact ISVPS for more information. Please note that there are additional assessments to receive the PgC, which are covered in detail below if your course is eligible for a PgC.
What happens if I am not eligible to sit the assessments and/or exam with my cohort?
If for some reason you are not able to sit the assessments for the GPCert with your cohort, you would be entered for the next opportunity, as long as you are within the time frame for completion. Since your course access runs for one year from the end of your course, you may need to pay an additional fee to continue accessing the course for later exam opportunities.
What does the General Practitioner Certificate programme fee include?
The GPCert programme fee includes:
- Learning materials
- Access to the online learning platform
- Registration with ISVPS and exam fee (first attempt only)
- Access to a programme coordinator and customer success team
- Refreshments and lunch (during face-to-face and practical sessions only – not included in online-only programmes)
Some course fees also include a veterinary textbook to help you study.
Those progressing to the PgC also have included additional benefits – see PgC FAQs below if this course is eligible.
What’s not included in the certificate programme fee? Do I need to budget for further costs?
The programme fee does not include:
- Travel and accommodation costs if needed for your course
- Assessment fees or exam fees after the first attempt
- Missed module fees if you haven’t notified us in writing more than 14 days before the module date
- Access to further textbooks, libraries, and journals of your choice.
If you intend to continue to the PgC, please also see the PgC FAQs below for more information.
Will my veterinary postgraduate qualification be recognised in other countries?
Can I take a postgraduate certificate if coming from a non-European country? How do face-to-face modules work?
We have offices in several countries, allowing delegates to take courses all over the world. In addition, our online certificates can be studied completely remotely, allowing increased access from those in other countries.
UK face-to-face courses are held in UK venues – delegates should ensure they are able to attend these sessions prior to booking. Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require Visas in order to participate. Please note that the Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable to Improve Veterinary Education delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
Improve Veterinary Education does not provide support in obtaining Visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)?
The PgC is a university qualification that provides 60 academic credits. The qualification is positioned at Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework for higher and further education. The 60 credits can be used towards achieving a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) or Masters (MRes), which represent 120 credits and 180 credits respectively. The PgC is a recognised academic qualification that will demonstrate that you have achieved a certain standard in that subject. In order to progress to the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) you will need to have been in practice for at least a year prior to starting the GPCert programme.
Please check individual programme details with respect to those which are eligible for PGC status.
Where are the taught programmes held?
Our Medicine and Surgery programmes are held at various locations in the UK;
Small Animal Surgery- Swindon, Hatfield and Sheffield *
*consolidated programmes only available at Sheffield venue
Small Animal Medicine – Swindon
Our Clinical Postgraduate Programmes are held at our Swindon and Sheffield training centres, see the individual programmes for venue information.
We have excellent wet-lab facilities in Swindon and Sheffield, with state-of-the-art practical training equipment and technology.
To find out more about our venues, click here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/venue/
I have previously achieved a GPCert. Can I use this towards a PgC?
You are able to “upgrade” from a GPCert to a PgC within 5 years of the GPCert exam date. Please contact ISVPS for further information – ISVPS.
Are Improve’s Postgraduate Certificates academically equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP and other postgraduate certificates?
Yes. Each PgC is a recognised higher education qualification as validated by Harper Adams University. The qualification represents Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides 60 transferable academic credits at this level. The qualifications are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent.
Over what time period can I take the taught modules?
If you need to pause your studies, we have a dedicated team that will support and discuss the options that best suit you.
I want to register on a modular course but I may be away for some of the modules. Does this mean I will miss out?
No. We understand that you are busy professionals and aim to be as flexible as possible.
Whilst we need advance notice if you are going to be unable to attend a particular module, we will make every effort to find you an alternative venue and date. If the alternative dates don’t suit, you can attend the missed module when the programme runs the following year. The only restriction is that you need to attend all of the taught modules before you can sit the relevant ISVPS examination.
Will Improve’s PgCs enable me to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status?
After you have successfully obtained your Postgraduate Certificate you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes.
The following programmes are recognised PgCs enabling you to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status:
Small Animal Medicine, Small Animal Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Feline Practice, Exotic Animal Practice, Cardiology, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Medicine & Surgery.
* Currently the RCVS does not list Endoscopy & Endosurgery as a designated Advanced Practitioner subject so it is not possible to apply for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery, there is an additional requirement for evidence of Professional Key Skills CPD, access to this will be provided at the end of your programme. There will be an additional fee to complete this with Harper Adams University, please contact us for more information.
For further information please see RCVS website.
What resources will be available to support me through the PgC?
All delegates will receive a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.
Medicine delegates will be provided with Improve Veterinary Education’s Manual of Small Animal Medicine Vol 1 and 2 and Surgery delegates with Improve Veterinary Education’s Manual of Small Animal Surgery Vol 1 and 2.
The Improve Online Learning Platform provides access to a notes library, discussion forum and other study resources including webinars.
A dedicated Programme Coordinator will support every individual during their PgC programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey.
ISVPS will provide support with assignments.
How are Improve’s PgC programmes different to other providers?
Improve’s modular training programmes have been developed over a period of 20 years and are taught by world-renowned experts in their field. They successfully blend theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions where appropriate and delegates also have access to valuable online learning components.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 07 Oct 2025 - 01 Jul 2027
GPCert/PgC in Small Animal Medicine
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