Veterinary general practice preparation
We look forward to meeting you online and, later in the programme, welcoming you to Surrey for your practical teaching and assessments.
Welcome
Welcome to the PGCert in Veterinary General Practice!
Welcome to the University of Surrey and congratulations on joining the Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary General Practice!
We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to supporting you throughout your journey. Whether your goal is to prepare for the RCVS Statutory Membership Examination, develop your clinical knowledge and practical skills, or build confidence for veterinary practice in the UK, we hope you will find this programme both rewarding and enjoyable.
These welcome pages have been designed to help you prepare for the start of the course and answer some of the questions you may have before September. We encourage you to explore the information, familiarise yourself with the programme, and don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help.
We can't wait to welcome you to the PGCert community!
The PGCert Team
Course information
Please visit the Veterinary General Practice PGCert pages, which contain links to modules and an overview of the course.
Top tips
Familiarise yourself with SurreyLearn before teaching begins and explore the module pages. This will help you understand how the course is organised and where to find key information.
Plan dedicated study time each week. Most of our students balance the programme alongside work and other commitments, so establishing a realistic routine early can make a big difference.
Engage with your peers. Your fellow students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and countries. Sharing experiences, discussing cases and supporting each other is an important part of the learning experience.
Take an active part in the live engagement sessions. These are a great opportunity to ask questions, discuss clinical cases and learn from both lecturers and colleagues.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you have academic, technical or administrative questions, the PGCert team is here to support you throughout the programme.
Don't focus only on passing the RCVS examination. Try to approach each module with the mindset of becoming a more confident clinician. The knowledge, clinical reasoning and practical skills you develop throughout the course will support you well beyond the exam itself.
Enjoy the journey! The programme is designed not only to prepare you for assessments but also to help you develop confidence and skills that you can apply in everyday veterinary practice.
Recommended reading
As you prepare to start the programme, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with some of the key organisations and resources that support veterinary professionals in the UK.
Professional organisations
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) – The UK's veterinary regulatory body, providing the Code of Professional Conduct, guidance for veterinary professionals and information about the Statutory Membership Examination.
- British Veterinary Association (BVA) – The national representative body for the veterinary profession, offering professional support, policy updates and resources.
- British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) – Clinical resources, guidelines, CPD and educational materials for small animal practice.
- British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) – Clinical guidance, CPD and resources for equine veterinary practice.
- British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) – Resources, guidelines and educational materials for cattle and production animal practice.
Clinical resources
- Vetlexicon – An evidence-based clinical reference widely used in UK veterinary practice.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – International clinical guidelines and educational resources for small animal practice.
Keeping up to date
- In Practice – Practical clinical articles, case-based learning and CPD.
- Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) – Current clinical research, reviews and case reports.
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) – A leading journal covering all aspects of feline medicine and surgery.
Throughout the programme, lecturers will recommend additional reading and resources relevant to each module.