Who awards our PGCerts?

Our qualifications are awarded by the University of West London in partnership with Central CPD

How long do the courses take to complete?

You can choose from two modes of study:

One-year
Two-years

How much time should I expect to dedicate to studying?

Our PGCerts provide you with 60 credits. One credit is worth 10 learning hours, so you will be undertaking 600 study hours.

This will be through a combination of in-person, structured online training programmes, and self-directed study.

As a guide:

One year study option: Just under 12 hours per week
Two year study option: Just under 6 hours per week

What does the course structure look like?

PGCert in Small Animal Internal Medicine:

Module I: Small Animal Internal Medicine: Core Principles (20 credits)

For the one-year pathway you will need to complete two clinical topic per month (either two online training programmes, or one online training programme and one attendance lecture)
For the two-year pathway you will need to complete one clinical topic per month (either one online training programme, or one attendance lecture)
Online training programmes (15 clinical topics)
- You have the flexibility to choose the order in which you complete these topics, allowing you to prioritise areas relevant to your current caseload of areas of interest.

Attendance lectures (eight clinical topics)
- Scheduled on specific dates to facilitate collaboration and direct engagement with lecturers. See the cohort calendar under the Course Overview for dates.
- For the two-year pathway, you will be given all the dates for year 1 lectures, but you may choose to attend lectures in your second year if you prefer.

Module II: Reflective Case Portfolio (40 credits)

Four case studies (covering different clinical topics)
1-to-1 mentor evenings for case discussions
- These will be bookable sessions and take place online with specialists in internal medicine.

Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery:

Module I: Key principles in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery (20 credits)

This module contains seven units, five of which are supported by in-person practical sessions at our central London venues.

Unit	Delivery method
Soft Tissue Surgical Essentials	Online
Wound Management and Surgical Oncology	Online and Practical Attendance – two days
Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Surgery	Online and Practical Attendance – two days
Urogenital and Perineal Surgery	Online and Practical Attendance – two days
Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgery	Online and Practical Attendance – three days
Ophthalmic Soft Tissue Surgical Procedures	Online and Practical Attendance – one day
Introduction to Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery	Online

You’ll complete a final summative assessment at the end of Module I, which includes case-based MCQs testing core knowledge and its practical application.

Module II (40 credits)

Case study portfolio

You’ll need to submit four reflective case studies, showcasing a range of clinical topics/organ systems and demonstrating a logical approach to cases. Clinical mentorship evenings will be available for you to book to discuss your case studies and gain feedback.

The pass mark is 50%, with scores rounded to the nearest whole number.

How will I be assessed?

Module I: case-based MCQ examination which will take place on-site.
Module II: case study portfolio (four clinical cases – 8,000 words)

What is the pass mark for the assessments?

A minimum of 50% is required to pass each module.

Can I retake assessments if I fail?

You can resit examinations a second time. If you fail a second time you may have to retake the module. The assessment guide can be requested for further information.

What academic and pastoral support is available?

Induction and orientation
Specialist lecturers and 1-to-1 clinical mentors
Online On-Demand library with additional resources
Case-study evening session to discuss requirements and writing skills
Mental health support via Wellbeing Champions
Disability support and reasonable adjustments
IT and technical support for online learning platforms
Central CPD reading list library – all recommended reading list textbooks are available to view on-site

Where are the in-person sessions held?

Course directions will be sent out ahead of sessions and will take place at our venues in central London.

What happens if I miss a session?

Attendance requirements are laid out within the Attendance Policy. All in-person sessions require attendance, except in cases of extenuating circumstances. Please email pgcerts@centralcpd.co.uk for further information.

What do I need ahead of my course?

A computer/laptop and basic internet proficiency.

What if I experience technical issues?

Central CPD’s operations team offers support via email, webchat or phone. We can also provide tutorials for Central CPD On-Demand if required. If your internet is down you are welcome to come study at our venue – please email pgcerts@centralcpd.co.uk to organise.

How much are the courses?

Our PGCerts cost £10,700 +VAT which includes all fees and assessments.

Can I use the PGCert to apply for Advanced Practitioner status?

We encourage you to consult with the RCVS for specific guidance on how this qualification can be used in your application for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.

Please get in touch at enquiries@centralcpd.co.uk or give us a call on 0207 585 1692 if you have any questions or would like any further information.