Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery PGCert

Why choose Central CPD for your PGCert?

Flexible course duration: Complete your PGCert in either one or two years, tailored to your schedule.

Blended learning: Benefit from a flexible mix of online learning and practical attendance sessions.

Expert-led training: Learn from leading veterinary specialists and benefit from 1-1 clinical mentorship sessions.

Comprehensive resources: Access an extensive range of materials through our On-Demand portal.

Convenient location: Easily accessible Central London venues.

Career-boosting qualification: Gain a PGCert that provides a career boosting qualification

Personalised support: Enjoy small group sizes for tailored guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

Course content

The course comprises two modules and is delivered in a blended learning format, combining self-paced online learning with in-person practical sessions and expert-led teaching. Each online unit is designed to prepare you for the corresponding hands-on sessions, helping you build confidence and practical skills ahead of time.

Module I (20 credits/200 hours of study)
Key principles in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery

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

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/400 hours of study)

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.

Course outcomes

This PGCert will give you practical training both routine and more advanced soft tissue surgical procedures commonly encountered in practice.

Through the programme, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills, equipping you with a structured approach to surgical challenges.

You’ll gain confidence in managing a wide range of soft tissue surgeries, including a dedicated day focused on ophthalmic procedures – a specialised area often missed in other programmes.

The course is ideal if you’re looking to develop your surgical proficiency and improve patient outcomes.

Course duration

You can choose to complete the PGCert in either one or two years. Both the one-year and two-year course options lead to the same qualification, with the same total study hours. The difference is simply in how the time is spread across the duration.

In the one-year pathway, you will complete Modules I and II concurrently, which allows for a more intensive learning experience. This may suit those with existing relevant cases or who prefer a faster route to completion.

In the two-year pathway, you will typically complete Module I (soft tissue surgical topics and practical sessions) in year one, and Module II (case portfolio) in year two. This structured approach allows you to focus on core learning before progressing to the portfolio.

Module I includes seven units delivered through a combination of online learning and in-person practical sessions. Five of the units require attendance at practical sessions, scheduled on specific dates during year one.

Module II consists of a case portfolio supported by online support and 1:1 mentoring sessions. While most learners begin this in year two, those who have suitable cases may choose to start earlier.

This flexible structure ensures you can tailor the course to your clinical workload, professional goals, and other commitments – whether you opt to complete it in one or two years.

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a veterinary qualification (i.e. BVM&S, BVetMed, BVSc, BVMSci, VetMB)
• Applicants must be registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS)
• Applicants must have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice and should have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase of Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (veterinary surgeons graduating before 2007 are exempt)
• Applicants must be currently practicing veterinary surgeons, as the course involves case-based learning that requires access to clinical cases
• As the course is taught and assessed in English, applicants are required to be proficient in the English language (6.5 – minimum 5.5 in each individual element)

If you are an international vet interested in the PGCert, please contact us for more information.

Lecturers

The lecturers for the PGCert (SASTS) and clinical mentors for the course are all recognised veterinary specialists- RCVS, ECVS or board certified ACVIM Diplomates – and hold specialist qualifications in the small animal soft tissue surgery field or a specific unit topic. The course is led by Matteo Rossanese.

• Matteo Rossanese
• Anna Frykfors von Hekkel
• Barney Dean
• Mickey Tivers
• Laura Owen
• Benito de la Puerta
• James Rushton
• Alex Krekis
• Rufus Hammerton

Fees

The fees are £10,700 +VAT, which includes:

• Attendance at each of the in-person sessions and associated course notes
• Access to over 2,000 veterinary videos and associated documents via Central CPD On-Demand, as soon as you register
• All online modules
• Case discussion sessions
• Assessments
• Academic and pastoral support
• Registration with The University of West London
• One year’s free Central CPD Membership as soon as you register – which gives you free and discounted access to our attendance CPD courses

Payment can be made via credit card or invoice. Please contact us if you would like to discuss payment by instalments.

FAQs

How many hours of study is the PGCert?

The PGCert requires you to undertake 600 hours of study through seven online units, five attendance sessions in London and additional hours spent working up cases, reading, revision and conducting research for your case study portfolio.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via in-person MCQs and a case study portfolio.

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.

How long is the course?

You can choose from the following cohort lengths:

•  One year
•  Two years

How much is the course?

The PGCert costs £10,700+VAT which includes all fees and assessments.

Read our full list of FAQs, get in touch at enquiries@centralcpd.co.uk or give us a call on 0207 585 1692 if you you have any other questions or would like any further information.