NC Introduction to Animal Care

This course teaches the theory and practice of animal care, including handling, feeding and watering and first aid. ***Applications are now closed for 2026 entry.***

Location: Aberdeen
Study mode:
Start date: September 2026
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: ICA1

Course overview

Our Introduction to Animal Care course is based on campus and provides students with access to our Animal Care Unit, where they gain practical, hands-on experience with a range of different species.

It offers both practical and theoretical learning across a range of topics, including animal terminologies, animal behaviours, and how to create the right environments for the animals in your care.

You'll also develop some additional core skills that will support your learning, like numeracy and communication.

View the related document to read more about progression routes when studying Animal Care.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

National 4 (Pass) in English and in Maths, or equivalent qualifications or experience.

Some experience of working with animals, even if those animals are your own pets, is an advantage.

What you'll learn

Some of the main themes of the course are: basic care of a range of small mammals, horses and fish, husbandry, identifying breeds, health care and employability.

Example modules include:

Companion Animal Anatomical Landmarks
Basic First Aid for Small Animals
Environmental Enrichment
Feeding and Watering Small Animals: An Introduction
Accommodation and Handling of Small Animals: An Introduction

Meet the lecturer

Brenda Nicol

Brenda is a Registered Veterinary Nurse who has worked in practice for the past 20 years and still carries out regular clinical work. Over the past twenty years, she has mainly worked with small animals but also has experience in equine and farm practice too. Brenda is particularly interested in internal medicine, emergency and critical care and nursing clinics.

Karyn Grassick

Karyn has been a lecturer in Small Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing since 2006. Prior to this Karyn worked in veterinary practice in the Aberdeen area. As a qualified veterinary nurse Karyn does miss life in practice however is passionate about passing on knowledge to those who want to follow a career in caring for animals.

In 2021 Karyn is hoping to travel with Aberdeen campus students to Africa to take part in a 2 week work placement.

Wendy Rattray

A lecturer since 2016, Wendy holds an RVN A1

Wendy Rattray qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 1992. After training at a PDSA Clinic in Manchester, she returned home to Aberdeen where she worked in a private practice before joining the world of teaching in 2011.

Wendy has helped to develop our training materials across the Animal Care curriculum, and delivers theory and practical classes. She has also been known to bring her own pets for you to work with!

Heidi Douglas

For the last 15 years I have been working as an Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing Educator in Aberdeen.

I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2001 and, after being in practice for ten years, changed careers and started out as an instructor with Aberdeen College. Although I find myself missing being in practice, I love being able to share my knowledge on all aspects of caring for animals with others. I am also currently completing an MSc in Veterinary Education.

In my spare time I volunteer for the BVNA as a regional rep organizing CPD events and enjoy nothing more than walks with my family and my dogs.

Course Funding

Full-time students of NC Introduction to Animal Care can apply for a Further Education Bursary.

Once you’ve accepted a place, we’ll email the bursary funding online application. Complete the application and return it along with any required documents. You should apply even if you're still waiting for exam results.

Tuition fees are waived for students who qualify for a bursary.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: Any care experienced students studying full time can apply for a bursary of around £202.50 per week. Find out more from our student funding teams at registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance: Students between the ages of 16-19 who meet specific criteria may be entitled to an EMA. This means-tested allowance depends on the income of the home the student stays in.
Discretionary Fund
Childcare

NC Introduction to Animal Care

Study abroad

Expand your horizons and gain even more hands-on practical experience in your field with a study abroad trip.

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