NC Animal Care

This course combines the theory and practice of working with and caring for a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds and ornamental fish. ***Applications have now closed for September 2025 entry for the Oatridge campus. Applications continue to be considered for Aberdeen and Barony campuses.***

Locations: Aberdeen, Barony, Oatridge
Study mode:
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: ANC1

Course overview

This course offers a theoretical foundation along with practical experience of caring for animals.

Covering how to feed, handle, and accommodate (mainly) small animals safely, it's a great option for anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of animals as well as learning how to look after them well.

The course also helps to develop core skills like communication and numeracy, which support their classroom learning and experience.

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

Minimum three National 4s (preferably including English and Maths), one National 5 (preferably in a science ) at C or above, and one week of work experience.

Successful completion of the Principles of Animal Care/NC Introduction to Animal Care will also be considered.

What you'll learn

During the year, you will cover various topics focusing on animal behaviours, anatomy and physiology and welfare.

Example modules include:

Small Animal Feeding
Safe Working Practices
Anatomy and Physiology of Mammals
Animal Accommodation and Handling
Reptile and Amphibian Care
Ornamental Fish Care

Student experience

After graduating with an HND in Advertising and PR, Sarah Stuart realised that she had no real passion or motivation for the work.

She then made the life changing decision to switch career paths, and to study something she had a real interest in.

"Studying animal care was new for me, but the lecturers were so supportive and approachable," she says. "More than anything, I was surprised by the variety of animals in the animal care unit. I couldn’t wait to develop my skills with reptiles, fish, rabbits — even Shetland ponies!"

Sarah is now studying our HND in Animal Care.

Hands-on experience

"The great thing about studying Animal Care is that it offers such a wide range of employment opportunities."

Sarah Stuart

Meet the lecturer

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!

Isla Brown RVN

Isla joined SRUC in 2014. She began her career in Veterinary nursing, qualifying in 1999. She then opened one of the first Canine Hydrotherapy centres in Scotland in 2003 and won a young entrepreneur award from the Prince's Trust (PSYBT).

From self-employment to Education, Isla joined the Veterinary Nursing and Animal Care department at Edinburgh’s Telford College in 2006. It was here that she realised her passion for teaching. One of her main aims when becoming a Veterinary Nurse was to help people help their animals. Isla’s main focus is on the mental health and wellbeing of her students and delivering her lessons in a meaningful and impactful way.

Abbie Barnes RVN

Foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing Science from The RVC

Abbie has been working in the veterinary industry for the past 15 years across a mixture of veterinary practices including, referral and large animal. She qualified as an RVN in 2011.

In 2015, Abbie specialised in hydrotherapy, and has since gained additional advanced rehabilitation qualifications. IN 2017 she spent a month in India volunteering with the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), neutering stray cats and dogs and vaccinating them against rabies.

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.

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 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