LANTRA Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

This LANTRA Diploma at SCQF Level 5 provides those wishing to work in the veterinary and land-based sectors a nationally recognised qualification to enhance your ability to work safely, effectively, and efficiently in the workplace. Full time learners will be on campus for theory and practical learning but also spend time in practical placements. ***For distance learning, it is essential to be employed in a veterinary practice before submitting an application.***

Locations: Aberdeen, Barony, Oatridge, Non Campus Specific
Study mode: Full Time (1 year), Distance Learning (1 year)
Start date: September 2026
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: VCW1

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Course overview

Full time learners have blended learning with a range of theory teaching on campus and online with practical learning and a proportion of time in practical placement enhancing employability as well as furthering knowledge.

The course is suitable for careers such as a veterinary care assistant, animal welfare assistant, animal day care assistant, pet retail assistant, kennel/cattery assistant, veterinary receptionist, and provides an excellent introduction for those wishing to progress to further training such as veterinary nursing.

For distance learning, it is essential to be employed in a veterinary practice before submitting an application.

Additional Information

: You can apply for this course using the apply now button located at the top and bottom of this page. Detailed information on how to apply can be found on our applications instructions page.

International students can also speak with a local authorised agent in their country who can assist you in applying for this course. Find your local agent by visiting our SRUC in your country page.
: You'll be expected to have a minimum of 4 National 5s (A-C) (preferably English, Maths and a science – equivalent qualifications will be considered).

Desirable but not essential - A minimum of two weeks work experience in an animal related environment.

For distance learning, it is essential to be employed in a veterinary practice.

All applications are assessed individually on their own merit.

Specific academic and English language requirements may apply for international students. For country-specific details, please see our dedicated international entry criteria page.
: 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.
: Scotland has so much to offer, it’s no wonder that each year thousands of students from across the globe make it their number one choice for their study destination.

Learn more about studying at SRUC in Scotland
: SRUC offers a choice of campus locations and accommodation options. Learn more about each campus, including its facilities and accommodation options, by visiting our campus pages.
: Phone:

From inside the UK: 0800 269 453
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us through an interpreter via Contact Scotland BSL

From outside the UK: +44 (0) 131 535 4000

Email:

Scottish, Irish, and UK students: study@sruc.ac.uk

International students: interrnationalstudents@sruc.ac.uk

Online:

All prospective students are welcome to contact us by filling in our online enquiry form
: HND Animal Care

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing

HND Rural Animal Health

BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science

What you'll learn

This is a new qualification with an up to date mix of theoretical and practical aspects of the key topics listed here. There are six core modules including small animal biology (theory only) and three veterinary care support pathway modules.

Assessment will be logged within an online portfolio and is commonly considering practical learning as well as theory.

The online distance learning course offers an operational/reception pathway as an optional alternative to the veterinary care pathway.

Core modules

: This unit will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for applying health and safety and animal welfare legislation in the animal industry workplace, ensuring the well being and safety of animals, you, and others.
: From this unt you will gain knowledge, understanding, and skills for recognising and monitoring animal behaviour, to ensure the health and welfare of animals in your care.
: Through this unit you will develop the understanding and skills needed when feeding companion animals such as cats, dogs, and rabbits as well as selecting appropriate nutrition for their life stage.
: You will gain knowledge, understanding, and skills for safely handling, storing, disposing of, and administering veterinary medicines to animals.
: From this unit you will develop the understanding and skills needed for working as a team member and communicating with clients/customers and colleagues both within the workplace.
: The purpose of this unit is for you to gain knowledge and understanding of the biology of small animal species through study of basic anatomy and physiology.

Meet the lecturer

Callie Inglis

Teaching Associate, Barony Campus Programme lead

I graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014 from SRUC Barony Campus. I then went on to work in a mixed animal practice before coming back to Barony as a Teaching Associate in 2022. I'm very proud to have studied and graduated from SRUC Barony and am able to offer the same support I received as a student.

As a teaching associate, I find the most rewarding moments to be when students have their lightbulb moments when everything clicks, and their confidence builds. Graduation day is another highlight of my role, I am able to witness the hard work and dedication students have put into their studies and what they have achieved.

I am passionate about providing a supportive and inspiring learning environment and look forward to continuing to help students reach their full potential.

Get in touch

Karyn Grassick

Lecturer in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing

I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and teach Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at SRUC. My week consists of a mix of online and face-to-face classes, including some practical tuition.

I gained my qualification at Edinburgh’s Telford College and have since worked in several local Veterinary Practices. I started teaching in 2006 after nearly ten years in the veterinary industry.

In my spare time I am a Brownie leader. I really enjoy giving girls experiences away from home, such as residential trips. I also help run a local singing group and try my best to play netball and badminton.

Get in touch

Lana Barclay

I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and teach Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Care Assistant at SRUC Oatridge. My week is a mixture of face-to-face theory and practical teaching with some online theory tuition.

I have been qualified and registered for over 20 years; I completed my Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Care Assistant training through Edinburgh's Telford College then worked in local mixed and small animal practices. I started teaching in 2010 where I initially balanced clinical work and teaching before teaching full time from 2022.

Outside work I mainly spend time with my husband and daughter, one plays golf and the other plays rugby, so the dog and I go for long walks. I enjoy the sun, live music, comedy, theatre and telly.

Get in touch

Brian May BSc RVN

Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing, SRUC Oatridge campus

I graduated in 1997 with a degree in Biochemistry with Molecular & Cell Biology from the University of Birmingham, but yearned to do veterinary work so joined Kydd & Kydd to train as a Veterinary Nurse. When I moved to Edinburgh I joined Oak Tree Vets and was installed in the role of student mentor. There I discovered my passion for teaching and developing student nurses - something that opened the door for me to join Edinburgh's Telford College as a part-time lecturer in 2003. Later, I became a full-time lecturer, making the most of my veterinary and science backgrounds teaching chemistry and microbiology alongside my veterinary classes. I have kept my clinical skills current by completing locum work at various locations and also had a secondment arrangement with the exotics team at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. I have been with SRUC since 2016 when the Telford Veterinary Nursing team were transferred to SRUC. In 2019, I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (London) with a postgraduate certificate in Veterinary Education and was awarded Fellow of the Higher Education Academy status. I teach on both our Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Care & Animal Welfare courses and have particular specialisms in anatomy, parasitology, laboratory diagnostics, and medical nursing.

Get in touch

Cara Hutchinson RVN

Teaching Associate

I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and teach at SRUC Oatridge on the Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Care Assistant, and Veterinary Terminology courses. I have been a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse for over 15 years where I mentored student veterinary nurses and developed a love for teaching. In January 2023 I joined the teaching team at Oatridge and teach on subjects including anaesthesia, peri-op nursing, fluid therapy, and physiotherapy.

Outside of work I enjoy being active through hiking, yoga, and cycling. I also love reading, exploring Scotland, baking, and borrowing friends' dogs for walks.

Get in touch

Fees and funding

Full-time students of Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare can apply for a Further Education Bursary. Learn more

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.

Tuition fees for this course:

Scottish students: £1,008
RUK students: £6,750
International students: £6,750

More detailed information about these fees can be found on our further education fees page.

Funding available:

RUK students: you may be eligible to have your tuition fees paid as part of a bursary through your local government department. Learn more
International students: you may be eligible for international student scholarships through SRUC. Learn more

LANTRA Level 2 Diploma Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

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