Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.
Start in: August
Learning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally., You complete a work-based activity to gain industry experience.
Duration: Full time: 1 year
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You are supported, monitored and assessed in a workplace.
What is special about this course?
Start your journey in animal care with the Lantra Awards Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare (Level 2/SCQF 5), small animal veterinary route, a new course designed to reflect the needs of animal care and veterinary sectors.
You'll have the opportunity to tailor your learning through a choice of pathways, including small animal and roles in veterinary support or animal-based business operations. This flexibility opens up a wider range of placement opportunities and allows you to gain experience in settings that suit your interests.
The course is designed to adapt with you, giving you the option to change direction as your interests develop or as placement opportunities evolve.
With a strong focus on practical, real-world learning and portfolio-based assessment, you'll build confidence and develop the skills valued by employers.
On successful completion, you can progress into employment within the animal care sector or continue your studies, including progression to Veterinary Nursing.
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
- Applicants must have prior experience in caring for animals.
- You must be employed or undertaking a work placement in a veterinary practice for the small animal veterinary stream, which we are offering for session 26/27.
- All applicants will be invited to interview and will be assessed on their suitability and experience.
- Please note: any offer of a place is conditional on securing an appropriate work placement.
This programme is delivered in line with the LANTRA framework and provides a strong foundation in animal care, alongside opportunities to specialise.
Mandatory units
- The Fundamentals of Animal Accommodation and Safe Working Practices
- The Fundamentals of Animal Behaviour, Health and Welfare
- Supporting Animal Feeding and Nutrition
- Supporting Provision of Veterinary Medicines
- Communication and Teamwork
- Specialism and progression routes
- After completing the mandatory units, you will follow the small animal pathway:
- Small Animal Biology
- You will then follow the progression route for veterinary care:
- Veterinary Care pathway
- You will complete a further three units linked to this pathway.
- Work placement
A key part of the course is gaining practical experience. You will complete:
- A minimum of 320 hours in a veterinary work placement, but providers in the veterinary sector will typically look for 3 days per week
- Four placement-based units linked to your role
- Placements should involve caring for animals in a veterinary setting. Further guidance will be provided during the application process.
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
- Work based
- Online
- 1–2 days per week of timetabled learning (online)
- 3 days per week in a work placement
- Independent study, which can be completed at a time that suits you
Timetabled sessions may take place in a virtual classroom, where you can interact with your lecturer and classmates using video, voice and chat.
- Online
- Work Based
Fees
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
This course requires students to purchase a kit/uniform (around £112.06). If you are eligible for a bursary, these kit costs will be covered.
What can I do on completion of my course?
This course can help you take the next step in your career within a veterinary practice.
You may choose to move into employment within the sector, or continue your studies towards becoming a fully qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
Apply for Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.