Diploma

AMTRA University Diploma in Animal Medicines Advice

This University Diploma will allow candidates to build on their academic credits achieved during their SQP training, and develop additional skills and knowledge to enhance their expertise further. The course commenced during September 2024, with all modules running at least once every 2-year period. Module options and next running dates are as follows:

Reflective Practitioner (focusing on personal and professional development) - October 2025. Applications close 22nd August 2025.
Herd Health Planning - Academic year 2026/2027
Advanced SQP Practice (focusing on laboratory techniques, pharmacology, and more) - Academic year 2026/2027
Companion Animal Nutrition - April 2026. Applications close 13th March 2026.
Farm Animal Nutrition - Academic year 2026/2027
Equine Nutrition - January 2026. Applications close 5th December 2025.

Applying & Additional Information

To register your interest for the course or find out more, please contact animalswd@harper-adams.ac.uk.

Who can study this course?

Any qualified SQPs of all registration categories can join this course.

How long will the course take to complete?

Students study one module at a time. Individual modules run over 4 months each, designed to be completed within a maximum of two years.

How is the course delivered?

This course is delivered mainly online or via distance learning, with optional attendance study days at Harper Adams.

How many CPD points will I gain?

Advanced SQP Practice			90
Companion Animal Nutrition			97
Equine Nutrition			97
Farm Animal Nutrition			97
Herd Health Planning			105
Reflective Practitioner			90

"Harper Adams University is passionate about the role and impact of SQPs/RAMAs, and we feel this is a very welcome addition to the portfolio of qualifications we can offer to the profession. We must remember that SQPs/RAMAs are regulated professionals who have an incredibly responsible job and the role across the animal medicines industry. They should rightly be proud of the service they deliver for the industry and this qualification is another tool which helps reinforce the quality of skills that they offer."

George Aspey, Lecturer at Harper Adams University

Cost

Pricing is available on application

Contact

George Aspey
Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing
01952 815077

What will I study?

You have the flexibility to choose the modules that best fit your needs. Each module is designed to last approximately six months. Modules will be scheduled based on demand, prioritising the most popular choices for earlier delivery. Each module is available for individual study as CPD if desired, without the requirement of completing the full Diploma.

There are currently a range of 6 modules for you to choose from. RAMAs will carry forward their initial training credits, valid for 7 years. The Diploma includes 60 Level 5 credits, equivalent to a second-year degree level, with an option for 15 Level 4 credits, equivalent to a first-year degree level. The number of credits acquired during RAMA’s training is below.

Category	Credits
R-SQP	40
G-SQP	35
K-SQP	30
E-SQP	20
L-SQP	30
J-SQP	15
C-SQP	15
A-SQP	20
CA-SQP	25
JA-SQP	25
EA-SQP	30

Reflective Practitioner (15 credits) - The module covers sourcing and referencing literature, structuring academic writing, appraising information sources, and using reflective models to improve work scenarios, skills crucial for other modules.*

Advanced SQP Practice (20 credits) - The module includes practical lab skills, pharmacology (understanding drug mechanisms), resistance development and management, pharmacovigilance, responsible prescribing, and considering environmental impacts.

Herd Health Planning (10 credits) - The module covers health and welfare assessments, data management, disease prevention strategies, assurance schemes, animal welfare, and the roles of paraprofessionals.

Companion Animal Nutrition (10 credits) - The module encompasses anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, nutrition for various life stages and lifestyles, roles of nutrients with nutritional analysis, diet formulation, and considerations of customer factors and communication.

Equine Nutrition (10 credits) - The module covers the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, nutrition tailored for different life stages and work levels, roles of nutrients with nutritional analysis, medical disorders and nutrition's role, feedstuffs and their composition, and diet formulation techniques.

Farm Animal Nutrition (10 credits) - The module includes study areas such as nutrients and digestion for both ruminant and non-ruminant animals, feed characterisation and various feeding systems, understanding nutrient requirements and food intake, developing effective feeding strategies, and exploring the roles of minerals and vitamins in animal nutrition.

*Designed to be studied first, although this is not essential.