Higher Education Animal Health - Duchy College SC

13/10/2026

May be of interest for some of you.
https://www.facebook.com/100064412180679/posts/1584049827085408/

Trading Standards Farming Partnership

10/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1NQHBgL8J5/

06/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1M8tEDwZxr/

The course fee has been subsidised thanks to Isles of Scilly National Landscapes and private donation, allowing us to offer it at a lower cost of £95 per person.

04/10/2026

Happy World Animal Day, whats your favourite animal? I think Wally's is a hippo he certainly dispkays many of their characteristics 🤣🤣

24/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Ng8REfcj/

Today, on World Rhino Day, we are sharing how a greater one-horned rhino named Hugo has had his sight restored with help from an ophthalmologist from our Hospital for Small Animals.

Professor Claudia Hartley travelled to Whipsnade Zoo to perform cataract surgery on 23-year-old Hugo’s left eye.

While the surgical principles are similar to cataract surgery in humans and other animals, anaesthetising and operating on a 2.2-tonne rhino presents significant logistical and clinical challenges.

This is the second such procedure Professor Hartley has carried out on Hugo, having performed cataract surgery on his right eye four years previously. His sight issues had become apparent then, when zoo keepers noticed changes in his behaviour, including bumping into structures in his paddock. Four years on, and the cataract in Hugo’s left eye had worsened, compromising his eyesight once more.

Thanks to expert care and planning, the latest surgery was a success. After recovering from anaesthesia, Hugo received two weeks of eye drops to support healing. We are delighted to report that Hugo has made an excellent recovery and is able to see clearly again.

Amy Allan, from our hospital’s surgical theatre team, who assisted with Hugo’s surgery, said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be asked to be involved in this case. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience I will never forget. To be able to say I got to assist with cataract surgery on a rhino is simply amazing.”

Karla Berry, a veterinary nurse at Whipsnade Zoo, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Professor Hartley back to Whipsnade Zoo, and through collaborating with her and specialists on her team, we have been able to give Hugo the best care possible.”



photo courtesy of ZSL
Whipsnade Zoo

21/09/2026

This month one of our graduates starts her place at veterinary school at Nottingham University. Lydia started her academic journey completing a Level 3 qualification in Equine Management and realising she required additional practice and knowledge in a range of species to aid her career goal has just completed her FdSc Animal Health and Management. Lydia has worked extremely hard with not just her studies but achieving work within a veterinary practice, relief milking and lambing all to gain additional skills to aid her goal of becoming a vet.

Good luck Lydia!

Good luck starting vet school! Get ready for long days, lots of learning, and plenty of furry (and not-so-furry) patients. You've got this! We are all so proud of you and the hard work you have applied to your studies to achieve your place at Nottingham.

11/09/2026

MEET THE TEAM!
Ever wondered who’s behind the scenes in HE Animal Health at Duchy College? Today, we’re introducing David, one of our HE Team members.
David delivers on the Animal Health degree programmes. David is a very busy member of the team delivering on the veterinary nursing programmes at Bicton and Rosewarne campuses, whilst still working in industry as Head of compliance and veterinary content and digital practice. In addition David is a TLA advanced practitioner.
David also a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons supporting students throughout their university journey and can provide specialist support to those considering a career within the veterinary industry. David's favourite areas to teach are pharmacology & diagnostics.
Favourite animal of all time + why?
The Honey Bee - due to its nature of being a metaorganism with each bee just one part of the greater swarm.
One piece of advice for anyone thinking about studying an Animal Health degree:
Read around the subject area really widely, animal science is a vast area with hundreds of sub disciplines don't try to stay in your lane everything is interesting!
Something students might not know about me:
I am a church warden of St Michaels church on Brentor and I am singing evensong there this Sunday.
You can usually find me:
On one of the campuses - but find me on Teams and I'll get back to you.
Ask me about:
Anything and everything but my passion lies with pharmacology.
Keep an eye on our page as we introduce more of the Animal Management team!

10/09/2026

Where are they now - Newly graduated Maisie has gained employment with Margaret Green Animal Rescue based in Devon as a member of the animal welfare team. Maisie commented that "it is by far the best job I have ever done. I am now in charge of the dogs on the lower part of the centre, including the pups. It’s such a rewarding job and I feel right at home with it".

Congratulations Maisie the HE Team wish you the best of luck with your new job.

Alumni do get in touch and let us know where you are now so you to can feature here.

07/09/2026

Where are they now! Alumni news - Lily Thomas who completed her FdSc Equitation Training and Behaviour at Duchy before completing her BSc (Hons) with RAU is now thriving with the equine industry.

"Studying the FdSc gave me a strong practical and academic foundation, which really helped prepare me for completing my BSc and for working in the equine industry. The hands-on experience, knowledgeable lecturers, and opportunities to visit different sectors of the industry—such as the polo trip—gave me a broader understanding of the many career paths available.

One of the most valuable parts of my time at university was the friendships I made. Those connections provided support throughout my studies and have continued into my professional career.

Today, I work as an Equine Centre Team Member at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, where I help provide the highest standards of care and welfare for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. It’s a rewarding role that allows me to make a real difference every day, and I’m grateful that my studies gave me the confidence, skills, and experience to begin my career in the equine industry".

Well done Lily it is great to hear graduate news and that your studies have supported your chosen career path. If you are a former graduate please do get in touch and let us know where you are now.

04/09/2026

MEET THE TEAM!
Ever wondered who’s behind the scenes in HE Animal Health at Duchy College? Today, we’re introducing Kelly, one of our HE Team members.

Kelly delivers on the Animal Health, Equine and Agriculture degree programmes and also facilitates the Equine Business Management at Level 3.
Delivering on the degree programmes gives Kelly the opportunity to support students throughout their university journey. Kelly's favourite areas to teach are related to bovine health and microbiology.
Favourite animal of all time + why?
Manatti – they have a very soothing demeanour - and look very similar to a floating potatoe!
One piece of advice for anyone thinking about studying an Animal Health degree:
Make the most of the networking opportunities that arise during your studies. A strong work ethic can take you a long way! - Curious mind and ensure you fully read the assignment brief!
Something students might not know about me:
Have a secret passion for moomins, English is my fourth language.
You can usually find me:
Under a pile of research papers and attached to a laptop calculating statistics with students or the HE office.
Ask me about:
My area of interests are cows ask me anything especially about calves but be prepared to take a seat it might take a while and bring your wellies as it usually involves cuddles with calves.
Keep an eye on our page as we introduce more of the Animal Management team!