GROW: Progression Stories at SRUC

At SRUC, we believe every student’s journey is unique - and we’re proud to offer pathways that help you grow, step by step. From practical certificates to postgraduate degrees, our courses are designed to build your skills and confidence at every stage.

Whether you’re studying full-time, part-time, or from a distance, you’ll find flexible options and support to help you reach your goals.

This book shares the real stories of students who have taken those next steps with us - we hope their journeys inspire you to start (or continue) your own.

Scott Galloway

• HNC Horticulture

• HND Horticulture

• BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship

“Progressing year by year gave me the flexibility to study while I worked in the industry. This way I was able to gain the hands-on practical experience I wanted alongside the classroom-based learning needed to develop my career. During my studies, I was lucky to be able to work with the National Trust for Scotland and Royal Horticultural Society. The Horticulture with Plantsmanship degree offered a varied programme of courses that definitely helped prepare me for my career today. I now work in local government as a Greenspace and Biodiversity Policy Officer. I write strategies and plans to protect and enhance biodiversity and lead on a number of nature restoration projects to secure climate adaptation and halt and reverse biodiversity loss. I would highly recommend studying with SRUC if you are looking to start a career in horticulture.”

Emma Rastall

• NC Animal Care

• HND Animal Care

“After school I worked as an administrator. I did admin because I was good at it, but I could tell it wasn’t for me. I have always loved animals, so I decided to go to college and study Animal Care.

I’m really glad I decided to progress up to my HND. After working and returning to study, I discovered I loved to study topics that I had an interest in, and I wanted to continue down that path. I really enjoyed the practical side of the course.

I started out as an Animal Care Assistant at the SSPCA Centre in Aberdeen and was promoted to Senior Animal Care Assistant. I look after rabbits, rodents, birds, ferrets, reptiles, and wildlife. When animals come in I assess their behaviour and assess them physically. We prioritise animals that are abused, neglected, and abandoned. I wouldn’t have been considered for the role without the HND Animal Care qualification.”

Gavin McBride

• NC Animal Care

• HND Animal Care

• City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

“SRUC offered a good blend of practical and theoretical learning which meant I was able to put what I learned into practice which really helped with learning the course material and seeing what worked practically for me.

I never did amazing in Secondary School which really narrowed my options in terms of further education. SRUC was one of the only places close to home that offered animal care courses at multiple entry points. This made the choice easy as I could start at National Certificate Level and work my way up as I needed.

I am now working as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. SRUC was fundamental to my career and helped me gain a lot of experience and confidence working with animals. I am currently looking at Diplomas in Animal Behaviour as my next career goal is to become a qualified Behaviourist.”