Diploma in Animal Medicines Advice is a game-changer
Stephen Dawson, 31 March 2026
As the needs of the animal medicines sector continue to evolve, so too must the knowledge and capability of the professionals working at its heart. Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs) play a vital and often underestimated role in protecting animal health, supporting responsible medicines use, and guiding owners and keepers with high quality advice.
That’s why we champion the AMTRA–Harper Adams University Diploma in Animal Medicines Advice — a major step forward in supporting career development and strengthening professional standards across our industry.
A qualification designed for Animal Medicines Advisors - built around real expertise
This University Diploma qualification, the first of its kind being the only formal post-registration qualification for all Animal Medicines Advisors, enables SQPs to build on the academic credits gained during their AMTRA training and develop new, higherlevel knowledge tailored directly to their practice. Delivered by Harper Adams University — a leader in land-based and veterinary education — the programme blends academic rigour with practical relevance.
Modules run on a rolling basis, with new cohorts opening regularly from 2025 through 2027. Each focuses on essential skills to support SQPs to deliver their role as effectively as possible:
Core modules available include:
- Reflective Practitioner. Strengthening academic writing, critical appraisal skills and reflective models — an ideal starting point for anyone new to higher-level study.
- Advanced SQP Practice. Covering pharmacology, laboratory techniques, environmental considerations, resistance management, pharmacovigilance and responsible prescribing.
- Herd Health Planning. Including welfare assessment, data-driven decision-making, disease prevention and the role of paraprofessionals.
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Nutrition modules in
- Companion Animals
- Equines
- Farm Animals
SQPs can choose the modules that best fit their career goals, take them individually as CPD, or complete the full 60-credit Diploma - equivalent to a second-year university level qualification.
Flexibility designed around working professionals
One of the greatest strengths of the Diploma is its accessibility. The course is delivered primarily online or via distance learning, with optional study days on campus at Harper Adams.
Modules run over approximately four months and are designed so that busy professionals can realistically complete them within a two-year period.
This makes the qualification an achievable and valuable progression route for SQPs at every stage of their career.
Why this matters to our profession
At AMTRA, we have always been clear: SQPs are highly trained and regulated professionals with significant responsibilities and that training has evolved significantly since AMTRA’s creation in 1990. They are trusted daily by livestock keepers, pet owners, veterinary teams and the animal medicines industry to give accurate, responsible advice backed by solid scientific understanding.
This Diploma recognises that professionalism and enhances it.
It provides SQPs with:
- Structured path to deepen expertise
- Meaningful academic recognition
- New skills directly applicable to their work
- Significant CPD points (90–105 per module depending on choice)
Most importantly, it reinforces to employers, clients and regulators that being an SQP is a highly trained profession, committed to excellence.
A welcome partnership
Harper Adams University has shown enormous commitment to supporting SQPs, and this Diploma represents an important addition to the growing range of qualifications available in our field.
As George Aspey, Lecturer at Harper Adams and AMTRA Lead, rightly emphasises:
Harper Adams University is passionate about the role and impact of SQPs, 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 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."
The Diploma further strengthens that professional identity and offers a clear route of progression for those wanting to expand their capability and impact.
Ready to take your next step?
Applications for each module close ahead of their start dates, with new intakes scheduled throughout the year ahead.
To register your interest or request further information, simply contact the Harper Adams team at: [email protected]
I encourage every SQP who wants to push their career forward — whether in companion animal practice, livestock systems, equine care or agricultural health planning — to seriously consider this opportunity.
Your role matters. Your professionalism matters. This Diploma is here to help you take the next step with confidence.