Course Content
This qualification prepares learners who are looking towards a career in animal care. During the course, you will study units that will give you knowledge and experience in areas such as animal biology, animal behaviour, animal welfare and ethics, practical animal husbandry and the principles of exotic care. If you are interested in animal management and working with a variety of animals then this course, consisting of practical and theory sessions, will give you relevant hands-on experience.
This course is suitable for individuals who wish to pursue a career in the animal care industry. It will help you find employment or progress to higher education. This is a comprehensive course if you want to increase your knowledge and develop an understanding of animals.
This qualification includes the following modules:
• Animal biology
• Animal welfare
• Advanced animal nutrition
• Exotic animal health and husbandry
• Principles of wildlife populations, ecology and conservation
• Farm livestock husbandry
• Understand animal health and diseases
• Breeding and genetics
The course will be based at the Broadway campus for tuition and tutorial and includes a work placement at animal centres including Dudley Zoo, Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, Wild Zoo and Sedgley Adventure Centre.
Course Assessment
The assessments for this qualification are assignments and external exams. The assignments can involve the demonstration of knowledge and practical skills. Part of the course will involve a substantive placement with an employer in the animal industry. Students are encouraged to find their own placement before starting their course. All students must complete 300 hours (150 hours per year) work experience in an animal related industry – one day a week will be allocated for this as part of your timetable.
Materials
All class-based materials will be provided but you will need to provide writing materials and paper. You will also need to have sturdy, waterproof footwear such as boots, overalls and warm clothing when spending time at your work placement and on practical trips. You will also be expected to wear animal science uniform in college, which can be purchased at enrolment.
Qualifications
On successful completion of this course you will achieve the Animal Management BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3
Progression
You can progress to university level at Dudley College with the Animal Management HNC/D or study a range of topics at university, including Wildlife Conservation, Vet Nursing, Animal Behaviour and Zoology.
This qualification can lead to employment working within an animal welfare organisation, a veterinary practice, a wildlife park or perhaps a business such as a pet store, feed company or dog grooming salon. As you will have gained a breadth and depth of skills and knowledge over a wide range of units, you could progress within work to the following roles: Cattery/Kennels Assistant, Stable Hand, Student Veterinary Nurse, Pet Store Assistant/Supervisor, Trainee Zoo Keeper, Trainee Dog Groomer, Trainee Ecologist or Welfare Officer.
Entry Requirements
For entry onto this qualification learners must have: 5 GCSEs in academic subjects at grade 4 or above to include grade 4 in English and ideally science.
