• Course Level:Level 3

    Course Duration:2 Years

    Programme Aims

    This programme aims to provide learners with an enjoyable, intellectual challenge and encourages them to develop their practical skills and personal qualities. It provides a firm foundation in the broad range of skills required to make an immediate contribution in employment or to continue training at a higher level.
    Back to Top ^

    Entry Requirements

    It is essential that your Initial Assessment results show that you are working towards Level 2. You will also need to have achieved one of the following:

    •   4 GCSEs at grades A-C, including English,Maths and Science
    •   Environmental and Land-Based Studies Higher Diploma (Grades A-C)
    •   GNVQ Intermediate
    •   NVQ Level 2
    •   BTEC First Diploma
    •   City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent
    Back to Top ^

    Course Structure

    This programme includes a planned period of work-based learning. Study at College involves work-related and activity-based lectures, practical training, debates and individual and group assignments. There will also be study visits to local animal collections and welfare organisations.
    Back to Top ^

    What you will study

    Over the two years you will study a range of subjects such as:
    • Animal anatomy and physiology
    • Animal behaviour
    • Animal biology
    • Animal nutrition
    • Animal health
    • Animal welfare and breed development
    • Farm livestock management
    • Functional skills
    • Practical animal handling and husbandry
    • Stockmanship

    Optional Units (from which eight must be selected):

    • Animal collection management
    • Animal nursing
    • Aquatics management
    • Biochemistry and microbiology
    • Breeding and genetics
    • Ecology
    • Estate skills
    • Grooming parlour management
    • Kennel and cattery management
    • Management of exotics
    • Pet store management
    • Wildlife rehabilitation
    Back to Top ^

    Assessment

    Progress is monitored by a variety of assessment methods including:
    • Debates
    • Multiple choice examinations
    • Open/closed book tests
    • Practical activities
    • Presentations
    • Project work
    • Simulated work-based learning
    • Work-based learning reports
    • Written assignments
    Successful learners will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
    Back to Top ^

    Progression

    Successful students who wish to continue in education may progress to a Level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree or Degree programme in a related subject area. These include: Animal Science, Animal Welfare, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology, Equine Studies, Agriculture and Countryside Management. Many of these Foundation Degrees can be studied at Bicton College – please see our Higher Education prospectus for more details.

    Those who wish to enter employment have career opportunities in a wide and diverse range of animal care related industries including: wildlife and countryside parks; kennels; catteries; pet shops; grooming parlours; zoological parks; stables; wildlife sanctuaries and welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, the Blue Cross and Cats Protection.
    Back to Top ^