4 GCSEs required grades A-C, one ideally in science, maths and English or a BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care (merit overall) with a Level 1 Key Skills in Application of number, communication, or IT. The course is equivalent to 3 A-levels and will allow students to gain access to university if they so desire. Enthusiasm and motivated outlook will be seen as favourable as will work experience in a related field.
Academic titleBTEC National Diploma in Animal Care
Course descriptionGeneral information
BTEC National courses are designed to provide a work-related qualification in a range of animal related sectors. They prepare the individual for employment and provide career development for those already in work. It provides opportunity for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification that can also allow them to progress on to higher education and study courses such as a degree in animal science, zoology or animal behaviour.
Course content
The course is compiled of 18 units studied over 2 years full time. There are 5 core and 11 specialist units.
The core units include:
* Animal health
* Animal biology
* Anatomy and physiology
* Investigate project in the animal management sector
* Work experience
Specialist units:
* Business management
* Animal nutrition
* Animal welfare and breed development
* Animal behaviour
* Biochemistry and microbiology
* Exotic animal management
* Principles of ecology
* Wildlife rehabilitation
* Scientific investigation in animal management
* Animal collection management
* Environmental intepretation in the land based industries
* Chemistry for biology technicians
* Genetics and genetic engineering
Progression
Types of work include: Veterinary nursing, Zoo keeping, Animal rehabilitation, Animal behaviour, Carry out research, Teaching. Alternatively students may wish to study an HNC/HND or degree in a related subject. For example; Zoology, Marine Biology and Animal Behaviour.