Animal

Diploma of Higher Education in Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)

This degree course is based on the academic requirements for the standards set by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) for Animal Trainer and Animal Training Instructor.

Now more than ever, there a growing demand in the Pet Industry. Likely to be a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, pet ownership levels peaked to an unprecedented high of 59% in 2020/21 up from 45% (Statista Research Department Aug 2021). This presents an increased demand for a range of services including professional dog trainers and behaviourists, canine and feline services such as walking, grooming and sitting, rehabilitation and specialist services.

If you are passionate about companion animals and looking for a course to learn about their behaviour and welfare then this is the option for you. Complementing the holistic approach of the Animal Management programme or the core scientific principles of the Animal Science programme, this course particularly prepares students for employment in the range of companion animal roles including pet behaviour councillors, pet nutritionists and pet animal welfare charities.

Professional Recognition

Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) - Recognised Programme logo

This programmes is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

Roles recognised for: Animal Trainer and Animal Training Instructor

STAGE ONE
SEMESTER A SEMESTER B
Professional Skills for the Animal Industry
(30 credits)
Animal Biology
(30 credits)
Ethics of Animal Use
(15 credits)
Human-Animal Interaction
(15 credits)
Animal Husbandry
(15 credits)
Ecology and Evolution
(15 credits)
 

The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.

UCAS Tariff Points

80

GCE A Levels

80 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above

Irish Certificate

80 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x B1 or H2 higher

Scottish Highers

80 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x B

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Total (IB) Diploma point score of 24 or more

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

MMP

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

DM

C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma

Pass (48 + in combination with other qualifications to meet 80)

C & G Level 3 Diploma

Distinction (72 + in combination with other qualifications to meet 80)

Please note:

An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.

GCSEs

All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.

Access course

Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)

Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.

The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.

  • Animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive animal species
  • Tutorials
  • Seminars and debates
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Visits
  • Online quizzes, wikis and activities
  • Laboratory practical classes including dissections

This course provides a mix of assessment methods including.

  • Practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses
  • Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
  • Presentations - both individually and in small groups
  • Essays and technical reports
  • Assessed seminars
  • Case studies
  • Experimental work and laboratory reports
  • Poster presentations
  • Debates

This list of careers below are those which this course is recognised for and that previous graduates have been successful in.

Recognised for roles as:

  • Animal Trainer
  • Animal Training Instructor

Roles which previous graduates have been successful in:

  • Animal nutrition trainee
  • Retail jobs in the pet industry
  • Cattery and Kennel supervisors
  • Animal Welfare Officer
  • RSPCA technician
  • Progression to BSc

Animal Management & Science
with Dr Eleanor Drinkwater

Join Dr Eleanor Drinkwater and Darren Veitch as they present a series of fascinating, animal packed episodes that culminate in an interactive and enlightening Subject Spotlight focussed on Animal Management & Science.