Animal Management (BTEC), Extended Diploma

Overview

Reasons to choose this course:

• Our Animal Unit facility has a wide variety of domestic and exotic species to study.
• Develop practical skills and knowledge for a career in the animal sector.
• Successful students can progress onto the relevant degree programmes at NTU.
• Suitable for progression to careers in Vet Nursing, Zoology and Animal Sciences.

The care and welfare of domestic and exotic animals in captivity has become a major growth industry in the UK. With this growth comes a requirement for well-trained and skilled staff who are capable of caring for a wide range of species in a variety of contexts. This course provides practical and theoretical training relevant to a career in the animal welfare industry. Upon completion, you would be well-placed for direct entry into a variety of careers working with animals, or, if you wish, to pursue higher education in a related area. The qualification obtained is the Extended Diploma in Animal Management.

The Extended Diploma is a course of further education that aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge that match the needs of potential employers. Topics studied at Extended Diploma level are frequently those that are not available at A-level and typically involve a higher proportion of practical and applied work.

Skills development
Students are taught using a variety of methods, including formal lectures, group discussion and practical demonstrations. A number of guest lecturers can be brought in to teach students about specialist topics, for example, the work of the R.S.P.C.A. In addition, there are visits scheduled in each year where students are taken to places of interest within the animal industry, such as the dogs' show, Crufts.

Tour the Animal Unit and Veterinary Nursing Centre on an open day 

• Check out our Flickr photostream!
• Find out more about our Animal Unit.

Course

What do you study?
The course is studied over two years and certain units offer students the chance to develop the practical skills needed for a career in the animal care industry. Additional modules provide the theory required for a good understanding of animal biology and care.

Assessment
Each module is assessed using a variety of methods, including written assignments, oral presentations and class tests. Students are not required to sit formal exams.

Place of study
Brackenhurst is a campus of Nottingham Trent University. The rural campus is set on a 200 hectare estate and features a brand-new animal unit containing representatives from all five vertebrate groups. Included in this are larger animals such as donkeys and goats, as well as cats, dogs, rabbits, a variety of rodents, fish, birds and reptiles. Students spend a considerable amount of time on the unit, learning how to handle, feed and care for all of the species held. Additional resources include a well-stocked library, IT suites, a shop, student cafeteria and bar.

Course content
Year One course modules include:

• Animal Health
• Animal Biology
• Animal Welfare and Breed Development
• Animal Nutrition
• Exotic Animal Management
• Practical Animal Handling and Husbandry
• Wildlife Rehabilitation.
• Land-based Estate Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills
• Work-related Experience in the Animal Management Sector.

Year Two course modules:

• Animal Nursing
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Biochemistry and Microbiology in Animal Management or Aquatics Management
• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Farm Livestock Management
• Kennel and Cattery Management
• Animal Collection Management
• Investigative Project in the Animal Management Sector.

Facilities

Careers

Your future career
The Extended Diploma in Animal Management prepares students for a variety of posts working “hands on” with animals. These include working as:

• an animal carer
• trainee veterinary nurse
• laboratory assistant
• welfare assistant 
• retail supervisor. 

Alternatively, should you wish to continue your studies, you may qualify for entry onto the University’s Foundation Degree in Animal Studies or Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Biology.

Placements

This course does not currently offer placements.

How to apply

Full entry requirement details

• You will need Four GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at Grade C or above, or the City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent.
• Applications are welcome from mature and international students and will be assessed on an individual basis (including those with non-traditional entry profiles).

International student entry requirements

How to apply

• Students need to complete and return an application form (available from Brackenhurst Student Administration)
• Once we have your application, we will invite you to visit Brackenhurst and meet the Programme Leader

Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply - then get in touch using the following details:  

Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst campus)

Financial help

Possible financial assistance may be available to:

• those in receipt of Jobseekers allowance (including the partner where the claim is joint)
• those in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the work related activity group (further guidance to follow)
• learners of all ages studying their first full Level Two qualification
• 19-24 year olds studying their first full Level Three qualification
• Level Three jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level Three without having a full Level Two qualification)
• those whose learning aims are funded as Adult Skills for Life and Functional skills in Literacy and Numeracy.

Residential Bursary Scheme
This bursary is means tested and awarded on a sliding scale depending on parent/guardian's income. You need to be holding a firm offer before applying for this and it does not cover the total cost of accommodation.