About this course
This one-year course is a chance to learn how to care for, handle and house animals and to develop skills in science, writing and giving presentations. If you would like to study at degree level but haven’t got the usual qualifications needed, then this course could be the perfect solution.
Find out more about CAVA, the awarding body for this course.
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Brackenhurst is set in stunning countryside just a bus ride away from Nottingham city centre, next to the town of Southwell. -
At Brackenhurst, you’ll have access to incredible facilities. These include an Animal Unit, Equestrian Centre, laboratories, library and gardens and fields that are overflowing with plants and wildlife. -
Studying with us means that you’ll be a part of an amazing learning environment. You get all the perks of being part of a big university, but you will still enjoy the comforts of a friendly college. -
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. This loan is not means tested, and is written off on completion of an undergraduate degree.
What you’ll study
This one-year course is designed for anyone passionate about the care of animals and keen to learn more about animal biology. You'll gain experience in animal handling and housing, whilst developing your written and communication skills.
Higher Education Study Skills
You’ll develop your skills in referencing, note-taking and be encouraged to contribute to group discussions. You'll also create a presentation on a research area of your interest.
Science of Life
This module focuses on anatomy and physiology of the major body systems in mammals.
Animal Science and Welfare
You’ll learn how to describe the function of the animal body, its diseases and cures, and how to develop a plan for the handling, housing and training of animals.
Animal Management and Behaviour
Develop an understanding of the housing of healthy and sick animals and examine legal and ethical aspects of animal.
Land-based Industry Skills
Study the importance of health and safety in the land-based sector. This has one week of work experience outside of the classroom.
Biochemistry
Learn how to review the periodic table and perform calculations. You’ll also learn about anatomy and physiology and compare and contrast the energy flows in plants and animals.
Practical animal industry skills
This practical module will teach you the importance of health and safety in the land-based sector. You’ll carry out a range of relevant tasks in our Animal Unit which houses a range of different species.
Business in the animal sector
Learn about business structure and the roles of those who work within the animal industries.
Bioscience
Study reproductive physiology and the importance of genetics and immunity in breeding.
Introduction to Science
You will study cell biology and develop skills using laboratory equipment to perform practicals and write scientific reports with guidance from course leaders.
Research Project
This module is a chance to plan a project and put together a report, which can include practical research or an investigation using literature with support from your tutor.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
You’ll learn in our fantastic facilities and be taught by professional and experienced tutors. You can expect the course to be split so that approximately 30% is practical work and 70% is theory work. You’ll be taught through lectures, group discussions and practical demonstrations.
You’ll need to commit to 15 hours a week of contact time during the course. You’ll also be expected to invest a similar amount of time in your personal study. Teaching will take place three days a week, usually starting at 9.30 am and finishing at 3 pm.
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed through written assignments, presentations, class tests, practical assessments and internal exams.
Careers and employability
This course is specifically designed to allow you to progress into higher education.
You can progress on to degree courses right here, such as Nottingham Trent University's FdSc Veterinary Nursing, BSc (Hons) Animal Biology or BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology degree.
Future jobs within the animal industry include:
- Animal Carer - you can earn up to £21,000
- Welfare Assistant - you can earn up to £21,000
- Laboratory Assistant - you can earn up to £23,000
- Veterinary Nurse - you can earn up to £25,000
- Industry Sales person - you can earn up to £27,000
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Study an animal course at Brackenhurst and you’ll have access to some fantastic facilities.
Our specially designed Animal Unit is home to over 250 animals from around 70 different species. These include small animals such as rabbits, cats, dogs, reptiles and birds, as well as larger animals like goats and donkeys. All our animal courses include hands-on, practical lessons at the unit. You’ll also help our technicians to care for the animals on a day-to-day basis.
As well as your subject-specific facilities, you’ll also find:
- a library, including fully equipped computer rooms
- modern classrooms and teaching areas
- laboratories
- our careers and employability service
- a dining room and Costa Coffee
- our student shop
- a common room.
Entry requirements
UK students
For 2025 entry you will need:
- GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4 / C or above.
- To be aged 19 or over.
Equivalent qualifications will be considered.
You will also be required to attend an interview.
Applications are welcome from students aged 19 and over.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
This course is not open to international students at this time.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
