First Diploma (FD) Animal Care

 
FD Animal Care

Key facts

One year, full time, level two course

This course equates to a BTEC Level 2 Extended Diploma in the new Qualification Framework


Course overview

If you are interested in working in the animal industry, learning about the basic care and management of animals, or you think you may be good at caring for a wide range of animals including companion and exotic species, then this course could be for you.


What you could do after this course

The First Diploma will provide you with relevant knowledge to start progression towards employment areas such as veterinary nursing, kennel/cattery work, zoo keeping, farm/park work and animal grooming etc. On completion of the course students could progress to the National Diploma in Animal Management. (An overall merit grade at FD as well as one GCSE at grade C or above will be required to progress).


Entry requirements

  • 2 GCSE’s at Grade D or above
  • All applicants will be required to bring confirmation of their GCSE results or any other qualification results to an enrolment event before the start of this course
  • If you are an applicant over 21 years of age formal qualifications may not be required if you have achieved an equivalent qualification and/or have relevant work experience. Each application is considered on individual merit.
  • Entry is subject to interview
  • To ensure that applicants are placed on the right course, candidates will be asked to complete an online basic skills assessment at interview

What you will learn

The First Diploma covers 7 units of study including:

  • Animal health, welfare and behaviour
  • Introduction to animal biology
  • Animal nursing
  • Industry experience
  • Accommodation, handling and care
  • Animal care industry & organisations
  • Care of exotic animals

In your practical sessions you will learn how to handle, health check and feed the animals, as well as clean and maintain their housing.

In your theory sessions you will learn about the physical structure of the animals, how to control disease, basic first aid, how to design appropriate accommodation and each animal’s nutritional needs and basic welfare and behaviour.

In addition you will find out about the animal care industry as a whole and the various laws which say how we must treat animals. There may also be the opportunity to learn about grooming and animal nursing.

Routine animal centre work will be integrated into the students normal timetable, along with six weeks commercial experience at work placements.

A newly formed link with Folly Farm will broaden practical experiences with a wider range of animals

How you will learn

  • Using textbooks and reference books
  • Undertake practical tasks to gain a better understanding
  • Lectures and demonstrations
  • Work in groups

Skills you will develop

  • Care of and responsibilities of a range of animals
  • Working individually and in groups
  • Assignment work and practical skills
  • Work placements will give valuable experience and insight into the industry

How you will be assessed

  • Assignment work
  • Practical demonstrations

Things you may need for your course

White laboratory coat.

For placements:(depending on the placement)- Overalls, gloves, waterproof clothing, steel toe capped wellington boots.


Fees

Full-time no course fees

A workshop fee of £20 is payable at the start of each year.

Books minimum £30 costs.

Equipment minimum £25 costs.

Stationery minimum £30 costs.

Please note that equipment costs may be subject to change

Fees valid to July 2010.