Get hands-on in our animal house, working regularly with a wide range of domestic and exotic species building real practical skills. Collaboration with external organisations provides valuable industry experience alongside.

Units to be studied include:

• Animal Biology – anatomy and physiology at the systemic and cellular level, along with the science of animal classification.
• Animal Welfare & Ethics – the ethics, regulations, legislation and practices associated with animal welfare in animal-related industries.
• Practical Animal Husbandry – explore the skills needed to manage high standards of health and welfare for a variety of animals by meeting their essential needs.
• Animal Behaviour– explore normal and abnormal behaviours in a range of animals and how these behaviours develop.
• Animal Health & Diseases – common indicators of animal health, diseases and disorders, as well as treatment and prevention methods in order to detect and protect animals from illness.
• Work Experience in the Animal Sector – explore roles and progression routes required to attain them and develop employability skills
• Animal Nursing – explore the work of a veterinary practice, including staff roles, responsibilities, procedures, basic nursing skills and the role of governing bodies.
• Health & Safety – a core theme throughout the two years, with strong focus on safe working practices.
• Animal Breeding & Genetics – study the science of genes and genetic factors influencing the management of breeding animals developing skills to evaluate and care for breeding stock and offspring.
• Investigative Research Project – study the principles and purposes of research in the animal sector and develop the skills needed to conduct small-scale research projects.
• Farm Livestock Husbandry – study the breadth and purposes of farm livestock in the UK, including husbandry techniques required to maintain animal welfare and aid productivity.
• Business Management in the Animal Sector – study the concepts of business management in the animal sector, exploring the roles and responsibilities associated with it.
• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management – study the methods and skills needed to investigate habitats,and carry out wildlife habitat improvements and rehabilitation.
• Human & Animal Interaction – develop skills in animal training, and design and implement a training programme to meet a desired goal.
• Exotic Animal Husbandry –study the needs of exotic animals to ensure their health and welfare and the governing regulations that apply to exotic animals in the UK.
• Zoological Animal Health & Husbandry – study the specialist skills needed to work with zoo collections including accommodation, safe handling methods and maintenance of animal health and welfare.

Work experience is mandatory and learners will be required to complete eight weeks of placement over the two years of the course. 

In addition to the main programme learners will study the WJEC Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which can provide additional UCAS points for university entry. It provides opportunities for learners to expand their knowledge, work independently and acquire new skills through a variety of activities which may include: guest speakers, workplace visits and practical experiences.