Students will work in our animal house on a regular basis developing practical skills with a wide range of domestic and exotic animals. The course will also involve working with outside organisations for a number of the units studied.

Units to be studied include:

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

Work experience is a mandatory unit and students will be required to complete eight weeks of placement over the two years of the programme.

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.