Foundation Degree Animal Management and Behaviour

Are you passionate about working with animals? A foundation degree in Animal Management and Behaviour provides the perfect route into a range of careers working with pets, exotic animals, livestock and wildlife.

The animal care sector is a rewarding industry to grow and develop in. Approximately 110,000 people are currently employed across a diverse range of professions. By 2024, this is estimated to increase by 3.2%, with particular employment growth predicted in the animal services sector. And with roughly 1,800 currently employed within the Leeds region and predicted to grow over the next few years, this course offers a wonderful way to turn your love of animals into a blossoming career.

APPLY FOR FULL TIME ENQUIRE NOW

About this course

This Foundation Degree in Animal Management and Behaviour is tailored to prepare you for employment within the industry. Mostly delivered at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm, it’s an exciting new course designed to give you hands-on experience of raising farm animals and observing wildlife. You will experience a variety of ecological sites across the estate, whilst accessing one of the largest Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) farms in Europe. This particular RBST farm is home to an assortment of breeds, including Tamworth pigs, Kerry Hill sheep and Golden Guernsey goats, to name but a few. You will also have access to the animal care centre, which holds a number of species, including domestic and exotic animals.

We have worked closely with employers to develop a qualification that provides you with the practical skills and hands-on experience they are looking for. This includes practical modules in husbandry, exotic animal welfare, companion animal training, conservation and sustainability, as well as enterprise within the sector.

Alongside developing your knowledge, skills and understanding of the land-based sector, you will also develop your academic, employability and entrepreneurial skills.

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

Fee

£7,950 full-time (per academic year)

Location

Temple Newsam Home Farm

Start Date

18th September 2023

Duration

2 years full-time

Course Code

UCAS Course Code: D301
UCAS Institution Code: L21

Study Mode

Full Time

What you learn

Modules may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Academic and Professional Skills Development (20 credits)
This module will provide you with the academic study and research skills needed to be successful in higher education.
Biological Systems (20 credits)
Gain the underpinning knowledge of how the biological systems of animals function. This module is taught in the first semester so that knowledge can be utilised in future modules.
Introduction to Animal Behaviour (20 credits)
By undertaking this module, you will develop a broad understanding of how animals behave and learn, as well as the biological processes that cause and regulate behaviour.
Practical Animal Husbandry and Handling (20 credits)
Build your practical skills in maintaining and handling animals, ensuring you are ready for employment.
Exotic Animal Biology, Husbandry and Welfare (20 credits)
The module will enhance your knowledge of keeping exotic animals and how to ensure their optimum welfare.
Conservation and Sustainability (20 credits)
Acquire in-depth knowledge of conservation and biodiversity, as well as the skills required to scientifically study the natural environment.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Small Scale Research Project (20 credits)
This is where you will undertake evidence-based research in order to monitor husbandry routines or identify areas requiring development in a business structure.
Animal Health and Disease (20 credits)
Explore health and disease in a wide variety of species, identifying signs, symptoms and causes.
Companion Animal Training and Behaviour (20 credits)
Using the behavioural knowledge acquired in year 1, you will develop this further alongside learning about animal training techniques.
Design and Management of Animal Collections (20 credits)
Discover how large animal collections are managed and designed in order to balance the needs of animals, staff and visitors.
Welfare and Law (20 credits)
You will focus on key welfare concerns within the sector, as well as statutory and non-statutory instruments that are used to maintain good animal welfare.
Enterprise in the Land-based Sector (20 credits)
This module will develop your understanding of businesses within the land-base sector.

Benefits/ skills you will develop

You will experience immersive learning on a working farm and estate that provides access to several acres of ecological interest. You will also have unique opportunities to develop practical skills and enjoy in-situ learning on one of the largest working rare breeds farms in Europe. This will allow you to gain valuable theoretical knowledge and first-hand skills for working with a wide range of species.

You will develop the following knowledge and skills:

Observing, recording and interpreting physical and behavioural signs, allowing for the management of the health and welfare of animals
Training in animal behaviour and management in the health and welfare of captive animals
Husbandry and management practices (including accommodation maintenance, feeding and handling) for a range of exotic animal species
A broad understanding of the industry
Practical skills that prepare you for employment
The ability to evaluate the impacts of current industry practices on animal welfare, organisations and the environment
Transferable skills which are relevant to employment, including collaborative working, communication, self-discipline and professional responsibility
Academic study and research skills

Benefits include:

Smaller groups, allowing more personalised teaching and learning opportunities
Taught by industry experts from a range of sectors
Opportunities to develop industry links
Working collaboratively with employers

Assessment

Modules are assessed in a range of ways to reflect the diverse range of roles you may progress to within the industry. Assessments will also reflect the range of skills you will need to demonstrate and that employers are looking for.

These include:

Demonstrations
Videos
Social media strategy
Presentation or pitch
Reports
Website development
Trend analysis
Portfolio
Case studies
Educational displays

By having a range of assessment methods, this allows all learners to demonstrate knowledge acquired throughout the qualification.

Where is the course delivered?

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree Entry Criteria

Typical offer:

A Levels: 2 x D grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

BTEC L3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSE Maths – Required: Maths Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria

Mature applicants: Leeds City College welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application. *21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Interviews: A successful interview is required

References: An appropriate reference is required

Additional Costs

What’s next

On completion of this foundation degree you can progress on to a top-up degree with University Centre Leeds (subject to validation) or another institution. Higher education courses following this qualification include Ecology, Conservation, and Applied Animal Behaviour.

You may also seek relevant employment as one of the following:

Trainee Keeper
Animal Welfare Assistant
Laboratory Assistant
Technician

Programme Specification

Course Handbook

Leeds City College Regulations