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Animal Zoology and Conservation - HNC - Year 1 of 2

Course code: P01715

Subject area: Animal Zoology and Conservation HNCs and HNDs

Study level: Undergraduate

Course level:

Course details

Course time:

09:30 - 16:30

Days of week:

Mondays & Tuesdays

Course date:

14th Sept 2026 - 29th Jun 2027

Course location:

Common Leys Farm

Contact details

Email:

enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Phone:

01993 208 148

Apply for this course
Do you have a passion for animals and want to work in conservation? If you have a Level 3 qualification or A Levels, the HND in Animal Zoology and Conservation offers a practical and hands-on alternative route to university for you to gain a higher qualification.
The HND in Animal Zoology and Conservation is a stimulating and challenging programme of study designed to be both engaging and memorable. The course includes the essential animal knowledge that will allow successful progression into the industry, with modules including Animal Behaviour in Society, Endangered Species Conservation, Management of Exotic Animal Species, Research Project, Anthrozoology, Evolution and Adaptions, Humanisation of Companion Animals, and Habitat Restoration and Repair.

On this course you will develop the skills, understanding, and personal attributes required for a successful career within animal conservation. You will be taught through a range of teaching methods in a variety of learning environments that will include lectures, practical’s, workshops, and seminars. Throughout your study you will learn to develop high level technical skills, academic and research literacy, and your resilience, communication, self-awareness, and problem-solving ability.

The qualification content is continually refreshed so that it is aligned with professional bodies, employer, and higher education needs. The programme aims to provide students with the context in which to consider professional ethics and their relation to personal, professional, and statutory responsibilities within the animal industry; developing students as professional, competent, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the Animal Management sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

This programme can be delivered either full time or part time.

Course units
Level Four Animal Health and WelfareBusiness and the Business Environment Managing a successful ProjectAnimal Behaviour in SocietyAnimal HusbandryAnimal Anatomy and Physiology Endangered species conservationManagement of Exotic Animal Species.

Level FiveBiological PrinciplesResearch ProjectAnthrozoologyEvolution and AdaptionsWork Experience Humanisation of Companion AnimalsHabitat Restoration and Repair

What next?
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma offers an excellent array of specialised skills and can provide a gateway to careers in management, journalism, and the media and leisure industry. Demonstrating diversity and inclusion within the industry. Or can also allow students to gain skills and knowledge which are directly relevant to several careers in the animal industry. On completion of the course, students will have a sound scientific and practical understanding of the animal industry and will be competent to seek employment in a variety of roles. These might include animal keeper, animal health officer, animal trainer, wildlife technician, animal rescue centre manager, animal lecturer, nature recovery officer, ecology officer.

HND Graduates will be prepared for the progression on to a Level 6-degree programme in an animal related subject if this is their chosen route on completion.

Entry criteria
• A BTEC/City & Guilds Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or Horse Management
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent)
• Other related Level 3 qualifications
• An Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution.
• Related work experience
• An international equivalent of the above.
Qualifications received
One year of study Higher National Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4)
Two years of study Higher National Diploma in Animal Management (Level 5)

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