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Animal Zoology and Conservation - HNC

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

Phone:

01993 208 148

Do you have a passion for animals and want to work in conservation? If you have a Level 3 qualification or A Levels, the HNC in Animal Zoology and Conservation offers a practical and hands-on alternative route to university for you to gain a higher qualification.
The HNC 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
Animal Health and Welfare
Business and the Business Environment
Managing a successful Project
Animal Behaviour in Society
Animal Husbandry
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Endangered species conservation
Management of Exotic Animal Species.
What next?
The Level 4 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.
Fee information
£3000 per year part time or £6000 per year full time. A student loan is available.
Please note that this fee applies to all students. Students must be 18 or above on the 1st September 2026.

19+ Fee:

£6,000.00

Qualifications received
Higher National Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4)