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HNC Animal Zoology and Conservation

Course code: P06695

Subject area: Higher Education

Study level: Undergraduate

Course level: H

Course details

Course time:

09:30 - 16:30

Days of week:

Mondays & Tuesdays

Course date:

15th Sept 2025 - 25th May 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.
Fee information
As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Course fees

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

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)
Learning & method assessment
Teaching methods are varied and informed by contemporary practice in teaching higher education in science ensuring inclusive learning. Most modules use lectures to provide a framework for learning and to introduce more difficult concepts to develop cognitive and problem-solving skills. Practical work and fieldwork will be key features of most modules, enhancing learning and enabling development of intra and interpersonal skills needed for developing employability skills.

Other teaching methods include seminar discussion or debates, one-to-one or small group tutorials and problem-solving workshops enabling the student to develop effective communication, articulate information, and work collaboratively. Reflective learning is encouraged through use of self, peer and staff feedback which can be informative (group work, project work) or formative (assignments, presentations, reflective diaries).

This feedback will encourage the student to build and gain analytical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy and competence in assessment methods. We will also encourage the students to develop a sustainability mindset.

User skills
The integration of contemporary technologies and practical facilities allow students to develop their academic and vocational skills to industry standards. Academic sessions are supported using the wide range of species and extensive practical animal facilities, including farm livestock, horses, exotics, and companion animals, available at Abingdon and Witney’s Common Ley’s campus. In addition, sessions are delivered using state of the art laboratories on the Witney campus where students have access to practical activities such as dissections and can develop advanced laboratory skills. Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours industry experience to appreciate the relationship between theory and industry practices and therefore linking commercial and business skills. These industry links and work placements are a key element of the HND and can be used as a topic for the specialist project module.

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