Animal studies courses are well established at Eccles Sixth Form College and the extensive curriculum delivery is underpinned by our outstanding facilities. These courses are designed to give you the relevant knowledge and specialist skills that will allow you to be successful in your next steps in education or employment. You will develop and expand your knowledge in all aspects of animal management, gaining hands-on practical experience in our industry-standard facilities.

Outline

You will study a range of animal collections including large and small mammals, exotics, invertebrates, and aquatics. Units of study are selected to allow you to develop a broad understanding of all aspects of animal management including animal health and welfare, husbandry, and sciences of domestic, exotic, and wildlife species. Hands-on practical skills are developed during practical sessions in our animal centre, laboratories, Ryders Equestrian Centre, and veterinary nursing suite.

All students complete work experience as part of their course:

Level 1: 60 Hours Internal Placement

Level 2: 150 Hours External Placement

Level 3: 150 Hours External Placement

What enrichment will there be?

Employer involvement is a vital part of your study programme, in addition to your work
experience placement you can expect to receive input from industry specialists in the form of:

· Guest lecturers from industry practitioners such as Blue Cross, RSPCA, and Guide Dogs

· Master classes run by employers such as veterinary surgeons and animal physiotherapists

· Industry practitioners/employers acting as expert witnesses for practical assessments · Visits to large collections such as Chester Zoo and Blue Planet Aquarium

Entry Requirements

Level 1 ABC Certificate in Practical Small Animal Care Skills + Level 1 City and Guilds Extended Certificate in Employability Skills:
As part of this programme, you will study functional skills English and maths.
Entry Requirements: a keen interest in animal care, no formal qualifications are necessary
Assessment Methods: practical assessment and short answer written questions

Level 1 City and Guilds Diploma Land-Based Studies (Animal and Equine):
As part of this programme, you will study functional skills English and maths.
Entry Requirements: E3/GCSE Grade 2 in English Language and Maths
Assessment Methods: multiple-choice exams, controlled assignments, and practical assessments

Level 2 ABC Diploma in Work-Based Animal and Equine Care (Animal Care and Welfare):
As part of this programme, you will study GCSE English and maths.
Entry Requirements: 3 GCSE’s Grade 3/D, to include English Language and Maths
Assessment Methods: practical assessments, written assignments, and exams.

Level 2 City and Guilds Technical Certificate Animal Care:
As part of this programme, you will study GCSE English and maths.
Entry Requirements: 3 GCSE’s Grade 3/D in English Language, Maths and Science
Assessment Methods: synoptic assignment and exam, multiple-choice exams, controlled assignments, and practical assessments

Level 3 ABC Diploma in Work-Based Animal and Equine Care (Animal Care and Welfare):
As part of this programme, you will study GCSE maths and biology.
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE’s Grade 4/C, to include English Language and Garde D/3 in Maths and Science.
Assessment Methods: practical assessments, written assignments, and exams.

Level 3 City and Guilds Advanced Technical Certificate in Animal Management 360 with progression onto Level 3 City and Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management 720:
As part of this programme, you will study GCSE maths or biology.
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE’s Grade 4/C, to include English Language and either Maths or Science (Grade 3/D in the other)
Assessment Methods: synoptic assignment and exam, multiple-choice exams, written exams, controlled assignments, and practical assessments

Level 3 City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management 540 with progression onto Level 3 City and Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management 1080 (Zoos):
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE’s Grade 4/C, in English Language, Maths and Science
Assessment Methods: synoptic assignment and exam, multiple-choice exams, written exams, controlled assignments, and practical assessments

Progression

After completing your course, you will be well prepared for the next step in your further education academic journey – there is a wide range of progression opportunities across and upwards throughout our courses within animal studies, equine studies, and veterinary nursing. Animal management career opportunities are varied and may include working in animal sciences, welfare, husbandry, or training. Following completion of a Level 3 Technical qualification there is the opportunity to progress onto our Higher Education qualifications. The college offers pathways in the form of HNC, HND and BSc
courses in Animal and Equine Management.