Animal Management (HND) - Animal Behaviour and Welfare Higher National Diploma - HND

At West Suffolk College, we are committed to providing high-quality education that aligns with industry demands and offers clear progression pathways for our learners. This qualification will build upon the strong foundation laid by our current City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management, offering a seamless academic transition for learners and allowing them to specialise further in areas of growing demand.\
The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Animal Management is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the Animal Management sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

The course is delivered on campus/online and requires students to attend a two full days per week. Delivery of the course is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, case-study, discussions, and practical workshops.

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Animal Management (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for careers in animal management, welfare, and rehabilitation. The course is structured over two years, with the first year (Level 4) focusing on foundational modules that provide a broad understanding of animal health, business operations, and animal behaviour. Key modules include Animal Health and Welfare, which covers vital aspects of ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of animals, and Animal Behaviour in Society, where students learn how human-animal interactions shape behaviour. Practical understanding is developed through modules such as Animal Husbandry and Animal Anatomy and Physiology, preparing students for hands-on animal care and management roles. Additionally, optional modules like Management of Exotic Species and British Wildlife provide opportunities to specialise in diverse areas, with a focus on conservation and management of native and exotic species.

In the second year (Level 5), students delve deeper into advanced topics and research, starting with core modules such as Biological Principles, which underpins an understanding of animal biology and how it influences behaviour and welfare. The Research Project allows learners to explore specific areas of interest and apply research methods to real world problems in the animal management sector. Specialist modules like Anthrozoology and Evolution and Adaptations enable students to critically assess human-animal relationships and the evolutionary basis of animal behaviour. The course also offers practical, career-oriented units such as Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ethics and Consultation, and Ornamental Aquatics and Fish Keeping, equipping students with the skills to work in areas such as animal rehabilitation, consultancy, and aquatic management. Overall, the course provides a comprehensive, well rounded education that prepares students for various roles within the animal management field.

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Animal Management related courses, for example: ● BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare ● BSc (Hons) in Animal Management