If you want to pursue a career in the animal care industry, this Extended Diploma, the equivalent to 3 A-levels, based at Dartmoor Zoological Park, will help give you the edge!

Programme Aims

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management is aimed at both school leavers and those wishing to pursue a career within the animal care industry and who have a particular interest in zoo animals. This course is the equivalent to 3 A-levels and set within a truly inspirational setting, based at Dartmoor Zoological Park, you will have access to a wide range of exotic animals to support your studies. For example, you will learn about animal behaviour and then leave the classroom and be able to observe different behaviours in action. You will also have the opportunity to carry out work experience at the zoo.

This course provides a firm foundation in the broad range of skills required to make an immediate contribution in employment or to continue training at a higher level. You will study eighteen units over the two years of the full time programme.

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve at least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include Maths, English and Science. You will need to attend an interview with Bicton College and Dartmoor Zoo staff.

Held on the following days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday plus 1 day of work experience on either Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday each week during term time. Places are limited to 14, please apply early for an interview.

What you may study

Over the 2 years, you will study a range of units, these will include subject areas such as:

• Animal Behaviour
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Animal Handling
• Safe Working
• Feeding
• Accommodation
• Exotic Animal Management
• Nutrition
• Health
• Biology
• Welfare
• Breeding
• Zoological Animal Health and Husbandry
• Conservation
• Work Experience
• Genetics
• Ecology
• An Investigative project 

Assessment

Continuous assessment is undertaken throughout the course.

Progression

Successful students who wish to continue in education may progress to a Level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree or Degree programme in a related subject area such as animal welfare, behaviour or zoology. Career opportunities would be available in a wide and diverse range of animal care related industries including zoological parks, wildlife parks, wildlife sanctuaries and welfare organisations.

Launch Event

If you are interested in this course and would like to find out more, please call 01395 562409 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it