The course provides you with a wealth of transferable experience and employability skills either to take you straight into industry or onto Higher Education.
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate and Level 5 Higher National Diploma are recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Wildlife Conservation related courses, for example: BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons) in Zoo Animal Management BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science BSc (Hons) in Animal Conservation and Biodiversity BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation Additionally after completing the Level 5 qualification, students have the option to apply for a Top-up one year course which, upon completion, could provide them with a full BSc (Hons) undergraduate degree.
Our lecturing staff have a wide range of expertise, having worked in a variety of animal and wildlife conservation-related industries and have many years of experience.
At Dearne Valley College we have access to a range of habitats including woodland and a wildlife pond and the site is located near-by to the beautiful RSPB Old Moor reserve.
You will also get the opportunity to be involved in our land-based retail outlet.
HNC – Level 4
Core
Core
You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.
Upon successful completion of these courses you could progress onto a ‘Top-up’ course, from which you could graduate with a full BSc (Hons) undergraduate qualification. You could also move into employment as an Animal Keeper, Animal Controls or Health Officer, Countryside ranger, Education Officer, Animal Instructor or Conservation Project Officer. You could also apply for roles in an Animal Lecturer capacity. There are Project Officer and management role opportunities for wildlife rehabilitation clinics, animal centres, environmental charities and ecological surveying organisations.
“I worked as an Accountant and Company Auditor for 10 years prior to teaching – this was in the Medical Industry and Private Training Industry. I decided to teach to offer my knowledge to others, and have been teaching for seven years.”
Conal White Curriculum Team Leader in Accounting![]()
We make every effort to ensure information within our online course directory is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering in 2023/24. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.
“I worked as an Accountant and Company Auditor for 10 years prior to teaching – this was in the Medical Industry and Private Training Industry. I decided to teach to offer my knowledge to others, and have been teaching for seven years.”
Conal White Curriculum Team Leader in Accounting![]()
The animal management and land-based sector is ideal for those who care about improving animal welfare or who enjoy working outside in physically demanding settings.
Veterinary Nurses provide assistance to veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.
You could work at a veterinary practice or at an animal welfare centre. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Zoologists study animals and their behaviours, and work in sectors including agriculture, conservation, pharmaceuticals or for the Government.
You could work in a laboratory or at a research facility. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you’ll travel often.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
In-demand skills that commonly appear in job descriptions for roles within the animal management and land-based sector include*:
“Studying locally suits me as I get to stay close to home and it is really accessible. I love how hands-on the course is and I love working with the range of animals.”
Amelia Veal Higher National Certificate - Diploma Level 4 in Animal Management
“I love getting to work with a range of exotic species, and we are constantly learning new topics and information about the animals. It gives me great experience working so closely with them.”
Daisy Carter Higher National Certificate - Diploma Level 4 in Animal Management![]()