Practical, Industry-Relevant Learning At Dearne Valley College, you will gain hands-on experience working with a wide range of domesticated and exotic animals within our specialist Animal Management Centre. Practical learning is embedded throughout the course to prepare you for real industry environments.
Specialist Facilities Our facilities include specialist animal housing, enrichment areas, and practical learning spaces that support the study of animal welfare, behaviour, husbandry, and conservation. Expert Tutors You will be taught by experienced tutors with higher education qualifications and industry experience in animal management, welfare, and behavioural sciences. Their knowledge and support will help you develop both academically and professionally.
Career and Higher Education Progression The HNC provides a recognised higher education qualification that can support progression into employment or further study such as HNDs, foundation degrees, or full honours degrees in animal-related subjects. Supportive Learning Environment We provide personalised support and guidance to help all learners succeed, develop confidence, and achieve their academic and career goals.
Units Include:? Unit 1: Animal Health and Welfare? Unit 2: Business and Business Environment? Unit 4: Animal Behaviours in Society? Unit 5: Animal Husbandry? Unit 6: Anatomy and Physiology? Unit 7: Animal Nutrition? Unit 50: Endangered Species ConservationYou will study a range of topics including:? Animal welfare legislation and ethical practice? Animal health monitoring and management? Nutrition and feeding requirements for different species? Animal anatomy, physiology, and biological systems? Behavioural development and animal interactions within society? Practical animal husbandry skills? Conservation methods and endangered species protection? Business principles within the animal industry? Research and academic study skills
Applicants are typically expected to have: *A relevant Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or a related subject *GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent *Appropriate industry experience may also be considered All applicants may be invited to attend an interview to discuss suitability and progression goals.
Apply through the college website and complete an online application form.
Successful completion of the HNC Animal Behaviour and Welfare can lead to progression onto:? HND Animal Management or related subjects? Foundation Degrees in Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour, or Anthrozoology? Full undergraduate degree programmes at universityPossible Degree Pathways:? Animal Behaviour? Animal Welfare Science? Zoology? Wildlife Conservation? Veterinary Nursing? Animal Management? Anthrozoology
The HNC Animal Behaviour and Welfare is designed for learners who:? Are passionate about animal welfare and behaviour? Wish to progress into higher education or employment in the animal industry? Enjoy practical, hands-on learning alongside academic study? Want to develop specialist knowledge in animal care, nutrition, husbandry, and conservation? Are interested in understanding animal interactions within society and improving animal wellbeingThis course is suitable for school leavers, adult learners, and those currently working within the animal sector who wish to gain a higher education qualification.
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 2025/26. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.