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 feel much more supported and have opened up more here. I get involved in sports now, as they adapt the activities to enable me to join in. I just love it here; we have a great laugh.”
Jacob Hunter FLEX student
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 feel much more supported and have opened up more here. I get involved in sports now, as they adapt the activities to enable me to join in. I just love it here; we have a great laugh.”
Jacob Hunter FLEX student
The land-based sector is ideal for those who enjoy working outside in physically demanding settings or have a passion for caring for animals.
Veterinary Nurses support vets to treat and take care of sick and injured animals.
Keeping the vet practice and equipment clean and hygienic, preparing animals for treatments and assisting the vets during treatments, administering medication, talking to pet owners about treatment and how to take care of their animals and undertaking reception and admin duties.**
Veterinary practices or animal welfare centres.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Landscape Gardeners cultivate flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants - improving the appearance of terrain and cut-and-lay turf.
Discuss clients’ needs and advise them how to maintain their space, work from plans made by designers, order supplies, turf and seed lawns, plant and prune trees and shrubs and install paving.**
Gardens, at a client’s business, at a client’s home or at a garden centre.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
In-demand skills that commonly appear in job descriptions for roles within the animal care and land-based sector include*:
“One of the best things about college is that you get to meet like-minded people - everyone studying on your course is interested in the same sort of stuff and often have similar motivations.”
Emily Puk Level 3 Countryside Management Former student at Wingfield Academy
