FdSc Canine and Feline Behaviour and Training

Course Details

  • Department

    Animal Management
  • Qualification

    Level 5
  • Course Type

    Full Time
  • Length

    2 Years
  • Location(s)

    York

Course at a glance

The FdSc Canine and Feline Behaviour and Training aims to produce professionals who have practical skills and are critical and independent thinkers with specialist knowledge that enables them to work with canines and felines.

UCAS Code

C865

Awarding Body: Askham Bryan College

Centre Code

A70

What you will learn

This programme covers the skills and knowledge required to work within the canine and feline industry. The key focuses are to develop an understanding of the behaviour, husbandry requirements and welfare needs of canine and felines, as well as the complex interactions that they have within society. There is also a high emphasis on training and managing the behaviour of both these species which is important in all areas of this industry.

Making use of the on campus facilities, University Centre Askham Bryan has access to its own licensed kennels and cattery. We work in partnership with the RSPCA in housing a range of different breeds of cats and dogs for students to take full use and management of while they are in our care. Demonstrating practical skills on the animals underpin some of the key clinical, training and behavioural elements of the specialist degree.

Year 1 Modules

Year 1 (Level 4) Core Modules include

  • Applied Health and Husbandry
  • Canine and Feline Welfare
  • Human and Animal Cognition
  • Biological Basis of Behaviour
  • Academic Writing and Research
  • Canine and Feline Behaviour

Year 2 Modules

Year 2 (Level 5) Modules include

  • Theory of Animal Training
  • Applied Animal Training
  • Dog School Instructing
  • Problem Behaviour Management
  • Human – Animal Bond
  • Independent Research Project

Key Information

Applicants should have achieved 48 UCAS points plus 5 GCSE’s including English, Maths and Science at Grade C/4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSE’s. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience

An initial assessment process may be used to inform the College of your current status. Some students may be asked to attend an interview.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre team directly.

On successful completion, students may wish to consider progressing onto the BSc (Hons) Canine and Feline Behaviour and Welfare top up, allowing students to graduate with a BSc or BSc(Hons) degree.

Students studying the course may enter a wide variety of roles in the industry.  This includes animal trainer, animal behaviourist, kennel and cattery management, animal charity work and or animal nutritionist

UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc Ordinary Degree/ BSc Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £9,000

Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA

Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Ordinary Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £14,000

This programme requires students to undertake 300 hours of work placement, with 150 completed each academic year. Work placement is completed with an external provider which is arranged by the student. All work placements are subject to a health and safety check by the college to ensure that placements are suitable and safe. Support can be made available via the module tutor to help locate a suitable placement.

If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the course. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.

Assessments will be designed to give students the opportunity of performing tasks that they would be asked to do in employment.

There is a range of assessment methods used, including reports, case studies, presentations, Viva -Voce, continual assessments and exams. Typically each module involves two assessments.

In addition to tuition fees and accommodation if applicable, students will need to budget for extra costs as part of this course and will be responsible to cover them. Below is a list with approximate cost to help with your budgeting.

Overalls £15- £30

Steel toe cap boots £25- £50

Warm waterproof coat £30- £100

Lab safety glasses £10

White lab coat £10- £20

Optional course trips £20 – £2000 (Dependant on the trip/tour)

Askham Bryan College Video