Animal Management (HND) - Animal Behaviour and Welfare

At West Suffolk College, we are committed to providing high-quality education that aligns with industry demands and offers clear progression pathways for our learners. This qualification will build upon the strong foundation laid by our current City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management, offering a seamless academic transition for learners and allowing them to specialise further in areas of growing demand.
The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Animal Management is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the Animal Management sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

The course is delivered on campus/online and requires students to attend a two full days per week. Delivery of the course is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, case-study, discussions, and practical workshops.

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Animal Management (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for careers in animal management, welfare, and rehabilitation. The course is structured over two years, with the first year (Level 4) focusing on foundational modules that provide a broad understanding of animal health, business operations, and animal behaviour. Key modules include Animal Health and Welfare, which covers vital aspects of ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of animals, and Animal Behaviour in Society, where students learn how human-animal interactions shape behaviour. Practical understanding is developed through modules such as Animal Husbandry and Animal Anatomy and Physiology, preparing students for hands-on animal care and management roles. Additionally, optional modules like Management of Exotic Species and British Wildlife provide opportunities to specialise in diverse areas, with a focus on conservation and management of native and exotic species.

In the second year (Level 5), students delve deeper into advanced topics and research, starting with core modules such as Biological Principles, which underpins an understanding of animal biology and how it influences behaviour and welfare. The Research Project allows learners to explore specific areas of interest and apply research methods to real world problems in the animal management sector. Specialist modules like Anthrozoology and Evolution and Adaptations enable students to critically assess human-animal relationships and the evolutionary basis of animal behaviour. The course also offers practical, career-oriented units such as Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ethics and Consultation, and Ornamental Aquatics and Fish Keeping, equipping students with the skills to work in areas such as animal rehabilitation, consultancy, and aquatic management. Overall, the course provides a comprehensive, well rounded education that prepares students for various roles within the animal management field.

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Animal Management related courses, for example: ● BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare ● BSc (Hons) in Animal Management

Course Modules

Level 4 (Year 1)

Animal Health and Welfare
Learning to recognise the signs of health and disease across and range of animal species as well as know how to promote good health and prevent disease.
Business and the Business Environment
Provide students with background knowledge and understanding of business, exploring organisations and learn how to shape business decisions.
Managing a Successful Project (Pearson-set)
Developing and demonstrating skills that are required for managing and implementing a project. Through research and business review successfully complete a project that meets aims and objectives of the business.
Animal Behaviour in Society
Develop and understanding of behaviour of animals through scientific observation and assessment of animal behaviour. Leading to supporting and modifying/managing behaviours and supporting good animal welfare.
Animal Husbandry
Equipping students with practical skills and underpinning knowledge to ensure promotion of animal in environments that is good for mental and physical health.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Develop knowledge of biological systems of animals to understand how animal health and biological functions relate to welfare and lifestyle. Through in depth learning of the biological systems.
Management of Exotic Species
Gain important theoretical knowledge and practical skills in promoting the welfare of a wide range of different exotic animal species.
British Wildlife
Develop understanding of British wildlife in relation to current and historical populations and distributions to develop key information relating to scientific and conservation.

Level 5 (Year 2)

Biological Principles
Equip students with underpinning knowledge of principles of biological process, building on from the level 4 module Anatomy and physiology.
Research Project (Pearson-set)
Developing on skills from level 4, this module aims to offer opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field.
Anthrozoology
Examining the human animal interaction, exploring the variety of ways in which animal are utilised in human society.
Evolution and Adaptations
Developing technical and scientific analysis this provides insight into models and theories that explain aspects of animal in a variety of different environments.
Therapy and Rehabilitation
This module explores the awareness of and symptoms of injuries and explores the treatment methods available
Ethics and Consultation
Developing professional discussion this module supports progression for all students to be familiar with key welfare and ethical approaches relating to animal Welfare
Ornamental Aquatics and Fish Keeping
Providing students with understanding of the theoretical and practical skills in promoting welfare of a wide range of different fish.

https://universitycentre.easterneducationgroup.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/02/hnd-animal-management-course-fact-sheet.pdf

Projects, Report, Portfolio, Review, Reflection, Action Research.

Students enrolled in this programme are required to gain a work placement in the animal sector to support the completion of projects in both year one and year two. While students are encouraged to secure their own placements, West Suffolk College offers support and guidance if needed to help them find suitable opportunities within the industry.