Students can enrol for study in either September, January or May. Students need to complete six modules to achieve the qualification.

Part time students undertake one module each semester, for three semesters a year over two years. Full time students undertake two

modules per semester for three semesters in one year.

Each module involves ten separate sessions of study, each session incorporating developmental structured activities to aid the distance learner in developing the underpinning knowledge and skills required to complete the assessments.

Students have access to extensive online facilities including both Coleg Sir Gar and the University of Wales Trinity St David online learning and library research materials.

Students also have access to learning materials at any time day or night via the colleges VLE Moodle and supporting Google Classrooms. In addition to this they have allocated tutor support and one to one set tutorials to aid students before they submit work digitally online.

Students will study compulsory core modules relating to independent research in key subject areas, in addition to modules relating to in-depth study of animal behaviour, ethology, physiology, health and welfare.

Compulsory modules include: Animal Nutrition, Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Animal Behaviour, Preparation for working in the Animal Care Industry and Study Skills. 

Additional modules include: , Management of Captive Exotic Species and Introduction to Marine Biology.

On completion of the certificate successful students can apply to progress to level five of the foundation degree in animal science and honours degrees. Employment routes are varied including zoo, companion animal, livestock and conservation work.

Assessment is varied and suited to individual module online requirements and includes: 

• Essays,
• presentations,
• written reports,
• case study reports,
• independent practical research/observations,
• research portfolios,
• seminar presentations.

Entry will be granted to applicants who demonstrate the academic ability and potential to benefit from the programme, Students entering study will require a level three qualification with a pass grade or above and preferably have undertaken some work experience with animals or have equivalent industry related experience or certification. Students need to be over 18 years old. 

Mature students (over 21) will be welcomed and considered on an individual basis as industrially relevant qualifications and experience can be taken into consideration. 

This higher education course is eligible for funding support through Student Finance Wales.

Fees are the same as the standard higher education fees and can be found in the college HE fees policy.