Diploma of Higher Education in Animal Management

• UCAS Tariff Points: 180 - 240
• GCE A Levels: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 180 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x higher at B
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: MM (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass (120) in combination with other qualifications (180)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Merit (160) in combination with other qualifications (180)

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• Sector Studies (AN) - This module is designed to develop analytical, technological, communication and learning skills. These will be developed in an appropriate vocational context by focusing on the key features of the industry sector(s) associated with the students’ course of study. It will also include consideration of the types and characteristics of the organisations within the sector and the internal and external factors which influence their activities. Delivery of the module aims to meet the needs of a diverse student profile and will therefore adopt a flexible approach centered around the personal development planning (PDP) process and the particular academic discipline. The Sector Skills module is intended to provide the academic and personal skills essential for successful HE study and employment. It provides a foundation for the development of graduate level academic and professional skills later in the course. Animal Management and Animal Science Contextualisation: The generic academic and personal skills developed by this module will be introduced, practiced and assessed in the context of Animal Management and Animal Science.
• Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology (AN) - This course module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of mammalian species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems.  This course module is taught in the first semester of the first year. It builds on concepts developed in Biological Processes and provides a theoretical basis for the practical husbandry covered in the Animal Management module.
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology - This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of animal species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems. Taught in the second semester of the first year, it builds on Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology taught in semester one and on concepts developed in Biological Processes, and provides a theoretical basis for the practical husbandry covered in the Animal Management module.
• Biological Processes (AN) - This module introduces key biological concepts and principles providing the foundation for future study. Dealing with life processes and living organisms, it links biological structure and function. 
• Animals in Society - This module provides useful background knowledge for Animal Welfare, Bioethics, Animal Trade and Applied Animal Management. It aims to provide an insight into the changing roles of animals in ancient and modern societies and cultures, and to familiarize students with cultural philosophy of animals. It also introduces the use of animals in agriculture, research and for leisure and investigates the use of animals in support, service, medical and other purposes.
• Principles of Animal Management - Animal management requires a knowledge and understanding of the husbandry skills and practices associated with each species. This module will acquaint all students with the needs of a wide range of companion animal species; with the specific requirements of horses and equine breeding stock and with the performance parameters of commercial farm livestock. Student also have the option to study wildlife and animal therapy.

STAGE TWO

• ​Research Methods (AN) - This module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original research. Students will study the nature and fundamentals of the research process, such as literature reviewing skills, the design of a research project, techniques for collection of research data and statistical techniques for analysing research data and drawing valid evidence based inferences.
• Principles of Nutrition - This module aims to provide students with the knowledge that underpins the science of animal nutrition and feeding practice. It will cover comparative aspects of digestion, evaluation of the chemical composition of animal feeds, understanding of the biological functions of nutrients and physiological basis of nutrient requirements. The module will also explore current methods for assessing the utilization of nutrients in animals, and factors that regulate appetite and voluntary feed intake in farm, companion and zoo animals.
• Reproduction and Breeding - This module aims to familiarise students with the principles of genetics and animal breeding. A review of the anatomy of the reproductive systems (both male and female) will be followed by study of the reproductive cycles of healthy animals. Genetic principles underlying inheritance in animals will also be investigated. Factors that influence fertility and reproductive performance will be evaluated. Modern breeding systems and new technology influences will also be studied.
• Animal Health and Welfare - This module investigates the effects disease has on the health and welfare of captive animals. The principles of treatment and prevention are discussed and the roles of the vet in maintaining healthy animals are explored.

Optional Modules:

• Health and Welfare of Farmed Animals - The module focuses on the control of disease control at farm level (including ecto and endo parasitology) with the underpinning science and epidemiology. It includes management of disease including prevention (e.g vaccination/worming programs and farm level biosecurity), cure of disease and issues such as anthelmintic and microbial resistance. The module also examines farm level health and welfare assurance schemes with health and welfare components, disease eradication schemes and farm health planning. National level disease issues are covered in the year three modules.
• Livestock Science and Technology - This module addresses scientific and technological issues associated with animal production. Indicative issues would be scientific principles into practice (e.g. The use of BLUP and EBV’s) or an actual physical technology (robotic milking, computerized sow feeding etc).
• Principles of Habitat Management - The management of habitats is fundamental to contemporary conservation practice. Students will develop an understanding of habitat management, protection and restoration for a range of UK habitats and will be able to appreciate issues in respect of the design and implementation of habitat management practices. The roles of site designations in habitat conservation are considered and the impact of countryside access is evaluated.
• Applied Animal Management (Companion and Zoo Animals) - The student will develop further practical skills on animal management, specifically of companion and zoo animals. The module will review basic biological aspects like life history, ecology, anatomy and physiology to underpin the practical aspects of husbandry of companion and zoo animals by discussing topics like enclosure design and maintenance, handling, feeding, legal and ethical issues, breeding, and control of common diseases, among others.
• Ethics of Animal Use - This module aims to encourage students to appreciate the wide range of views, both historical and social, of animal ethics and to evaluate ethical arguments in relation to animal use. It will provide a foundation that students can use to make ethical decisions about animals in their future professions, as they will increase their confidence in justifying their views and opinions. Students will discuss the importance of increasing scientific knowledge and technologies in modern society and the altered perspective on human-animal relationships. It will also develop students understanding of the main principles of animal trade and legislation in a wide range of situations, for example zoos, companion, wildlife, breeding, conservation and working animals.