FdSc Applied Canine Behaviour and Training

You will need:

A minimum of 72 UCAS points OR a relevant BTEC Level 3 and significant industrial experience

Plus:

GCSE English 4 or above or equivalent and a suitable reference

UCAS points may be from qualifications such as T Levels, A Levels, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas amongst others. Please use the UCAS Tariff points calculator to determine the UCAS points value of your qualifications.

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If an applicants first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent is not held, they will need to evidence their English language proficiency level, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill).

Advanced entry may be possible due to prior experience or certificated learning; applicants will be invited to complete the recognition of prior learning approval process.

This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students learning styles and preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. Using the webinar software, staff are able to monitor engagement to ensure participations.

To complement all theory lectures, you will have asynchronous seminars that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically. Online webinars focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the webinar lecture sessions.

Lectures are delivered online in three-hour sessions per week in the evenings, 6-9pm. On occasion, this may be split over two evenings. You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

In addition to the three hours in class, you will have additional asynchronous tasks set each week which need to be completed at a time to suit you during that week.

In total, contact time will be approximately eight hours a week to include lectures, seminars, asynchronous sessions and support sessions. Additional to this you will book individual tutorials with your Programme Leader. You will have four individual tutorials in an academic year.

You are also expected to carry out private study in addition to contact time (as a guide, each 20-credit module requires 200 hours of study time inclusive of lecture time).

Attendance is required at block sessions at University Centre Bishop Burton. Dates for the 2025/26 academic year are as follows:

- Thursday 18 September 2025 (Induction)

- Friday 19 September 2025 (Induction and first lectures)

- Saturday 20 September 2025 (First lectures)

- Saturday 21 March 2026 and Sunday 22 March 2026 (Lectures)

Two compulsory work based learning modules enable you to gain valuable experience whilst working in the canine industry. A total of 152 hours of work experience across the duration of the programme is required.

A blend of assessment methods are used, to include written assignments, presentations, practical demonstrations and project work. These varied assessment methods are designed to keep the learning experience exciting and engaging while ensuring comprehensive skill development. There are no formal examinations. This multifaceted assessment approach helps sharpen analytical and research skills, boost confidence and professional communication skills and demonstrate training techniques showing proficiency. These ensure synthesis of students learning tackling real-world canine behaviour issues, challenging understanding pushing students to apply theoretical knowledge developing industry readiness. Opportunities for feedback on assessments are available prior to the final submission to support your development and achievement. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 20-working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.

On successful completion of the programme, you may choose to progress to the BSc Canine Behaviour and Management (Top Up) (distance learning) or BSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (Top Up) (delivered on campus) elevating your career, where you will delve deeper into advanced concepts and specialised techniques. Later successful graduates can progress to an MSc programme at University Centre Bishop Burton.

You can pursue a variety of careers, such as: Dog trainer, behaviour consultant, assistance dog trainer, detection dog trainer, service dog trainer, Customs and Excise handler, training dogs for commercial work, rescue and rehabilitation work.