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Higher Education Certificate in Applied Canine Behaviour and Training

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Subject

Animal Sciences

Level

HE Cert (Level 4)

Study Mode

Part-Time

Duration

1.5 years

Start Date

September 2025

The course

Fetch your Dream Job: Transform your love for dogs into a thriving career!

Are you ready to transform your passion for dogs into a rewarding career in canine behaviour and training?

Are you excited to learn about the science behind canine behaviour and apply it to improving the lives of dogs and their owners?

Do you want to begin to master cutting-edge techniques and lead the way in the dynamic field of canine training?

Are you interested in learning from experts and networking with industry leaders to boost your career progression?

Our degree is your gateway to a sound academic and practical knowledge of the disciplines and factors that relate to canine behaviour and training. It promotes motivational, positive reinforcement training techniques. Whilst this is becoming a more competitive field this programme is unique in its application of knowledge learnt through the practical assessment of training and the online nature with the addition of carrying UCAS points.

Our programme is your opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge of behaviour, management, training, instructing and canine health and wellbeing. These topical areas can then be related to a range of situations. There is an increasing demand for people with a combination of both academic and practical competence within the canine industry. Therefore, the vocational and applied nature of the subject content studied through the means of webinars, work-based learning, asynchronous sessions and block sessions are emphasised throughout.

Our degree programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to start your career in this dynamic field!

Heres what awaits you on your journey at UCBB:

1. Principles of Canine Psychology and Basic Training: Delve into knowledge of learning theory developing underpinning knowledge of a range of techniques, demonstrating positive reinforcement meeting welfare needs of animals.

2. Canine Health and Wellbeing: Investigate the inner workings of the anatomy and physiology of canines and how this can impact behaviour.

3. Canine Development: Explore how dogs develop and communicate and factors that impact that growth and communication.

4. Progressive Dog Training: Plan effective training sessions that cater to individual needs of dogs, applying learning theory and training using different techniques.

5. Academic and Professionals Skills in the Industry: Demonstrate communication techniques, academic and professional ability whilst crafting a digital career portfolio.

If you think this programme is what you are looking for, click on the Apply now button below and get your journey at UCBB started!

If you would like more information or guidance about the programme or studying at UCBB, we would love to help click the Enquire today button and a member of the team will be in touch!

Course Information

  • Develop Practical Expertise: Emphasising basic hands-on practical training, mastering real-life employability skills, preparing students for diverse roles in canine behaviour and training.
  • Industry-Ready Knowledge: Gaining a strong position applying theoretical skills to professional settings, showing comprehensive understanding of canine behaviour, readying students for creative approaches to solving behaviour problems.
  • Comprehensive Training: Emphasising both theoretical and practical aspects of canine behaviour and training, developing an understanding of motivational mechanisms needed within the field, fostering a well-rounded skill set that meets industry demands.
  • Professional Progression: Equipping students with tools and knowledge for career advancement in canine learning and humane training.
  • Networking Opportunities: Building connections with industry professionals and organisations, enhancing career progression, opening doors to realistic future employment opportunities.

Year 1

  • Academic Professional Skills
  • Principles of Canine Psychology and Basic Training
  • Professional Skills in the Industry
  • Canine Health and Wellbeing

Year 2

  • Canine Development
  • Progressive Dog Training

You will need:

- A minimum of 48 UCAS points

- Plus: GCSE English 4 (grade C) or above or equivalent qualification.

- Plus: A suitable reference.

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

Significant related industrial experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

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 aim to deliver the core content providing interactive and real-time instruction from industry experts, underpinning knowledge.

This programme utilises blended learning combining online and in-person elements complimented with asynchronous seminars to reinforce the 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. Using the webinar software, staff are able to monitor engagement to ensure participations.

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)

One compulsory work based learning module enables you to gain valuable experience whilst working in the canine industry. A total of 76 hours of work experience is required across the duration of the programme.
A wide variety of assessment methods are used to include; written assignments, presentations, case studies, hands-on practical demonstrations and project work. There are no formal examinations in this programme. Assessments are designed to assist students in gaining a comprehensive understanding and practical expertise in canine behaviour and training. Engaging in a variety of methods emphasise real-world application and critical thinking ensuring students are well-prepared for industry. These assessment methods help students show a strong foundation and demonstrate proficiency in applied canine behaviour and training. Assessments are employment relevant allowing essential employability skills to be gained for example; carrying out industry relevant training plans. 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.
  • Students will require regular access to a computer with a reliable broadband internet connection in order to participate in webinars, download learning materials, watch recorded webinars and submit assignments.
  • A headset with microphone will be required for participation in webinars and on-line tutorials. Appropriate software is required: Microsoft Office and OpenOffice (freeware) are the only office suites supported.
  • Students must have regular access to a dog to enable them to progress through the training modules.
  • Dogs are not required to attend the College for this programme and therefore are not permitted on the college campus.
  • We understand that you may need to house your dog for the block sessions and the College has a commercial boarding kennels. To book, call 01964 553138 or email kennels@bishopburton.ac.uk. Payment for the boarding kennels is required if you decide to bring your dog to the block sessions.
  • For any student that requires the use of an assistance dog, prior arrangements must be made with the programme leader to ensure suitable facilities and provision is provided.
  • For any student that requires the use of an assistance dog, prior arrangements must be made with the Programme Leader to ensure suitable facilities and provision is made. Appropriate insurance must be held and evidenced before your dog is permitted onsite.
  • Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear is required for practical sessions.
  • Training equipment will be required (i.e. clicker and target stick) for the training related modules.
  • On campus block sessions will allow for hands-one practicals in the labs and kennels, to promote inclusivity, alternative formats for block sessions are available for those who cannot attend in person.
  • Virtual block sessions will allow for greater support around the training element of the programme
  • Students will need to fund their own travel, accommodation and food during block sessions.
  • The college has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings you will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend lectures.
  • Students have the opportunity to engage with possible study tours, trips and visits and additional add on certificates over the duration of your programme which require additional funding.
  • On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.
Upon successful completion of this programme students will be well-equipped to progress to Level 5 of the FdSc Applied Canine Behaviour and Training, allowing you to deepen your expertise with more advanced modules and hands-on experience, further solidifying your role in the industry. From there, students have the exciting opportunity to continue their academic journey on the BSc Canine Behaviour Management (Top Up) (blended learning) or BSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (Top Up) (delivered on campus) equipping students with a higher level of knowledge and research skills, paving the way for leadership roles and specialised consultancy or advanced positions within canine behaviour management.
Upon completing this programme, you will be able to pursue a range of career paths such as: Dog trainer, transforming unruly pets into obedient companions; and behaviour consultant, providing expert advice to pet owners. Graduates might also find positions perhaps working in rescue organisations involved in rehabilitation work, detection dog trainer, service dog trainer, customs and excise handler, training dogs for commercial work and even canine sports training. With the skills and knowledge gained students can work in a range of sectors within an ever-evolving field finding exciting new challenges each day.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

Careers this course could lead into

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