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The field of animal care and welfare is experiencing significant growth as an area of study and professional practice. For those eager to dive in immediately, this distinctive program may represent the ideal career advancement opportunity. Throughout the course, you'll gain comprehensive insights into behavior modification techniques, health and welfare principles, proper handling methods, husbandry practices, conservation strategies, and human-animal relationships. The curriculum adopts an integrated methodology that merges academic theory with hands-on competencies to assess the care, management, and training requirements of domestic, exotic, and wildlife species. You'll obtain practical exposure through both simulated environments and actual field scenarios. The program includes visits to diverse animal welfare institutions and volunteer organizations, with potential opportunities to conduct portions of your studies at their facilities. Participants will have the chance to execute a specialized research initiative in their preferred subject area, cultivating essential skills for their intended profession. Our instruction remains industry-relevant, with faculty maintaining strong connections to zoological parks in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch, along with the Department of Conservation, MPI Biosecurity, and SPCA. The instructional team comprises accomplished professionals including animal behavior specialists, certified trainers, welfare researchers, and veterinary experts.
Academic requirements:
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies
Successful completion of Year 13 (NCEA Level 3) with minimum of with minimum of 48 credits (approx.) 42 credits (approx.) or International Baccalaureate score 24+ or Cambridge International Examination (CIE) 120 points on UCAS tariff.
English Language Requirements: IELTS test: Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5. TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT): Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18); PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42; Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. OET: Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests. NZCEL - Level 4 (Academic). Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS.