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Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
This Course at a Glance
-
Learn about the vital role zoos play in conservation
-
Develop skills in animal welfare and care
-
Gain essential skills for future employment
-
Complete the course at your own pace
-
Employer recognised RQF qualification
-
Dedicated tutor guides your learning
About Your Diploma
Zoos are much more than an enjoyable place to visit with friends and family, they provide an essential role in educating the public about wildlife across the globe. Many also do plenty of conservation work in a bid to sustain the livelihoods of animals and their habitats.
Working for a zoo gives you an opportunity to help care for some of nature’s most incredible creatures while also learning crucial skills. You could become part of the global effort of helping to repopulate animals that have been affected by poaching and the effects of climate change.
If you’re hoping to embark on a career in this field, the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping (RQF) will put you on that path. The accredited course teaches an array of subjects, including the welfare and ethics of animal care, as well as the management of zoo animals.
The theory-based portion of the course is online, but practical training is also provided. This will involve 1 week spent at any of the following participating zoos:
-
Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park
-
Colchester Zoo
-
Dartmoor Zoo
-
Blackpool Zoo
As part of the training, you will get to experience direct contact with numerous animals, including penguins, giraffes, aardvarks, sea lions and more! You will learn about creating stimulating and enriching animal environments, zoo management, and everything you need to know about conservation and sustainability.
Getting Started
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading online course providers, with more than 650 courses and over 50,000 students enrolled at any one time. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies on your terms.
No matter what your commitments are, whether you work a full-time job or have young children to look after, online learning works around you. You’re able to progress with your studies at a pace appropriate to your circumstances. The only date you’ll need to keep in mind is when you book the practical element of the course, and the available dates will be provided to you.
Gaining essential knowledge on the fundamentals of zookeeping allows you to work towards a fulfilling new career. With no classes to attend or timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.
What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course, as well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol.
ZSL Fellowship
Once you have obtained your Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will become eligible for ZSL Fellowship. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity that helps to conserve the natural habitats of wildlife across the globe.
ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos work hard to ensure that habitats are getting the necessary support. Through the work done by the zoos, as well as scientific research and field conservation, frequent challenges are tackled to sustain the quality of life for all habitats. By undertaking the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will be eligible to apply for a Fellowship. If successful, you will get unlimited access to both zoos and borrowing rights to zoological texts.
Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support
Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand Classes
- Access your course materials immediately
- Tutor support via our market-leading platform
- Study around existing commitments
- Progress as quickly as you’d like
- Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
- Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
- Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
- Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand
- Interact with your tutors directly during your class
- Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality
- Tutor support via our market-leading platform
- Study around existing commitments
- Progress as quickly as you’d like
- Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
- Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
- Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Qualification: Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (Qualification Number: 603/4158/0).
Professional Membership
On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):
On successful completion of your course your qualification is awarded. You will receive an attractively presented Diploma or Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, this will also allow you to use the letters SAC. Dip. or SAC. Cert. after your name.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the leading (and biggest) distance education colleges in the U.K and internationally. We have many thousands of students studying with us at any one time from locations all over the world. Our diplomas will always count towards your future, and will improve your prospects of future employment or higher level study etc. by proving that you have studied to a certain level, that you have proficiency in your chosen subjects and that you are interested in your field of choice. Education is always an investment in your future and you will find this to be the case with our qualifications in your jurisdiction.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over.
Minimum Age Restriction
16
Average Completion Timeframe
You have 24 months to complete your course.
Placement or Practical Required
This course does not include a mandatory placement. However, learners have the opportunity to complete an optional placement that is offered at Blackpool Zoo, Colchester Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo, and Jimmy's Farm. Please note, minimum group sizes apply.
If Placement or Practical Required, When?
Learners can choose the practical location and dates that suit them best once the threshold has been met.
Certification Timeframe
Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) Modules
The course consists of 12 compulsory units.
Unit 1: Zoos in History
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand the development of zoos over time
-
Know the roles of the modern zoo
-
Understand modern zookeeping roles
Unit 2: Zoological Conservation
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know different zoo conservation strategies
-
Understand the complexities of captive animal breeding programmes
Unit 3: Zoo Enclosure Design and Improvement
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the health and safety requirements for enclosure design
-
Understand zoo animal enclosure improvement
-
Know about general zoo design
Unit 4: Legislation in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know legislation related to zoos in the UK and Europe
-
Know organisations related to zoos in the UK and Europe
-
Understand legislation and organisations related to aspects of zookeeping
-
Understand legislative control of transporting zoo animals
Unit 5: Education in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know how to present information to others
-
Understand design of zoo signage
-
Know the importance of zoos to current and future generations
-
Understand collaborative working in zoos
Unit 6: The Role of the Media in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the advantages of the media to zoos
-
Know the different forms of exposure of a zoo to the media
-
Understand how Zookeepers are involved with the media
Unit 7: Zoo Animal Nutrition
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand how to source information on zoo animal nutrition
-
Know how to store and maintain animal feeds
-
Know the link between animal nutrition and health
Unit 8: Zoos Animal Management
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand the information required by Zookeepers to manage animals in a zoo
-
Know the importance of accurate record keeping in zoos
-
Understand the skills required to observe animals in a zoo
-
Know the importance of teamwork in a zoo and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team
Unit 9: Zoo Animal Health
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know zoo animal diseases
-
Understand the prevention of ill health in zoo animals
-
Understand zoo animal behaviour in relation to good and ill health
Unit 10: Zoo Animal Enrichment
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the reasons for provision of environmental enrichment
-
Understand the benefits of environmental enrichment
-
Know the use of animal training for enrichment
Unit 11: Stress in Zoo Animals
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand zoo animal behaviour
-
Know the signs of stress in zoo animals
-
Understand the management of stress in zoo animals
Unit 12: Animals in Captivity
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the needs of captive animals
-
Know the methods used to assess the welfare of animals in captivity
-
Understand the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity
-
Understand the breeding of animals in captivity
1 week of Practical Training at Participating Zoo
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know what is involved in the design of enclosures
-
Understand the diet requirements of primates
-
Have a strong knowledge of conservation and sustainability
-
Understand animal training and behaviours
-
Know about zoo administration and the specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates
*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment.
When studying the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you will undergo a variety of assessments overseen by our qualified experts. After completing each unit, you need to provide a portfolio of evidence.
As you’re in control of the pace in which you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.
Practical Training
The practical elements of your course give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios with a 1-week practical placement at a zoo.
The practical training programme includes both theoretical and hands-on learning. You will be able to experience the day-to-day aspects of working in a zoo.
The week will include:
-
Studying animal nutrition and behaviour
-
Conservation and sustainability
-
Specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates
-
Zoo administration: Including ZIMs, EEPs, Studbook management, Zoo licensing
-
Allocated time to research personal projects and areas of interest
-
Contact with a range of animals such as giraffes, penguins, prosimians, aardvarks, tapirs and sea lions
*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment.
OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care and Veterinary Science
86.8%
(National Average 74.9%)
- FREE On-Demand Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
- FREE On-Demand Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
This Course at a Glance
-
Learn about the vital role zoos play in conservation
-
Develop skills in animal welfare and care
-
Gain essential skills for future employment
-
Complete the course at your own pace
-
Employer recognised RQF qualification
-
Dedicated tutor guides your learning
About Your Diploma
Zoos are much more than an enjoyable place to visit with friends and family, they provide an essential role in educating the public about wildlife across the globe. Many also do plenty of conservation work in a bid to sustain the livelihoods of animals and their habitats.
Working for a zoo gives you an opportunity to help care for some of nature’s most incredible creatures while also learning crucial skills. You could become part of the global effort of helping to repopulate animals that have been affected by poaching and the effects of climate change.
If you’re hoping to embark on a career in this field, the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping (RQF) will put you on that path. The accredited course teaches an array of subjects, including the welfare and ethics of animal care, as well as the management of zoo animals.
The theory-based portion of the course is online, but practical training is also provided. This will involve 1 week spent at any of the following participating zoos:
-
Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park
-
Colchester Zoo
-
Dartmoor Zoo
-
Blackpool Zoo
As part of the training, you will get to experience direct contact with numerous animals, including penguins, giraffes, aardvarks, sea lions and more! You will learn about creating stimulating and enriching animal environments, zoo management, and everything you need to know about conservation and sustainability.
Getting Started
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading online course providers, with more than 650 courses and over 50,000 students enrolled at any one time. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies on your terms.
No matter what your commitments are, whether you work a full-time job or have young children to look after, online learning works around you. You’re able to progress with your studies at a pace appropriate to your circumstances. The only date you’ll need to keep in mind is when you book the practical element of the course, and the available dates will be provided to you.
Gaining essential knowledge on the fundamentals of zookeeping allows you to work towards a fulfilling new career. With no classes to attend or timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.
What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course, as well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol.
ZSL Fellowship
Once you have obtained your Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will become eligible for ZSL Fellowship. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity that helps to conserve the natural habitats of wildlife across the globe.
ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos work hard to ensure that habitats are getting the necessary support. Through the work done by the zoos, as well as scientific research and field conservation, frequent challenges are tackled to sustain the quality of life for all habitats. By undertaking the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will be eligible to apply for a Fellowship. If successful, you will get unlimited access to both zoos and borrowing rights to zoological texts.
Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support
- Access your course materials immediately
- Tutor support via our market-leading platform
- Study around existing commitments
- Progress as quickly as you’d like
- Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
- Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
- Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS
On-Demand Classes
On-Demand Classes
- Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand
- Interact with your tutors directly during your class
- Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality
- Tutor support via our market-leading platform
- Study around existing commitments
- Progress as quickly as you’d like
- Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
- Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
- Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Animal Care and Veterinary Science
OUR PASS RATE
(National Average 74.9%)
86.8%
Qualification: Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (Qualification Number: 603/4158/0).
Professional Membership
On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):
On successful completion of your course your qualification is awarded. You will receive an attractively presented Diploma or Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, this will also allow you to use the letters SAC. Dip. or SAC. Cert. after your name.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the leading (and biggest) distance education colleges in the U.K and internationally. We have many thousands of students studying with us at any one time from locations all over the world. Our diplomas will always count towards your future, and will improve your prospects of future employment or higher level study etc. by proving that you have studied to a certain level, that you have proficiency in your chosen subjects and that you are interested in your field of choice. Education is always an investment in your future and you will find this to be the case with our qualifications in your jurisdiction.
Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) Modules
The course consists of 12 compulsory units.
Unit 1: Zoos in History
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand the development of zoos over time
-
Know the roles of the modern zoo
-
Understand modern zookeeping roles
Unit 2: Zoological Conservation
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know different zoo conservation strategies
-
Understand the complexities of captive animal breeding programmes
Unit 3: Zoo Enclosure Design and Improvement
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the health and safety requirements for enclosure design
-
Understand zoo animal enclosure improvement
-
Know about general zoo design
Unit 4: Legislation in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know legislation related to zoos in the UK and Europe
-
Know organisations related to zoos in the UK and Europe
-
Understand legislation and organisations related to aspects of zookeeping
-
Understand legislative control of transporting zoo animals
Unit 5: Education in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know how to present information to others
-
Understand design of zoo signage
-
Know the importance of zoos to current and future generations
-
Understand collaborative working in zoos
Unit 6: The Role of the Media in Zoos
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the advantages of the media to zoos
-
Know the different forms of exposure of a zoo to the media
-
Understand how Zookeepers are involved with the media
Unit 7: Zoo Animal Nutrition
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand how to source information on zoo animal nutrition
-
Know how to store and maintain animal feeds
-
Know the link between animal nutrition and health
Unit 8: Zoos Animal Management
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand the information required by Zookeepers to manage animals in a zoo
-
Know the importance of accurate record keeping in zoos
-
Understand the skills required to observe animals in a zoo
-
Know the importance of teamwork in a zoo and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team
Unit 9: Zoo Animal Health
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know zoo animal diseases
-
Understand the prevention of ill health in zoo animals
-
Understand zoo animal behaviour in relation to good and ill health
Unit 10: Zoo Animal Enrichment
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the reasons for provision of environmental enrichment
-
Understand the benefits of environmental enrichment
-
Know the use of animal training for enrichment
Unit 11: Stress in Zoo Animals
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Understand zoo animal behaviour
-
Know the signs of stress in zoo animals
-
Understand the management of stress in zoo animals
Unit 12: Animals in Captivity
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know the needs of captive animals
-
Know the methods used to assess the welfare of animals in captivity
-
Understand the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity
-
Understand the breeding of animals in captivity
1 week of Practical Training at Participating Zoo
On completion of this unit, you will:
-
Know what is involved in the design of enclosures
-
Understand the diet requirements of primates
-
Have a strong knowledge of conservation and sustainability
-
Understand animal training and behaviours
-
Know about zoo administration and the specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates
*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment.
When studying the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you will undergo a variety of assessments overseen by our qualified experts. After completing each unit, you need to provide a portfolio of evidence.
As you’re in control of the pace in which you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.
Practical Training
The practical elements of your course give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios with a 1-week practical placement at a zoo.
The practical training programme includes both theoretical and hands-on learning. You will be able to experience the day-to-day aspects of working in a zoo.
The week will include:
-
Studying animal nutrition and behaviour
-
Conservation and sustainability
-
Specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates
-
Zoo administration: Including ZIMs, EEPs, Studbook management, Zoo licensing
-
Allocated time to research personal projects and areas of interest
-
Contact with a range of animals such as giraffes, penguins, prosimians, aardvarks, tapirs and sea lions
*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment.
Available from as little as
with just a £1 deposit
Payment options
Course fee |
£1569.99 |
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