Programme overview
If you want to further your career working with, and managing, companion animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and birds, then this is the programme for you. Explore the basics of animal anatomy, welfare, behaviour and husbandry, learn how to recognise signs of good and poor health across a range of companion animals, and understand how to manage animals in a range of environments.
Develop an awareness of the social, ethical, and environmental issues that affect animal management through self-selected work placements, where you'll discover how to communicate effectively within a team and apply basic business and customer service skills in the work environment.
Highlights
- Practical work placements in an animal facility of your choice
- Practical experience within Unitec's Behaviour and Husbandry Centre - Te Puna Kararehe
- Experienced lecturers who are experts in the fields of animal behaviour, health, and welfare, and who continue to work and research closely with industry
Where to next?
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this programme will give you the academic admission requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare).
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.
Te Puna Kararehe
Home to creatures of all shapes and sizes - furry, hairy, and scaly - the Animal Behaviour and Husbandry Centre provides a safe and secure place to learn about the care, health and husbandry of a wide range of companion animal species.
One day you might learn about playful ways to feed a rabbit, or find out what's involved with a guinea pig's routine health check. You might also use the facility to undertake behaviour-based research projects like food preference testing with a blue-tongue skink.
Then there's the added benefit of being able to pet cute animals on your lunchbreak - something the animals enjoy just as much as you will.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
- 36 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English;
- 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in a relevant science subject;
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we'll also accept the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification. We also have a range of Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance;
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency;
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Companion Animal Industries Work Experience (Sem A) (NSCI4708-SA) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | This course synthesises theoretical knowledge with practice based industry learning and skills relating to the care and handling of a range of companion animals |
| Companion Animal Industries Work Experience (Sem B) (NSCI4708-SB) | 7.5 credits (0.063 EFTS) | This course synthesises theoretical knowledge with practice based industry learning and skills relating to the care and handling of a range of companion animals |
| Management of Companion Animals (Sem A) (NSCI4713-SA) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students completing this course will be able to apply knowledge and principles of behaviour, welfare, health and husbandry to the care of companion animals in appropriate facilities. |
| Management of Companion Animals (Sem B) (NSCI4713-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | Students completing this course will be able to apply knowledge and principles of behaviour, welfare, health and husbandry to the care of companion animals in appropriate facilities. |
| Companion Animal Facilities Management (Sem A) (NSCI4714-SA) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces the day-to-day management principles of a companion animal facility through a focus on animal health and welfare. |
| Companion Animal Facilities Management (Sem B) (NSCI4714-SB) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces the day-to-day management principles of a companion animal facility through a focus on animal health and welfare. |
