Access to HE Diploma (Land Based Studies)

Required qualifications

The Access to HE Diploma is for adult learners aged 18 or older.

You will need to have previously achieved GCSE English Language and GCSE maths at Level 4 / Grade C or above or have equivalent level qualifications such as Level 2 Functional Skills*.

If you do not have these qualifications in maths and English, you may be able to study one of these alongside your Access to HE course. This will be discussed as part of the Information, Advice, and Guidance process with our team.

*Some universities will only accept GCSEs to meet their entry requirements. They may also require you to have additional GCSEs at Level 4 / Grade C or above, including a science for some pathways. All applicants are advised to check entry requirements for their chosen degree programme.

What skills will I develop?

Over the course of the year, you will study four modules, each of which is broken down into smaller units:

• Animal Biology – This module will develop your understanding of the physiology of animals. You will begin at a microscopic level by examining aspects of cell biology, and progress to the relationship between the structure and function of organs and tissues as well as the organisation of the animal body. This will include aspects of dietary systems, respiration, locomotion, and reproduction. You will also gain a basic understanding of genetics and inheritance.
• Health and Husbandry – This module will help to develop your practical husbandry skills whilst working with a range of different species, including zoo animals and exotics, domestic species, and farm livestock. In addition, the unit allows for a close examination of how to maintain the health of captive animals including understanding the biology of common pathogens and diseases, the processes of recognising and monitoring good and ill health, and the role of a first aider in maintaining the health of animals.
• Animal Behaviour – This module will develop your understanding of animal behaviour, including the recognition of behaviour patterns and forms of communication. In addition, this module introduces relevant UK laws that impact animal welfare, aspects of ecology, and investigating how animals interact with their natural habitats.
• Academic Study Skills – This module is designed to help you develop the study skills required for university, including research skills, different methods of presenting work, and supporting you in applying for university to gain the best outcome.

Careers

The course could lead you to a number of Higher Education routes, such as a Foundation Degree/Degree/HND in:

• Animal Science
• Zoology
• Animal Behaviour
• Wildlife Conservation/Ecology
• Zoo Animal Management
• Animal Management
• Animal Welfare
• Veterinary Nursing
• Agriculture
• Canine Behaviour

At Rodbaston College, we offer a two-year Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation, which can be topped up to a full Bachelor of Science – BSc (Hons) Degree in a third year. Both degree qualifications are accredited by the University of Wolverhampton.

If you are looking to go into a career in animal behaviour, welfare, veterinary nursing, zoo management, or wildlife conservation, then the Access to HE course is a great way to start that journey.

Work experience

Work experience is not an expectation of this programme.

However, volunteering in an animal-related organisation would provide you with good experience and there may be opportunities for you to volunteer at our on-site licenced zoo in your spare time.

English and maths

It is expected that you will have already achieved both GCSE English Language and GCSE maths at Level 4 / Grade C or above (or equivalent).

English and maths skills will also be embedded within all units of your main qualification.

There are no exams on the Access to HE Diploma as it is all coursework, so your English skills will be developed through academic writing and referencing in preparation for university.

You will also use maths on the course when calculating rations and dosages, using ratios in genetics, and weighing animals.

Other important information

You will typically spend three days per week in college. Additional coursework will need to be completed in your spare time, although some workshop time in college will be allocated to completing coursework.

You will have a practical teaching session once a week at our on-site licenced zoo, the Rodbaston Animal Zone, to give you hands-on experience working with animals. To take part in these practical lessons you will need to purchase the correct PPE, which comprises of dark-coloured overalls and safety boots or wellies with a steel toe cap. As well as wearing PPE, long hair will need to be tied back, nails will need to be short and clean, and studs are the only piercings or jewellery allowed for both your safety and the safety of the animals.

If you are aged 19+, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan which is designed to help adult learners manage the costs of further education and will help cover the cost of the course. When you have progressed to university and completed your degree, the cost of the Access to HE course will be wiped off your total student loan debt. You can read more about the different financial support on offer at the college here.