New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animal

LEVEL 3 NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL CARE (COMPANION ANIMAL)

Total credits 70 (0.583 EFTS) Campus Mt Albert Start dates February (part-time), April (distance learning), July (full-time), or September (distance learning) Duration Full-time for 16 weeks, parttime over 1 year, or distance learning for 6 months Annual tuition fees $4,500 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fee only)

Career opportunities • Animal minder in a range of animal facilities • Boarding kennel or cattery attendant • Pet shop assistant • Wildlife rehabilitation aide • Facility assistant for SPCA • Pet supply sales representative • Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level

Highlights • Take the first step towards an animal care-related career by gaining a comprehensive understanding of animal husbandry. • Develop essential communication skills and professional capabilities. • This programme can provide a pathway to further study in a range of animal management programmes at Unitec. • Passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and work closely with industry. • Access to Unitec's Behaviour and

Husbandry Centre - Te Puna Kararehe - where you'll get a hands-on introduction to animal care through 12 hours on-site practical training, and 48 hours of placement experience at an approved external facility. • A mix of day-time and evening on-campus classes, practicals, and self-directed learning depending on your study option.

Note: International graduates will not be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

This certificate is designed for those passionate about the care and welfare of companion animals. Whether you’re straight out of school, currently working with animals, or thinking about a career change, it’s a great place to start your professional career.

Programme overview This programme covers all aspects of animal care including health, hygiene, behaviour and handling. It'll give you the applied knowledge and skills to care for a wide range of companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and birds, in a variety of settings like your home, pet shops, kennels and catteries.

Choose from one of three study options, depending on what works best with your schedule:

Part-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one year from February to November. Classes run twice a week, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm. Full-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one semester from July to November. Classes run three times a week, Monday – Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm. Distance learning (day classes during block courses): This takes place over one semester from April to September, or September to February. Anyone from across New Zealand is eligible for this programme as the bulk of the programme is online.

Distance Learning

The distance learning option for this programme is full-time and you’re required to attend two compulsory block courses at our Mt Albert campus. To study from a distance, you need to be self-motivated, committed, and have excellent time management skills. You need to attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, work experience, as well as complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing. You’ll also need to have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, and appropriate office software i.e. Microsoft Office which we’ll provide once you’re enrolled.

Admission requirements For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic 1. NCEA Level 1, with strengths from the

Vocational Pathway Primary Industries sector 2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 1 in English

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, we have a range of programmes that will help you prepare for study.

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

Achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance Provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS Achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria, we have a range of English Language programmes available (see unitec.ac.nz/ english).

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could apply for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/animals

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international