New Zealand Certificate in Animal ManagementZookeeping

Credits 120 (1.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Career opportunities

• Animal carer in a wildlife park or animal sanctuary

• Zookeeper

Highlights

• The only zookeeper qualification in NZ. All the main zoos in Aotearoa New Zealand recognise this programme as the entry-level qualification to work as a zookeeper.

• A mixture of on and off-campus learning. You’ll be required to attend three compulsory block courses at our Mt Albert campus, where you’ll gain applied knowledge and skills to help you through your work experience. It’s also a chance to meet students from other zoos around the country and attend field trips to Auckland Zoo.

• When you graduate, you’ll have the academic requirements for admission to Unitec’s higher-level animal programmes.

• Lots of work experience. You’ll complete 280 hours at an approved zoological facility where you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned to the practical management of a wide range of species.

Off-campus Learning

This programme is full-time and you’re required to attend three compulsory, six-day 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 and 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.

Start dates February

Duration Full time for one year with blended learning (includes work experience and block courses)

Annual fees $7,274 (NZD)

(Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

This distance-learning programme can turn your dream of working in the zoo industry into a reality.

Programme overview

Equip yourself with the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to ensure the positive welfare of captive wild animals, and manage the day-to-day operations of wildlife or zookeeping facilities.

Develop your knowledge and understanding of how to maintain the safety and welfare of animals - and yourself - in a captive wild animal environment. This includes feeding, safety and hygiene practices, natural behaviours, enrichment and life histories. Learn to recognise and respond to health issues and emergencies involving captive wild animals.

You’ll learn about what role captive wild animal facilities play in society, both in today’s world and historically, and you’ll explore the local and global impact of zoos on conservation. You’ll also gain industry experience and contacts at an approved zoo facility within New Zealand.

Work experience

This programme has specific work experience requirements. You must obtain a total of 280 hours structured work experience at an approved facility in the year of study, split between three different animal groups.

• At least 40 hours must be with invertebrates, fish, amphibians or reptiles.

• At least 40 hours must be with birds.

• At least 80 hours must be with mammals, with a minimum of 16 hours with at least one highly dangerous animal.

You need to organise and confirm your own work placement with an approved New Zealand zoo, facility in addition to meeting the programme admission requirements, before you can enrol in this programme (except for Auckland Zoo). We require written consent from the facility/facilities where you'll undertake your work experience.

Each zoo has different age requirements and final application dates so it’s a good idea to contact them as soon as possible to express your interest. More information on approved zoo facilities is available on our website.

Auckland Zoo

Unlike other placements, Auckland Zoo placements are arranged in conjunction with Unitec during your application process. If you plan on applying for a placement at Auckland Zoo, please do not contact them directly.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic

1. 36 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English.

2. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in a relevant science subject.

3. Provide evidence you’ve been accepted by one or more approved zoo facilities in New Zealand to complete 280 hours work experience with them.

If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we'll also accept the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care - Companion Animal (see pg. 10) or an equivalent qualification.

Alternatively, 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 that 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 above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could still 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