Animal Behaviour Diploma  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become an animal behaviourist, animal psychologist, ecologist, etc after completing one of your courses?
There is no short cut and unfortunately as this is an unregulated industry, there is nothing to stop anyone who thinks they know something about the subject setting themselves up as an expert. However, this is irresponsible and potentially damaging and we believe that there should be tighter regulation in place to prevent this. If you are serious about making a living as a consultant in this field, you need to work towards a collection of accredited animal behaviour, psychology, biology and care based courses along with some practical hands-on experience that can be obtained through volunteering.

How do I enrol?
Simply click on the 'Sign up and Start Studying Now' button and complete the secure online registration form. Or alternatively, we can take payment by phone. If you prefer, you are welcome to print out the registration form and post it back to us with a cheque made payable to Animal Jobs Direct.

Is attendance required?
No. All the courses are 100% home study and can be studied from home in your own time and at your own pace.

When do the courses start?
There are no specific start dates as each student progresses at their own pace. You should be starting your studies within two weeks of payment.

How do the courses work?
You will receive one module at a time. In the notes there are questions to answer that will require some research (the answers are not in the notes). Once you have completed all of the questions you send them off to your tutor for marking. This is then returned with a grade and report with constructive comments along with your next module.

What if I do not understand something?
Upon enrolment, you are assigned a personal tutor to help you with your work and any questions you might have. The tutors' job is not only to mark your work but also to provide academic support and guidance if required. You can contact your dedicated personal tutor by phone or email. They are all experts in their field, most have a related degree and many have teaching qualifications in addition to having practical experience in their chosen subject. We are committed to good practice and delivering quality tuition through the medium of correspondence.
   
What's included?
The enrolment fee covers postage, registration costs, all study materials and full Tutor and Administration support. There are no surprises or additional costs; the amount  advertised is the amount you pay.

Are there any exams?
No. Assessments are based entirely on your coursework.

How long do the courses take?
As there are no deadlines and the courses are designed to fit around your personal commitments this is a difficult one to answer. We suggest you aim to complete one module per month, so a six module course will take six months.

Can I study more than one course at a time? Yes, this is possible. You will find that by studying this way, you create a steady flow of work for yourself. Many of our courses compliment each other and work well together.

How do your course levels compare on the National Qualification Framework (NQF)?
Please check on each course page for the individual course level and use the NQF link to compare

What happens when I finish the course?
On successful completion of all modules you will receive a diploma/certificate. The tutor will also be happy to supply you with a reference for employers, colleges or universities.

Can I pay by instalments?
A loans company works with us to provide payment plans. Payment plans are offered in the form of a loan and you would be paying interest on this loan. The loans are only available for any course or number of courses where the total value exceeds 500 GBP.

Can I study from anywhere in the world?
Yes, our courses are accessible to students worldwide; these courses have been undertaken by students from over 37 countries outside the UK. The courses have been conducted in some surprising environments; including secure hospitals and prisons to the depths of the African jungle and the Himalayan mountains to the beaches of the Middle East. Students are able to get the same swift tutor support whether they are in the UK, Bolivia or anywhere else in the world.

Are there any entry requirements for your courses?
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment for most of our courses. They are available to all students, of all ages and academic backgrounds. Any specific entry requirements will be detailed on the appropriate course page.

I want to work with animals how do I to start?
This is a very common question and to help you with this, we have produced a Working with Animals ebook that is available as an instant download or on CD format. It contains links (continually kept up to date) to the latest information about the different careers with animals as well as volunteering opportunities, the latest jobs with animals and training options. This publication is free with any diploma course enrolment. Please see this link for further information about the ebook/cd: http://www.animal-job.co.uk/ebooks.html

I'm still not sure which course would be suitable for me Please contact us with information about what you are interested in and what you would like to achieve. The Animal Jobs Direct team have years of experience working within the animal care sector and will be happy to offer advice on courses.

Who studies these courses?We have a very diverse range of students, from all walks of life. Many of our students already work in ornithology, ichthyology, conservation or with animals in a variety of capacities. These students want to enhance their knowledge and expand their educational portfolio. Other students aspire to working with animals or birds and would like to discover more about the way they function. Our final group of students have an interest in nature or companion animals and take our courses as a hobby and a challenge.

What will my course cover?
We provide everything you need to get you through your course of study. The individual course modules are put together in a way that develops a true understanding of the subject.

What if I encounter problems with a particular part of the course. Can I expect any additional support?
If you find a particular section difficult then all you have to do is contact the centre via telephone, e-mail or post. We will then create a personalised 'help sheet' on that specific area, which can be reviewed at your leisure. A tutor will usually be available via telephone or e-mail for advice and guidance.

Studying from home sounds great but what about postage?
We pay all the postage costs required for getting the courses materials to you. On completion of the course the awarding body will send you a certificate in your chosen discipline. The only postage that you pay is for submitting your completed assignments to the school and for any other correspondence such as requests for help sheets etc.

I have decided to study with this course. When can I start?
You can enrol at any time of the year. We will start you on your chosen path of study within ten days of receiving your enrolment details and tuition fee payment. All you need to do is complete the online enrolment on this website. Conventional establishments usually offer courses that last from September of one year to July of the following year. By providing home study programmes, we avoid such time restrictions.

I haven't studied for years. How will I manage?
The length of your break from formal education should be no barrier to your learning. Our tutors will guide you gradually through your chosen course, and you really can work at your own pace.

Will the courses get me a job?
We cannot guarantee that they will lead to employment but they will certainly enhance your CV and give you an improved chance of finding the work you are looking for.