Animal & Equine

Courses

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Care 5M2768

Equine Studies

Level 5 – Business Studies 5M2102 or
Laboratory Techniques 5M3807 or Horsemanship 5M3371

Advanced Equine Studies

Equine Breeding (6M3507)

Advanced Animal Science

Animal Science 6M5153

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Care 5M2768

Course Content:

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

Animal Welfare
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Communications
Work Experience
Animal Behaviour
Veterinary Assisting skills
Biology
Maths
Word Processing
Animal Grooming

WHAT IS ANIMAL CARE?

This one-year course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of animal care and grooming.

This course is designed to provide a combination of practical and theoretical tuition in all aspects of the animal care industry.

It provides a hands-on, skills-based course which equips students with a fundamental knowledge of the animal care industry.

The course has been designed to meet a growing demand in Ireland for people to work in the animal care services.

CAREER OPPURTUNITIES

Students may seek immediate employment in the animal care industry. Typical career opportunities are in the areas of animal grooming or animal health which may include pet shop, zoos and animal rescue centres. These industries and employers seek qualified and competent personnel. Graduates may also pursue courses in colleges and technological universities around the country or in the UK.

Examples of linked courses include veterinary nursing and veterinary assistant courses in UCD, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Atlantic Technological University,

Letterkenny, Munster Technological University, Tralee and Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone.

Progression is also possible to other animal science degrees including Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Bio-Veterinary and Wildlife Biology.

Students can also apply for general courses in UCD or TU Dublin Grangegorman.

CERTIFICATION

Level 5 Animal Care 5M2768
Canine First Aid

The following may be offered as options on this course

Start Your Own Business
Optional Year 2 QQI Level 6 Available

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or;
Mature Students or;
Other equivalent qualifications

All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

Apply directly using the button below.

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

UCD: DN310 Veterinary Nursing (Level 8, 4 Years)

UCD: DN250 Animal Science (Zoology Option) (Level 8, 4 Years)

DKIT: DK784 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

MTU Tralee: MT881 Veterinary Biosciences (Level 8, 4 Years)

MT880 Wildlife Biology (Level 8, 4 Years) MT784 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

TUS Athlone: US867 BioVeterinary Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

TUS Athlone: US738 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

ATU Donegal: AU271 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

Level 7 or level 8 degrees at technological universities around the country.

For information on fees, please see our Fees page

Cian Duffy

Animal Care

My time at DCFE allowed me to find myself and thrive in both, an academic and social sense.

I began the year unsure of myself and unsure of my plan for the future was. I allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone which gave me so much confidence.

As part of my work experience, I got to work in one of Ireland’s best veterinary hospitals and that was exactly what I needed for me to recognise I was on the right path. Work experience went so well, and this resulted in me being employed as an Animal Care Assistant which has provided so much joy in my life and I wholeheartedly love every aspect of my job.

Being able to study a course you are passionate about and getting hands on experience in this field is so incredibly valuable to any student at this stage of life.

I am so grateful to have spent my time here at DCFE and I am now leaving with so much confidence, eagerness for the future and amazing friends to join me along the way.

Equine Studies

Level 5 – Business Studies 5M2102 or
Laboratory Techniques 5M3807 or Horsemanship 5M3371

Course Content:

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

Stable & Yard Routine
Laboratory Skills
Communications
Work Experience
Safety & Health
Word Processing
Business Administration
Marketing Practice
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths

Electives

Stable & Yard Routine
Maths
Safety & Health
Word Processing
Sport Horse Riding
Sport Horse Riding Instruction
Equine Nutrition
Equine Anatomy & Physiology
Horse Breeding
Horse Conformation & Evaluation

What is Equine Studies?

This one-year course will prepare students for the ever- expanding Irish equine industry and provide students with the knowledge and skills relating to the horse industry.

This course will enable the student who loves horses to pursue a career in the horse industry or continue their studies at third level in the equine area.

By changing their combination of modules, students can avail of the Business award or Laboratory Techniques award to continue to third level to study in this area.

CERTIFICATION

Level 5 Business Studies 5M2102 or
Level 5 Laboratory Techniques 5M3807 or
Level 5 Horsemanship 5M3371

On successful completion of the Level 5 Horsemanship 5M3371 and the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding 6M3507 (see next page) students may meet the requirements for the Green Certificate and Young Trained Farmers status.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates may seek employment in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with an equine, business or science aptitude.

Alternatively, students may also progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme, Animal Science Equine

in UCD and Bio-Veterinary Science in Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone on the science award 5M3807.

There are also a large range of other degree courses available in universities and technological universities throughout the country.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or;
Mature Students or;
Other equivalent qualifications

All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

Apply directly using the button below.

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

UCD: DN250 Animal Science-Equine (Level 8, 4 Years)

Maynooth University: MH404 Business and Management (Add on Equine Module) (Level 8, 3-4 Years)

TUS Athlone: US867 Bio-Veterinary Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

University of Limerick: LM093 Equine Science (Level 8, 4 Years

CAFRE College: College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Equine Management (3 Years Full-time)

For information on fees, please see our Fees page

Advanced Equine Studies

Equine Breeding (6M3507)

Course Content:

The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:

Equine Nutrition
Horse Conformation and Evaluation
Horse Breeding
Business Management
Pasture Management
Stable and yard Supervision
Work Experience
Communications

On successful completion of the Level 5 Horsemanship 5M3371 award (see previous page) and the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding 6M3507 students may meet the requirements for the Green Certificate and Young Trained Farmers status.

WHAT IS EQUINE BREEDING?

If you hold a QQI Level 5 in Equine studies, then why not take the opportunity to undertake further studies in Equine Breeding.

On successful completion of this QQI Level 6 award in Equine Breeding, students will be able to work in a supervisory role in a stud farm.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of equine breeding skills and pasture management together with theoretical and abstract thinking concepts related to breeding horses, horse conformation and pasture management. This award is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work in a supervisory role in a stud or to progress to further or higher education and training.

The QQI Level 6 award in Equine Breeding is classed as an advanced certificate and meets the requirements for The Green Certificate and Young Trained Farmer status.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?

Graduates may seek employment in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with an equine, business or science aptitude.

Alternatively, students may also progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme, Animal Science Equine

in UCD, and Bio-Veterinary Science in Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone on the science award 5M3807.

In addition, holders of QQI Level 6 awards may also be able to apply for other degree courses under Higher Education Link Scheme.

CERTIFICATION

Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding 6M3507

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Relevant Level 5 qualification or;
Mature Students or;
Other equivalent qualification

All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

Apply directly using the button below.

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

UCD: DN250 Animal Science-Equine (Level 8, 4 Years)

Maynooth University: MH404 Business and Management (Add on Equine Module) (Level 8, 3 Years)

TUS Athlone: US867 BioVeterinary Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

University of Limerick: LM093 Equine Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

CAFRE College: College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Equine Management (3 Years Full-time)

For information on fees, please see our Fees page

Rachel Larkin
QQI Level 5 Equine Studies

I found the level 5 in Horsemanship very enjoyable and I learned a lot throughout the year. When I started this course, I had only been back riding a few months after a very long break. I wanted a deeper understanding about horses and I thought doing this course would be a good first step. I loved learning about Anatomy and Physiology and Nutrition. The practical modules, such as, Riding and Stable and Yard were my favourite, because of the hands-on experience and the ability to practice skills.

This course has given me a lot more confidence in my knowledge of horses and in my ability to care for them. Another great part of this course was the trips out to different yards such as Woodpark, Anna Harvey and Karlswood. These trips were informative and interesting to see the different ways yards are run. Our teachers are fantastic, they are friendly, approachable and have a wealth of knowledge about horses. They put so much work into getting us through the course, making it engaging, fun and interesting. Loving the subject being studied can only get you so far, having great teachers that can keep you engaged and who are always there to help when you need it was the main reason this course runs so well.

I look forward to continuing my studies in the level 6 in Horse Breeding next year to get an even more in-depth education

Advanced Animal Science

Animal Science 6M5153

Course Content:

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

Animal Science and Health
Communications
Work Experience
Canine Obedience and Training
Kennel and Cattery Management
Animal Behaviour
Humans, Animals and Society
Investigative Studies
Animal Grooming
Business Management

WHAT IS THIS COURSE?

If you hold a QQI Level 5 related award in areas such as animal care assistant, equine studies or equine breeding, then why not take the opportunity to undertake further studies in advanced animal science.

This award is designed to build on knowledge and skills achieved at Level 5 to help students progress into supervisory careers or into higher level options of study.

Our level 6 award will equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and competence for all aspects animal science. These qualifications can be used to gain advanced entry to degree programmes in third level institutes.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?

Graduates from the Level 6 programme may apply for advanced entry on a range of level 7 or level 8 degree programmes in many universities or technological universities around the country.

Alternatively, graduates may seek immediate employment in a range of business/industry areas. Graduates from this course may access Veterinary Nursing degrees in major universities. TU Dublin also accept

this course for entry to General Science and Bioscience degrees.

This course links with General Science in UCD (e.g. Zoology) and Agricultural Science in UCD. Other graduates have gone onto further study in Wildlife Biology (Munster Technological University, Tralee), Marine Biology (Atlantic Technological University, GMIT), Bio-Veterinary at Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone or Munster Technological University, Tralee.

Some graduates may progress to employment in animal behaviour, dog grooming, animal welfare, stables, kennels, etc. Some students use this award to apply to a wide range of courses in the UK.

On successful completion of a relevant Level 5 award and this Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Animal Science 6M5153 students may meet the requirements for the Green Certificate and Young Trained Farmers status.

CERTIFICATION

Level 6 Animal Science 6M5153

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Relevant Level 5 qualification or;
Mature Students or;
Other equivalent qualifications

All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

Apply directly using the button below.

You’ll find this course under the “Science” menu on the application form.

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

UCD: DN250 Agri-Environmental Sciences/ Agricultural Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

UCD: DN 310 Veterinary Nursing (Level 8, 4 Years)

UCD: DN200 Animal Science (Zoology) (Level 8, 4 Years)

TUS Athlone: US738 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

ATU Letterkenny: AU271 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

MTU: MT784 Verterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

DKIT: DK784 Veterinary Nursing (Level 7, 3 Years)

TUS Athlone: US867 Bio-veterinary Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

Maynooth University: MH208 Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Level 8, 4 Years)

NUIG: GY303 Biomedical Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

GY301 Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

UCD: DN250 Agricultural Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

SETU Waterford: SE502 Agricultural Science (Level 8, 4 Years)

TCD: TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Zoology Option) (Level 8, 4 Years)

ATU: AU555/655AU Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology (Level 7, 3 Years) (Level 8, 4 years)

For information on fees, please see our Fees page

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Animal & Equine

Animal & Equine

Courses

Animal Care Assistant

Equine Studies

Advanced Equine Studies

Advanced Animal Science

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Care 5M2768

Course Content:

WHAT IS ANIMAL CARE?

CAREER OPPURTUNITIES

CERTIFICATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

Equine Studies

Level 5 – Business Studies 5M2102 orLaboratory Techniques 5M3807 or Horsemanship 5M3371

Course Content:

What is Equine Studies?

CERTIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

Advanced Equine Studies

Equine Breeding (6M3507)

Course Content:

WHAT IS EQUINE BREEDING?

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?

CERTIFICATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

Advanced Animal Science

Animal Science 6M5153

Course Content:

WHAT IS THIS COURSE?

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?

CERTIFICATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION:

Level 5 – Business Studies 5M2102 or
Laboratory Techniques 5M3807 or Horsemanship 5M3371