What is distance learning?

All the courses available through the Animal Care College are open learning packages - what used to be called correspondence courses. Learning is hard work anyway but distance learning, although it has many advantages is not an easy option. Most students will find that they have to do about 30 hours of work (inclusive of reading and research) for Levels 1 and 2 and 60 hours for Level 3. Each student is allocated a personal tutor and regular assessments are made. Students who do not appear likely to successfully complete the course are informed as soon as this becomes clear and the balance of their fee is refunded.

Some courses lead to or support recognised qualifications such as the Kennel Club's Trainer and Behaviourists Accreditation Scheme and National Vocational Qualifications. Others are awarded by the College itself which is dedicated to ensuring that all awards may be used to support National Vocational Qualifications while providing a useful and stimulating series of studies for all those involved in caring for animals both professionally and as enthusiasts. Certification is carefully monitored and Awards are highly regarded within the world of small animal care.

The Open College Network externally accredits most courses and others are currently being submitted for accreditation by OCN. Students who have successfully completed courses equivalent to OCN accredited courses will have the opportunity to gain external accreditation of their award through the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process that is being put in place.

The intellectual demand required by Intermediate courses is equivalent to GCSE although as the objectives of the course are usually much narrower than a GCSE qualification they should not be regarded as equivalent awards. The diagrams on the back page of the Prospectus indicate the 'level' of each course.

Do I need any experience?

Many of the courses run by the College demand some experience but others can be successfully completed by anyone who is genuinely interested in the world of small domestic animals. Many students have begun courses with very little knowledge and have eventually found that they have learned enough to be appointed to professional positions within the animal care sector. There are no formal qualifications required before an application can be made (except in the case of NVQ support courses which require candidates to be employed in the animal care industry if they are to fully complete the course).

'Theory' courses require those wishing to practice professionally to gain the relevant practical .

All candidates for courses are required to write a formal letter of application with their registration form explaining why they would like to take the course and indicating the way in which they would like to see their interests developing. It is the policy of the Registrar only to enrol those students who are likely to benefit from the course so if, as a result of the letter of application, we feel that another course would be more suitable then we will advise you to that effect. It is in our interests that students are successful so we would not want you to try for a qualification for which you are not suited.

How long do the courses last?

Animal Care College courses are very specific and so they are designed to fulfil their objective over a number of Units. You can gauge the average length of a course by the number of Units. We have designed each Unit to be completed in about one month (except in the case of the Dog Breeding Diploma where each Unit is expected to last two months) but you are not tied to this period. If you are busy you may want to take longer . If you are not working and have time to devote yourself entirely to completion you could finish quicker. The main advantage of distance learning is flexibility and we expect you to take advantage of it. We do however expect our courses to be completed within 2 years.

How much will it cost?

Education is expensive and courses are not sponsored or subsidised but the fees compare favourably with any other specialist tuition. The fee for each course is listed on the appropriate page of the prospectus and are exclusive of VAT. The fee covers all work books and tuition but excludes the cost of any text books required. There is also a Registration Fee of £25 (approximately 46 US dollars). This includes Registration with the Animal Care College, Certification Fees and student membership of College for the duration of the course. Fees for most courses may be spread over a three to six month period by completing a Standing Order or may be paid using a credit card.

What is the value of successful completion?

Some Animal Care College courses lead to awards made by the College itself although students may opt for external accreditation for most courses through the Open College Network, one of the largest nationally accredited awarding bodies. 'Credit's' gained from OCN are externally moderated and formally recognised by Colleges of Further Education and Universities and Animal Care College Certification is recognised by many employers within the animal care sector. The College awards Pass, Credit or Distinction Certificates to those students who successfully complete courses. For those seeking a career change, the College's courses provide useful evidence to a prospective employer and we are always willing to discuss the intrinsic value of the College's awards with employers.

Those developing their personal knowledge and skills will find a range of courses that will help them and also be useful if they decide to work within the animal care sector in the future.

What marking system is used?

Each piece of work submitted is carefully graded from A to D. Tutors are asked to make an initial grading as to the award and a proportion are monitored and moderated by the College's tutorial team and the Studies Co-ordinator. Tutors meet regularly to moderate students' work. There is a formal appeals procedure which refers disputes to an independent advisory board. In the first instance students are asked to supply several marked Units or work which are submitted to another tutor specialising the same field. The grades are brought to the attention of the studies co-ordinator who will take an initial decision. If the matter cannot be resolved it is directed to the appropriate awarding body which will review the case further and come to a final conclusion. Occasionally it is suggested that Students submit a Unit for a re-mark. In these circumstances a fee is charged for the assessment. The exact amount depends on the nature and level of the course.

Associates of the College

Successful students of full-length courses are entitled to be Associate Members of the Animal Care College. Associates receive the College Newsletter and are also eligible for a 10% discount in all future courses, 5% discount on text books, 10% discount on subscription to Dogs Monthly magazine, a listing on the College's web site and direct links to your own web site if you wish. Full details are forwarded with their certificates.

Any More Questions?

The Studies Co-ordinator is always be pleased to discuss any aspect of the courses and to answer any questions. The College was set up to help anyone needing assistance within the world of small animal care and our staff are always pleased to discuss any points students wish to raise or consider any suggestions made. Please do not hesitate to contact us by:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1344 628269

Fax: +44 (0) 1344 622771

E-mail: admin@rtc-mail.org.uk

Internet: http://www.animalcarecollege.co.uk

The Animal Care College
Ascot House,
High Street, Ascot,
Berkshire SL5 7HG
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1344 628269
Fax:+44 (0) 1344 622771
E-mail: admin@rtc-mail.org.uk

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