This course provides comprehensive training in animal welfare, veterinary assistance, and behavior, focusing on domestic and captive animals. Through laboratory sessions and anatomy modules, learners gain deep technical knowledge supported by field trips, guest speakers, and a standalone Canine First Responder qualification. A mandatory 60-hour work placement ensures students gain invaluable practical experience, often leading to direct employment or further career opportunities in the veterinary sector.

Students will gain knowledge and skills to allow them to work in a variety of animal care facilities. You will have the opportunity to:

• Understand and describe animal anatomy and physiology
• Practice and promote animal welfare standards
• Show fundamental biology knowledge
• Execute basic animal grooming techniques
• Analyse and interpret animal behaviour
• Use word processing software effectively
• Provide excellent customer service in animal care settings
• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
• Apply knowledge and skills in a real-world work experience setting

This one year course provides students with a very solid foundation in Animal Care and Grooming. Often graduates progress to a degree in Veterinary Nursing, Zoology, Biochemistry, Animal Science and Animal Behaviour.

This course may be of interest to students who are considering pursuing a degree in Veterinary Nursing and animal care. It is also of particular relevance to those who have an interest in setting up their own Animal Grooming business or for those who wish to progress to further study.

This one year course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of veterinary nursing, 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. The course 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.

The Animal Care course with Grooming is tailored to give a real taste of how it feels to work as a groomer in the industry. While learning all the tricks of the grooming trade this full time one year animal care course not only covers grooming but also lets you sample all aspects within the animal care industry.

This programme prepares students to work in a range of settings that provide direct care to animals or progress to further and higher education. This course includes a veterinary assisting skills module to provide a well-rounded education in the growing field of Animal care with veterinary skills. Veterinary skills encompasses a wide range of abilities and knowledge for learners to work in the field of veterinary medicine. Learners will gain a diverse set of skills to effectively care for a wide range of animals and ensure their wellbeing.

This is a one year full-time course which aims to provide a gateway for students interested in perusing a career in an animal related field. The course is designed to equip students with the practical skills, knowledge and experience required to work directly with animals and as a foundation for further study in this arena.

This one year Animal Care: Introduction to Dog Grooming course will facilitate those who wish to pursue a career in the Dog Grooming/Animal Husbandry Industry. The emphasis of this course will be on developing the skills and practices required to work in a modern dog grooming studio. This course will also enable participants to acquire the skills, knowledge and competence to provide for the needs of animals in a range of animal care settings, or to progress to further or higher education or training. This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.

Led by an experienced industry professional, this hands-on program provides learners with the practical skills and technical competence required to master a variety of grooming methods for small animals. The course is delivered within a fully equipped, professional-grade grooming salon, ensuring that students move beyond theory and gain real-world experience. 

Animal Health Care encompasses the practices, knowledge and responsibilities in promoting the wellbeing and health of animals. This programme prepares learners to work in a range of settings or progress to further and higher education. The course includes modules to provide a well-rounded education in the growing field of animal care. This course is specifically designed for learners who want the benefit of animal welfare, animal behaviour, veterinary skills and animal grooming to progress into a variety of careers in the animal care profession.

This course in Animal Science covers all of the aspects of animal science and aims to advance the student's academic and professional career prospects in animal care while also studying units in business and management. Students may use this course in Animal Science as a progression to a degree in related animal management, animal science and care areas. Industry placement is an im­portant part of this course, with placement being completed over the duration of the course. By the end of this course, students will have learned how to maintain a high level of hus­bandry when rearing animals and have a knowledge of a wide range of animals.

Animal Science is an advanced course, building on the occupational skills achieved at Level 5. It is a perfect stepup course to lead you to supervisory careers, or onto Higher Education studies.

The course includes practical and theoretical study of the science of animal health and animal behaviour for domestic, farm and wild animals. You will also enhance your animal handling skills through ‘hands-on’ practical assignments, and explore the wider animal industry.

The aim of this programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work independently and/or in a management or supervisory role within animal related industries.

This specialized, one-year program is meticulously structured for individuals seeking to launch a professional career within the animal care and canine styling sectors. The curriculum delivers a robust foundation in essential husbandry and care principles, combining theoretical knowledge with intensive practical training in advanced grooming techniques, animal welfare legislation, anatomy, and behavioral observation.

This course places an emphasis on the foundational scientific methodologies—including biology and anatomy—needed to meet rigorous academic progression requirements. This approach ensures that graduates possess both the hands-on expertise to enter the pet industry directly and the necessary qualifications to advance into highly competitive Third Level degree programs in Veterinary Nursing or Animal Science.

This course would suit applicants with a passion for working with animals, a willingness to work hard and an interest in biology. You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, laboratory practicals, mandatory work placement (including a work shop in Dublin Zoo) and independent study.

Applicants with a passion for working with animals, a willingness to work hard and a commitment to study. You will be responsible for securing an appropriate off-site work placement before the beginning of the course. This Level 6 course is directed more at employment/setting up your own business.

UCD’s Animal Science programme is a four-year degree that delves into the applied sciences necessary for understanding how animals function and the principles of livestock production. You will explore the growth, development, and behaviour of domestic animals, and the fundamentals of sustainable animal production systems. Modules include animal biology, genetics, biotechnology, nutrition, and more.