Regulations for the Diploma in Advanced Studies: Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling
  1. The Diploma in Advanced Studies is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the College Board to candidates who have completed satisfactorily approved units totalling 80 credit points at level M.

  2. Applicants for admission must hold a degree awarded by an approved university or by the CNAA, or have other professional qualifications approved by the Board of the College. They must normally have at least two years' relevant practical or professional experience.  Applications may also be considered from applicants who have successfully completed the Certificate in Applied Animal Behaviour, achieving an average of 60% across all units.

  3. Students must normally complete the course within four years, but in exceptional circumstances may be permitted a further period of study, not exceeding one year, by the Faculty Board.

  4. The Diploma course is based on a unit structure. Each unit of learning has a specified CATS rating in accordance with the CATS Guide and Regulations.  Each unit is worth 10 CATS points at Level M.

  5. There is no restriction on the order in which the units can be taken except that Units 1-4 must be completed before Unit 7 and all units must be completed before Unit 8 is taken.  The course units are as follows:

    Unit 1: JM605 Ethology
    Unit 2: JM606 Learning Theory
    Unit 3: JM604 Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology
    Unit 4: JM603 Human Psychology
    Unit 5: JM607 Companion Animal and the Law
    Unit 6: JM602 Issues in Animal Welfare
    Unit 7: JM601 Case Studies I: Communication
    Unit 8: JM600 Case Studies II

  6. Candidates will be assessed through course work and by other methods of examination approved by the Board of the College.

  7. Students who fail an assignment at the first attempt (grade of less than 35%) have the opportunity to resubmit their work. Resubmitted work can only be given a maximum grade of 35%.

  8. Examination will take place at the end of the course. The Diploma will be awarded annually, normally at the end of an academic year. The Diploma may be awarded with Distinction.

  9. Candidates may be required to present themselves for an oral examination.