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Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies (RQF)

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  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 17th December
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 17th December

Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies (RQF)

Key points

  • Prepare for a fulfilling career aiding the rehabilitation of British wildlife
  • Eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship
  • Achieve a Level 3 Diploma qualification
  • Optional practical placement
  • Start and study at any time

About your Course

This Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies will give you knowledge of how to work with British wildlife in a rehabilitation setting. Over 7 units you will learn how to monitor and record wildlife populations, handling and restraining methods and capture and release techniques. You will also learn how to assess and treat an injured wild animal, including learning about first aid and euthanasia. Plus, you will develop knowledge of the legislation and agencies involved in working within British wildlife rehabilitation.

Enrolling on this qualification means that you will be eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship. Fellows get unlimited access for them and a family guest to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos plus borrowing rights in the extensive ZSL library of rare zoological texts. By joining as a Fellow, you will be supporting ZSL’s international work to protect wildlife and global ecosystems. Enrol on your qualification and apply directly to ZSL for Fellowship.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away!

The Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies includes an optional 5-day practical placement at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS). The placement is designed to give students plenty of hands-on experience in different aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and provides an insight into how a wildlife rescue centre works.

During a typical placement week, students get to experience rescues of injured animals and releasing healthy animals back into the wild. Whether you are looking to become a Vet, a Zookeeper, work in conservation or rescue work in the future, this is the best place to gain valuable first-hand experience!

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away

Modules

Unit 1: Hygiene Requirements and the Health of British Wild Animals

On completing this first unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the health and safety considerations of working with British wild animals
  • Understand how to maintain hygiene standards when working with British wild animals
  • Understand diseases and health conditions commonly associated with British wild animals

Unit 2: Principles of Handling and Restraining British Wildlife Species

On completing this second unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand handling and restraining methods and equipment
  • Understand when handling and restraining should be used

Unit 3: Legislation and Agencies Relevant to British Wildlife Rehabilitation

On completing this third unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand legislation relevant to British wildlife rehabilitation
  • Understand wildlife agencies and their relation to British wildlife rehabilitation

Unit 4: Principles of First Aid for British Wild Animals

On completing this fourth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of wild animal first aid
  • Understand when wild animal first aid can be used
  • Understand the legal requirements and codes of practice relating to wild animal first aid
  • Understand the principles of wild animal euthanasia in relation to British wildlife

Unit 5: Principles of Assessment and Treatment of Injured Wildlife

On completing this fifth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the initial assessment of wildlife casualties
  • Understand assessment methods used to identify injuries and appropriate treatment methods for injured wild animals
  • Understand how to feed and house injured wildlife
  • Understand how a veterinary diagnosis is made

Unit 6: Principles of Wild Animal Capture and Release Techniques

On completing this sixth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the methods and reasons for the capture of British wild animals
  • Understand the methods and reasons for the release of British wild animals
  • Understand the impact human intervention can have on wild animals and the associated ethical issues

Unit 7: Principles of Monitoring and Recording British Wildlife Species

On completing this seventh unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the reasons for monitoring and recording British wildlife
  • Understand the methods used to monitor and record British wildlife
  • Understand how to carry out monitoring and recording of British wildlife populations

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over.

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Placement or Practical required

This course does not include a mandatory placement. However, learners have the opportunity to complete an optional 5 day placement that is offered at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners can complete the practical training any point, once full payment for the course has been made.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies, students must achieve 39 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit and assessed by one of our qualified animal tutors.

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of how you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments.

This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.

Gatehouse Awards

Gatehouse Awards logo

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies, an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0047/2).

Gatehouse Awards (GA) qualifications are designed to give candidates the skills to be active in the modern labour market and progress in their career and/or into higher level study. This qualification is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) in England and are part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Gatehouse Awards Ltd is a leading awarding body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, England (Ofqual). They also have a significant international presence providing language testing services.

Careers

The Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies is ideal if you’re interested in working in a career related to British wildlife care and rehabilitation, or if you currently work in the industry and would like a qualification to top up your knowledge.

This qualification will support your job prospects within the British wildlife care, welfare and conservation sector. After completing your qualification, you may choose to progress straight into employment, or you may choose to apply for higher-level study, practical occupational training or a volunteering position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rehabilitating British wildlife helps injured and sick animals return to their natural habitats, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. These animals play essential roles, from pollination and seed dispersal to pest control, and their absence can disrupt the delicate balance of nature.
British wildlife rehabilitators take in sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals, providing medical care, shelter, and proper nutrition to nurse them back to health. Their ultimate goal is to release these animals back into the wild, ensuring the survival of native species and the health of Britain's ecosystems.
While there's no mandatory licence currently, becoming a wildlife rehabilitator in the UK involves gaining knowledge through wildlife rehabilitation courses or degrees in animal science, conservation, or ecology. Volunteering at wildlife rescue centres provides valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to learn about animal care, feeding, and release protocols. Remember, this role demands dedication and resilience, as caring for wild animals can be demanding but incredibly rewarding. If you’d like to study a career-specific course that can enable you to qualify quickly, this online Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies can be studied in your free time and completed as soon as you’re ready.
Wildlife rehabilitation in the UK is a passion-driven field, with salaries typically lower than national averages. However, some rehabilitators with advanced veterinary training or managerial roles at rescue centres may earn more. Maximising your income can be done by fundraising for the centre, offering educational talks, or specialising in caring for particularly rare or valuable species.
The rising pressure on British wildlife due to habitat loss and human activity likely translates to a need for more wildlife rehabilitators. Rescue centres across the UK treat thousands of animals annually, and with growing public awareness about wildlife conservation, the demand for skilled rehabilitators to care for these vulnerable animals is likely to stay high.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 17th December
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 17th December

Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies (RQF)

Key points

  • Prepare for a fulfilling career aiding the rehabilitation of British wildlife
  • Eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship
  • Achieve a Level 3 Diploma qualification
  • Optional practical placement
  • Start and study at any time

About your Course

This Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies will give you knowledge of how to work with British wildlife in a rehabilitation setting. Over 7 units you will learn how to monitor and record wildlife populations, handling and restraining methods and capture and release techniques. You will also learn how to assess and treat an injured wild animal, including learning about first aid and euthanasia. Plus, you will develop knowledge of the legislation and agencies involved in working within British wildlife rehabilitation.

Enrolling on this qualification means that you will be eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship. Fellows get unlimited access for them and a family guest to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos plus borrowing rights in the extensive ZSL library of rare zoological texts. By joining as a Fellow, you will be supporting ZSL’s international work to protect wildlife and global ecosystems. Enrol on your qualification and apply directly to ZSL for Fellowship.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away!

The Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies includes an optional 5-day practical placement at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS). The placement is designed to give students plenty of hands-on experience in different aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and provides an insight into how a wildlife rescue centre works.

During a typical placement week, students get to experience rescues of injured animals and releasing healthy animals back into the wild. Whether you are looking to become a Vet, a Zookeeper, work in conservation or rescue work in the future, this is the best place to gain valuable first-hand experience!

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away

Modules

Unit 1: Hygiene Requirements and the Health of British Wild Animals

On completing this first unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the health and safety considerations of working with British wild animals
  • Understand how to maintain hygiene standards when working with British wild animals
  • Understand diseases and health conditions commonly associated with British wild animals

Unit 2: Principles of Handling and Restraining British Wildlife Species

On completing this second unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand handling and restraining methods and equipment
  • Understand when handling and restraining should be used

Unit 3: Legislation and Agencies Relevant to British Wildlife Rehabilitation

On completing this third unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand legislation relevant to British wildlife rehabilitation
  • Understand wildlife agencies and their relation to British wildlife rehabilitation

Unit 4: Principles of First Aid for British Wild Animals

On completing this fourth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of wild animal first aid
  • Understand when wild animal first aid can be used
  • Understand the legal requirements and codes of practice relating to wild animal first aid
  • Understand the principles of wild animal euthanasia in relation to British wildlife

Unit 5: Principles of Assessment and Treatment of Injured Wildlife

On completing this fifth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the initial assessment of wildlife casualties
  • Understand assessment methods used to identify injuries and appropriate treatment methods for injured wild animals
  • Understand how to feed and house injured wildlife
  • Understand how a veterinary diagnosis is made

Unit 6: Principles of Wild Animal Capture and Release Techniques

On completing this sixth unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the methods and reasons for the capture of British wild animals
  • Understand the methods and reasons for the release of British wild animals
  • Understand the impact human intervention can have on wild animals and the associated ethical issues

Unit 7: Principles of Monitoring and Recording British Wildlife Species

On completing this seventh unit, students will be able to:

  • Understand the reasons for monitoring and recording British wildlife
  • Understand the methods used to monitor and record British wildlife
  • Understand how to carry out monitoring and recording of British wildlife populations

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over.

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Placement or Practical required

This course does not include a mandatory placement. However, learners have the opportunity to complete an optional 5 day placement that is offered at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners can complete the practical training any point, once full payment for the course has been made.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Excellent Marking

Assessment

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies, students must achieve 39 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit and assessed by one of our qualified animal tutors.

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of how you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments.

This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.

Qualifications

Gatehouse Awards

Gatehouse Awards logo

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies, an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0047/2).

Gatehouse Awards (GA) qualifications are designed to give candidates the skills to be active in the modern labour market and progress in their career and/or into higher level study. This qualification is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) in England and are part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Gatehouse Awards Ltd is a leading awarding body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, England (Ofqual). They also have a significant international presence providing language testing services.

Careers

The Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies is ideal if you’re interested in working in a career related to British wildlife care and rehabilitation, or if you currently work in the industry and would like a qualification to top up your knowledge.

This qualification will support your job prospects within the British wildlife care, welfare and conservation sector. After completing your qualification, you may choose to progress straight into employment, or you may choose to apply for higher-level study, practical occupational training or a volunteering position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rehabilitating British wildlife helps injured and sick animals return to their natural habitats, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. These animals play essential roles, from pollination and seed dispersal to pest control, and their absence can disrupt the delicate balance of nature.
British wildlife rehabilitators take in sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals, providing medical care, shelter, and proper nutrition to nurse them back to health. Their ultimate goal is to release these animals back into the wild, ensuring the survival of native species and the health of Britain's ecosystems.
While there's no mandatory licence currently, becoming a wildlife rehabilitator in the UK involves gaining knowledge through wildlife rehabilitation courses or degrees in animal science, conservation, or ecology. Volunteering at wildlife rescue centres provides valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to learn about animal care, feeding, and release protocols. Remember, this role demands dedication and resilience, as caring for wild animals can be demanding but incredibly rewarding. If you’d like to study a career-specific course that can enable you to qualify quickly, this online Level 3 Diploma in British Wildlife Rehabilitation Studies can be studied in your free time and completed as soon as you’re ready.
Wildlife rehabilitation in the UK is a passion-driven field, with salaries typically lower than national averages. However, some rehabilitators with advanced veterinary training or managerial roles at rescue centres may earn more. Maximising your income can be done by fundraising for the centre, offering educational talks, or specialising in caring for particularly rare or valuable species.
The rising pressure on British wildlife due to habitat loss and human activity likely translates to a need for more wildlife rehabilitators. Rescue centres across the UK treat thousands of animals annually, and with growing public awareness about wildlife conservation, the demand for skilled rehabilitators to care for these vulnerable animals is likely to stay high.
Online &
Practical Learning
7 units
300 guided
learning hours

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