British College of Canine Studies

[BagpussDearBagpuss]

Hi
I was wondering if anyone had any experience of studying with this online college?
I was made redundant earlier this year and fancy doing some online courses primarily for interest but potentially leading to a career change.
An advert for this college keeps popping up on my Facebook feed but the website is a bit dated looking so any feedback on this particular college or suggestions on where I could do other online dog courses would be greatly appreciated.

I hadn't heard of it before, but have had a look at the website.

From what I can tell - if you're doing it for interest, then that's fine, though chances are you could learn all the same things from a few good books and taking your dog to training classes, and it would be a lot cheaper too.

If you're doing it for career purposes, don't bother. The red flags come from things like their prominent statement that they are registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers, but that doesn't confer any sort of quality assurance www.ukrlp.co.uk/

For the accredited courses (i.e. the only ones that give you an actual qualification), this is the organisation that accredits it (i.e. issues the certificate). www.ncfe.org.uk/accreditation-services/investing-in-quality-iiq/ I work in higher education, and to be honest I've never heard of it, though it seems from a bit of research it is legit, albeit not well known

If you're thinking along the lines of a career change, start at the end. Look at what job adverts for the sort of job you'd want to do actually ask for. It may be something like a BTEC in Animal Management, or they may be more fussed about experience.

Thanks for replying. I think that you’re right - a BTEC could be the way to go. I’ll have a look into it. Thanks again.

@BagpussDearBagpuss I don't have any experience with the BCCS but do with Compass Education through whom I've studied their Foundation and Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour in case you wanted to know anything about those?

Hi missbatenburg Yes I’d like to hear about Compass Education please.

You might also like to look at www.animalcarecollege.co.uk - the longest established distance learning college (founded in 1980) specialising in animal care. Many of those running such colleges on the internet began studying with the Animal Care College!

IMDT courses all the way -practical and distance learning all credited.

IMDT

They’ve actually moved away from NCFE in 2018 and are now PETbc accredited, which is much more industry relevant. Both their level 3 and 4 Behaviour courses have been accepted by councils as part of licence applications required by new legislation for anything to do with home boarding, pet sitting, day care etc. Their students include staff and volunteers at Battersea, Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Vet Nurses, Police and Military dog handlers. They’re quite well recognised these days and this year start a process that sees their courses become directly Ofqual Regulated and nationally recognised. So don’t rule them out, especially for the prices. Dog training and behaviour is completely unregulated. You can study to Degree level and spend £10,000, and you’re no more or less officially qualified than someone with zero qualifications but decades of experience. I’ve been a behaviourist for ten years and started with the BCCS Behaviour course, Level 4. Excellent course with optional experience in the real world.

Many canine careers have been started at the CIDBT!

Distance learning, as well as practical learning, is available! The team are really friendly and highly qualified!

I know it's a late comment but thought it might help anyone else looking!