Taught by experts in animal welfare, RSPCA Victoria’s Certificate II in Animal Studies (ACM20121) is offered in partnership with Box Hill Institute (RTO ID: 4687).
This qualification has given so many participants the life-changing opportunity of pursuing their dream of entering a career in the animal care industry, equipped with the head start of having practical experience at RSPCA Victoria.
The RSPCA delivery of the Certificate II in Animal Studies course has a duration of 16 weeks and is delivered using a combination of online and face-to-face components. Students will work with online learning tools including Box Hill Institute’s StudentWeb, Microsoft Teams and resources such as pre-recorded sessions, assigned reading, tutorials, discussion boards, and online activities. Students are also required to attend face-to-face classes and practical placements at RSPCA Burwood East.
Participants will be assessed on completion of written assignments, practical assessments, workplace simulations, online quizzes and participation in meetings and forums.
Practical activities will involve working hands on with a variety of animals including dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, horses and cows.
This course comprises a total of twelve (12) units of competency. Students must successfully complete seven (7) core units and five (5) non-core units.
Students must attend all teaching sessions held either online or face-to-face at RSPCA Burwood East.
Students must attend all allocated practical work placements and assessment sessions.
Activities will include walking dogs, cleaning animal enclosures, feeding, packing and unpacking goods and paddock work.
This program is not a VETDSS Program
This program does not provide credits towards the ATAR score for VCE students
This course has a significant practical component with a focus on employability skills. Applicants must possess the communication skills and physical ability to perform practical work placement in the animal care industry.
Vocational education and training focusses on providing practical skills and technical knowledge for work. Work placement is provided at the RSPCA Burwood East and is necessary in order to provide access to an appropriate animal care workplace, a qualified workplace supervisor, exposure to the relevant workload of an animal attendant. These conditions give students opportunities to practise and demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully complete this course.
After your application has been received you may also be required to undertake a phone interview with an RSPCA Education Officer. Your application will then be assessed and you will be notified via email of the outcome.
All students under the age of 18 are required to supply written consent giving permission for BHI (Box Hill Institute) and RSPCA Victoria staff to communicate with a nominated adult on their behalf.
Valid government concession holders: $1,148
Government subsidised: $3,214
Full fee: $6,494
*A full break down of fees can be found here.
Eligibility to a government subsidised place depends on meeting certain criteria. For information regarding eligibility for a government subsidised place, please review the Box Hill Institute TAFE Fees and Charges. All students’ fees are determined by Box Hill Institute and are payable at time of enrolment.
Please note that currently enrolled high school students are not eligible for a government subsidised place.
NB: these costs are estimates only and are subject to change.
Please note: the below information is subject to government approval and will be confirmed as soon as practical.
In 2022, this course will be a blended delivery with:
Note: Delivery methods may change subject to any COVID-19 restrictions.
Below are examples of roles in the animal care industry that a Certificate II in Animal Studies may lead to:
Box Hill Institute has a number of courses to further your studies, experience and knowledge. More information can be found on their website.
