Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats (RQF)

The Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by SEG Awards. It is a specialist two-unit course covering the evolutionary biology, natural behaviour, and ecological diversity of big cats, alongside the principles of captive carnivore care and wildlife conservation. It sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework – the same academic level as an A level – and is designed for those working in or aspiring to careers in animal care, zoo management, and wildlife conservation.

No. The Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats is open access with no formal entry requirements. You do not need prior qualifications in animal science, zoology, or biology to enrol. The course is suitable for anyone aged 16 or over with a genuine interest in big cats and carnivore studies – whether you are a zoo volunteer, an animal care student, a conservation enthusiast, or simply someone with a deep passion for these animals.

Assessment is entirely assignment-based – there are no formal exams or timed tests. You complete written assignments for each of the two units, which you submit online through the learning platform. Assignments are internally assessed by a qualified SEG Awards assessor, and you receive feedback on each submission. Both units must be passed to be awarded the Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats.

The course is fully self-paced, so you can progress through the two units at a speed that suits your schedule. Most learners complete the award within three to six months, but there is no fixed deadline. You study in your own time, fitting the course around work, volunteering, or other commitments. Access to your learning materials remains open throughout your enrolment period.

The qualification is awarded by SEG Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. SEG Awards is listed on the Ofqual public register of recognised awarding organisations, meaning the qualification meets national regulatory standards. The Level 3 Award sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is recognised within the animal care, zoology, and conservation sectors as a credible specialist Level 3 qualification.

The course covers all of the world's main big cat species, including lions (Panthera leo), tigers (Panthera tigris), leopards (Panthera pardus), jaguars (Panthera onca), snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), as well as a broader survey of diversity within the order Carnivora. You study each species' evolutionary background, biological adaptations, natural behaviour patterns, conservation status, and the specific welfare and care considerations relevant to keeping them in captivity.

Unit 2 includes a detailed exploration of the principles of carnivore conservation. You study wild population monitoring methods, the role of habitat protection and corridor ecology in maintaining viable big cat populations, human–wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, captive breeding programmes such as the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and Species Survival Plan (SSP), reintroduction science, and the international legal frameworks – particularly CITES – that regulate trade in and protection of endangered species. The unit links conservation theory to practical applications in both field and zoo-based settings.

Yes – the Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats is particularly well-suited to people already working or volunteering in zoo and sanctuary environments. The course deepens your specialist knowledge of big cat biology, welfare, and conservation in ways that directly complement hands-on animal care work. Many zoo professionals study this award as part of their continuing professional development (CPD), and the qualification is a recognised addition to a CPD portfolio in the animal care sector.

The Level 3 Award is a strong foundation for further study in animal science, zoology, and conservation. Progression routes include Level 3 and Level 4 Diplomas in Animal Management, degree programmes in Zoology, Wildlife Conservation, or Animal Science, and specialist conservation training offered by organisations such as the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Born Free Foundation, and university wildlife programmes. The qualification also strengthens applications for paid zookeeper and wildlife officer roles, and for competitive volunteer programmes with international conservation projects.

Yes – the Level 3 Award in Carnivore Studies: Big Cats is delivered entirely online through the Learnfast learning platform. You can access all course materials, study resources, and assignment submission tools from any device with an internet connection. There are no classroom sessions, residential requirements, or practical placement obligations. This makes the course accessible to learners throughout the UK and internationally, regardless of location.