UNISA Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare (90098) Qualification

UNISA Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare (90098) Qualification. Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking to make a difference in South Africa’s veterinary sector?

The UNISA Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare (90098) is designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills for a career in veterinary welfare assistance. This qualification is accredited by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and aims to address the growing demand for trained professionals in animal care.

• Qualification Code: 90098
• NQF Level: 5
• Total Credits: 120
• SAQA ID: 101937
• APS/AS Requirement: 15

The field of animal welfare is crucial for ensuring ethical and responsible care of animals. This qualification provides students with the foundational knowledge required for veterinary-related professions, including:

• Understanding animal anatomy and physiology
• Animal behavior and husbandry
• Ethical standards in animal care
• Practical skills in animal health and disease management

By enrolling in this program, students will not only contribute to the well-being of animals but also play a role in advancing social and economic transformation by filling critical skill gaps in South Africa’s veterinary sector.

The UNISA Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare is offered through online and distance learning, making it accessible to students across South Africa. This flexible learning approach allows students to balance their studies with work or other responsibilities while gaining valuable knowledge in animal welfare.

New applicants and existing UNISA students who have been offered placement for this qualification can register. Re-registering students may continue their studies once the registration period for the 2025 academic year opens.

Important: If you are looking to switch to this qualification, you must apply during the designated application period.

Each UNISA qualification follows a structured module system. To successfully complete this certificate, students must carefully select and complete the required NQF Level 5 modules within the allocated time frame.

• Co-requisite: If Module A is a co-requisite for Module B, students must register for both modules simultaneously.
• Pre-requisite: If Module A is a pre-requisite for Module B, students must complete Module A before registering for Module B.
• Credit Limits: Students may register for a maximum of 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year.
• Time Commitment:
  • 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules
  • 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules

To ensure a strong foundation in animal welfare, students must complete the following modules:

Module Code	Module Name	Pre-requisite/Co-requisite
AAH1501	Animal Care and Handling	None
AEX1602	Community Extension Practice	None
AHC1501	Applied Animal Health Care	Co-requisite: AAH1501, ANB1501, APH1501
ANB1501	Introduction to Animal Behaviour	None
ANW1501	Introduction to Animal Welfare	None
APH1501	Anatomy and Physiology Animal Welfare	None
AWD1501	Introduction to Animal Diseases	Co-requisite: APH1501
BNU1501	Basic Numeracy	None
PHC1511	Primary Animal Health Care	Co-requisite: APH1501 & AWD1501

Students who have completed PHC1501 or PHC1502 must register for BNU1501. Those who have not passed both must register for BNU1501 and PHC1511.

Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare can pursue various roles in the veterinary welfare sector, including:

• Veterinary Welfare Assistant
• Animal Shelter Caregiver
• Animal Welfare Inspector
• Community Animal Health Assistant
• Support roles in Veterinary Clinics and Animal Welfare Organisations

This qualification enhances employability by providing hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s animal welfare initiatives.

If you are passionate about animal welfare, ethical animal care, and veterinary assistance, the UNISA Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare (90098) is the ideal stepping stone towards a fulfilling career. By enrolling in this program, you will not only gain valuable skills but also play a pivotal role in improving animal health care standards across South Africa.