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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 Award in Birds of Prey Studies (RQF)

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Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies (RQF)

Key points

  • Learn all about birds of prey species in the UK
  • Explore how to improve the health and welfare of UK birds of prey
  • Achieve a Level 3 Award qualification
  • Start and study at any time
  • Gain 1-day of practical experience

About your Qualification

Over the course of two units, this online Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies examines the range of birds of prey species found in the UK along with their biology and habitats. The qualification covers the threats faced by birds of prey and the legislation and organisations involved in protecting them.

The qualification also covers common diseases, and the basic health and welfare needs of birds of prey along with their nutritional requirements. The qualification looks at situations where birds of prey may require emergency care, their rehabilitation, and the re-release processes.

The Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey includes a 1-day of practical experience delivered by an experienced Falconer, in rural Herefordshire at the Wye Valley Falconry. The day provides a wonderful opportunity to gain hands on experience with birds of prey and put the qualification theory into practice. Topics covered during the day will include:

  • Diet
  • Housing
  • Health
  • Exercise/Enrichment - using different species and various forms of equipment
  • Law
  • Bird of Prey Welfare - trimming talons, coping of the beak and changing equipment (jesses and anklets)

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

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses and qualifications 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 qualification. 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: Birds of Prey

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Know different birds of prey commonly found in the wild and in captivity
  • Know the habitats of and threats facing UK birds of prey
  • Understand the basic biology of birds of prey

Unit 2: Care and welfare of birds of prey

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Know health care, common diseases and basic welfare needs of birds of prey
  • Understand nutritional requirements of birds of prey
  • Know situations when birds of prey may need emergency care and plan for dealing with them
  • Understand rehabilitation and re-release processes for birds of prey

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 placement that is offered at Wye Valley Falconry, based in Herefordshire. Please note, minimum group sizes apply.

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners can do the practical at any point once the thresholds are met.

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 Award in Birds of Prey Studies, students must achieve 10 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 qualification, you will be awarded a Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies, an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0139/9).

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

People study birds of prey, also called raptors, for a few key reasons. These top predators act as environmental indicators, meaning their health reflects the overall wellbeing of an ecosystem. Studying them helps us understand how the environment is changing, and how to conserve both the birds and the habitats we share.
The UK offers a variety of bird of prey careers. You could be a falconer working at a bird of prey centre. Alternatively, zookeeper, conservation, research, or breeding facilities all offer opportunities to work with these fascinating birds.
To become a bird of prey handler in the UK, experience is key. Start by volunteering or taking courses at reputable bird of prey centres. These often cover raptor husbandry, training, and legalities. While a formal qualification isn't mandatory, this online Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies provides a solid foundation and demonstrates your commitment to these amazing creatures.
Salaries working with birds of prey in the UK vary depending on experience, role, and location. Falconers at birds of prey centres can expect a competitive starting salary, upwards of £20,000, and there's potential for growth through promotions or specialising in areas like breeding, training, or environmental consultancy. This field also offers opportunities to supplement your income through freelance work like educational displays or pest control contracts.
Yes, you can! This Birds of Prey Studies (RQF) Level 3 Award is studied online from home, so it’s easy to complete in your free time.

Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies (RQF)

Key points

  • Learn all about birds of prey species in the UK
  • Explore how to improve the health and welfare of UK birds of prey
  • Achieve a Level 3 Award qualification
  • Start and study at any time
  • Gain 1-day of practical experience

About your Qualification

Over the course of two units, this online Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies examines the range of birds of prey species found in the UK along with their biology and habitats. The qualification covers the threats faced by birds of prey and the legislation and organisations involved in protecting them.

The qualification also covers common diseases, and the basic health and welfare needs of birds of prey along with their nutritional requirements. The qualification looks at situations where birds of prey may require emergency care, their rehabilitation, and the re-release processes.

The Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey includes a 1-day of practical experience delivered by an experienced Falconer, in rural Herefordshire at the Wye Valley Falconry. The day provides a wonderful opportunity to gain hands on experience with birds of prey and put the qualification theory into practice. Topics covered during the day will include:

  • Diet
  • Housing
  • Health
  • Exercise/Enrichment - using different species and various forms of equipment
  • Law
  • Bird of Prey Welfare - trimming talons, coping of the beak and changing equipment (jesses and anklets)

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

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses and qualifications 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 qualification. 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: Birds of Prey

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Know different birds of prey commonly found in the wild and in captivity
  • Know the habitats of and threats facing UK birds of prey
  • Understand the basic biology of birds of prey

Unit 2: Care and welfare of birds of prey

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Know health care, common diseases and basic welfare needs of birds of prey
  • Understand nutritional requirements of birds of prey
  • Know situations when birds of prey may need emergency care and plan for dealing with them
  • Understand rehabilitation and re-release processes for birds of prey

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 placement that is offered at Wye Valley Falconry, based in Herefordshire. Please note, minimum group sizes apply.

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners can do the practical at any point once the thresholds are met.

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 Award in Birds of Prey Studies, students must achieve 10 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 qualification, you will be awarded a Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies, an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0139/9).

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

People study birds of prey, also called raptors, for a few key reasons. These top predators act as environmental indicators, meaning their health reflects the overall wellbeing of an ecosystem. Studying them helps us understand how the environment is changing, and how to conserve both the birds and the habitats we share.
The UK offers a variety of bird of prey careers. You could be a falconer working at a bird of prey centre. Alternatively, zookeeper, conservation, research, or breeding facilities all offer opportunities to work with these fascinating birds.
To become a bird of prey handler in the UK, experience is key. Start by volunteering or taking courses at reputable bird of prey centres. These often cover raptor husbandry, training, and legalities. While a formal qualification isn't mandatory, this online Level 3 Award in Birds of Prey Studies provides a solid foundation and demonstrates your commitment to these amazing creatures.
Salaries working with birds of prey in the UK vary depending on experience, role, and location. Falconers at birds of prey centres can expect a competitive starting salary, upwards of £20,000, and there's potential for growth through promotions or specialising in areas like breeding, training, or environmental consultancy. This field also offers opportunities to supplement your income through freelance work like educational displays or pest control contracts.
Yes, you can! This Birds of Prey Studies (RQF) Level 3 Award is studied online from home, so it’s easy to complete in your free time.
Online &
Practical Learning
2 units
80 guided
learning hours

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