How qualifications work in brief:

It is possible to achieve a Middlesex University degree (or other qualification) by taking a combination of CIDBT modules and Middlesex University, Work Based Learning (WBS) modules. The exact selection and combination is a matter for discussion at each stage between the student and the tutors at either CIDBT (for their specialist modules) or Middlesex (for the WBS modules).

Formally, the nature of our collaboration is that Middlesex recognise our courses for academic credit towards a degree course. They use the "Review of Learning" process (see below) to accredit the CIDBT modules passed.

A Foundation Degree FdA requires a total of 240 credits. These comprise of 160 Higher Education credits through the CIDBT and the remaining 80 credits with Middlesex's WBS modules. This is equivalent to two years full-time study.

Part 1 Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training accredited modules

Candidates with any level of experience are welcome to enrol on the Foundation Degree FdA programme.

A candidate with little or no practical experience or with certain academic qualifications in dog-related disciplines may commence with the Understanding Care & Behaviour Module, after which we would review their progress and recommend a suitable programme.

All candidates considering enrolling on the Foundation Degree FdA programme will discuss with our CIDBT programme advisers the recommended study pathway for what they wish to achieve.

More details about what constitutes experience to be exempt from CFBA 4110 can be seen under the Forego heading in the column on the right.

The modules listed below comprise an example of a programme but you may be able to choose from a selection of optional module combinations. There will be plenty of time to discuss these with tutors and staff as you progress. Modules prefixed CFBA must total 160 Credits and those prefixed WBS must total 80 Credits.

CFBA 4110 Understanding Canine Care & Behaviour

CFBA 4004 Basic Dog & Handling Skills

CFBA 4005 Professional Instructor Skills and Management

CFBA 4102 Common Canine Behaviour Problems

CFBA 4103 Understanding Canine Aggression

CFBA 4109 Introduction to Canine Veterinary Science

CFBA 4116 An Introduction to the Theory of Dog Training

CFBA 5001 Advanced Common Canine Behaviour Problems

CFBA 5002 Advanced Dog on Dog Aggression

CFBA 5003 Advanced Dog on Person Aggression

CFBA 5008 Advanced Canine Behaviour & Training

Part 2 Middlesex University Modules (Distance Learning)

Broadly, the WBS modules available fall into the following categories:

Module: Review of Learning (normally all students take a module of this type)

Module: Professional Development (again, normally taken by all students to plan their programmes of study)

Module: Practitioner Inquiry (these modules provide the underpinning skills to conduct research and plan a project)

Module: Negotiated Work Based Learning Project (canine) (compulsory for all degrees, and providing the opportunity to develop a project of specific individual relevance, drawing on the student's existing work and professional practice)

The usual process for any WBS learner is to apply, to be allocated an Adviser, and then to be guided through Review of Learning and Professional Development to create an individually tailored programme of study. This can be undertaken at the same time as you are studying the CIDBT modules.

WBS modules are designed to allow students to study at a distance, so it would not be necessary for you to attend our campus for the WBS part of your course (though there are some optional on-campus workshops available). For an international student, we would expect that contact would be online through our Virtual Learning Environment, and through email and phone with the Adviser. The subject of study throughout is your own work and professional practice.