National Zoo Academy Courses

Distance learning programme

The course is a partnership between the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Sparsholt College Hampshire. It is a 2 year programme enrolled upon in year segments, delivered by distance learning mode.

As such, it is designed for people already actively volunteering in the zoo and aquarium community in a Keeper role. If, during the course Volunteers gain a paid Keeper role there is then the possibility to ‘top up’ with two additional units, to receive a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma qualification and certificate for DMZAA.

The full DMZAA course is also mapped to the European Professorial Zookeeper Qualification Framework, developed with EAZA.

International distance learning programme

This International DMZAA course is a partnership between the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Sparsholt College Hampshire. It is a 2 year programme delivered by distance learning mode.

As such, it is designed for people already working in the zoo and aquarium community in a paid Keeper or Aquarist role. On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma qualification and certificate.

The course is also mapped to the European Professorial Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF) developed with EAZA. Senior zoo and aquarium leaders may like to note that: Provision of staff training and skills in welfare monitoring are highly valued during both the BIAZA and EAZA accreditation processes.

Distance Learning Programme with residential block

The course is a partnership between the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Sparsholt College Hampshire. It is a 2 year programme delivered by distance learning mode.

As such, it is designed for people already working in the zoo and aquarium community in a paid Keeper or Aquarist role. On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma qualification and certificate.

The course is also mapped to the European Professorial Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF) developed with EAZA.

Sparsholt College, home of the National Zoo Academy and creators of the DMZAA qualification, is proud to introduce the brand new BIAZA supported Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship!

A unique CPD programme specifically for the zoo community, which builds and develops the management skills needed for professional zoo leadership. Delivered remotely via MS Teams, with remote support from the trainer, learners will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions with guest speakers relevant to the zoo profession.

A unique CPD programme specifically for the zoo community, which builds and develops the management skills needed for professional zoo leadership. Delivered through a blend of virtual and face-to-face workshop attendance, with remote support from the trainer. Learners will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions with guest speakers relevant to the zoo profession.