FAQ CAB-ABT

If you have already studied a course module at the same or higher level as a module of the course you register for, it is possible to request one or more exemptions. Exemption from a module will be granted if you can show successful completion of work as defined by the course’s learning outcomes. You find a detailed description of the content and learning outcomes of each module in the ECTS files on the course website. 

Please note that exemption can only be granted for a complete module and not for separate parts of a module.

Alumni or last year students of the professional bachelor in Animal care (Flanders) unfortunately cannot apply for exemptions based on their professional bachelor. We studied the different programs and exemption is not possible for our courses.

If you wish to apply for exemption based on previously acquired qualifications, please follow the procedure below.

1. Provide a portfolio with the following items:

• A copy of your diploma (if we have not received it yet).
• For each module you apply for exemption:
• A written proof that you master the content of this module including the grade obtained and the year of completion of the module.
• A copy of the ECTS-file of the course module you have already followed (in English, Dutch, French or German).
• A copy of the course syllabus or course handbook outline of the module.

2. Send your portfolio before the 15th of  September to Adinda Sannen.

The program coordinator will assess your application. You will receive an email notification of the outcome of your application before the end of September. If you are granted an exemption we will subtract an amount of €130 per study point from your registration fee.

ECTS is the abbreviation of European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and is introduced by the European Union in order to facilitate student exchange between the different countries and to have academic qualifications and study periods abroad recognised.

The European Commission explains this as follows:

“ECTS allows credits taken at one higher education institution to be counted towards a qualification studied for at another. ECTS credits represent learning based on defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. ECTS enhances the flexibility of study programmes for students.”
Read more on their website.

If you do not have a bachelor degree you can apply for admission through an evaluation of your portfolio and submission of a motivation letter.

Note that we recommend a master degree for the Postgraduate course in Clinical animal behaviour.

An important part of the application procedure for the postgraduate courses is the motivation letter. We will assess your motivation letter together with your CV to find out if you are the kind of student we are looking for in our courses and whether you have a realistic chance to complete the course successfully. 

In the first part of the letter tell us about your background in the field of companion animal behaviour and welfare. Think for example of the following questions:

• In what kind of activities have you participated that illustrate your interest and passion for companion animal behaviour and welfare?
• How are these activities going to influence your functioning during the course? 

In the second part elaborate on your ambition to study companion animal behaviour and welfare.

• Why do you feel attracted to the program?
• What is your motivation to participate in the course of your choice?
• What do you expect to learn during the course?
• What do you think makes you an excellent student for this course?

In the final part of your letter tell us about your future plans.

• How are you going to implement your knowledge in daily practice?
• What are your career plans?
• How does the course help you in achieving your goals? 

For the format of your motivation letter, follow the general guidelines below:

• Write your motivation letter in English.
• Use a font size 12, line spacing 1.5 and a page margin of at least 2.0 cm.
• Maximum length: 3 A-4 pages.
• Include the date, your name, address and email address and sign your letter.
• Save your letter as a PDF file and send it to Adinda Sannen.
• Together with your motivation letter, send your CV and copy of your diploma(‘s).

Registrations for the Postgraduate courses Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Behaviour Technician are possible until 20th August. Late subscriptions are accepted only after agreement of the course coordinator and when the course is not fully booked yet.

Odisee offered a Postgraduate Course in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare (46 ECTS) as from 2015-2016. In 2018 we made some changes to the program. Students can now choose between the following roles: Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Animal Behaviour Technician. You can find more information on the former course in the ECTS-files and brochure.

Odisee offered this course in Dutch on the campus Sint-Niklaas from 2006 until 2016. This course (60 ECTS) is not available anymore.

• KMO-portefeuille: you can use KMO-portefeuille if you are an independent worker and you have a VAT-number. More information on kmo-portefeuille.be Odisee Advanced Education is recognized for KMO-portefeuille. The exact ‘dienstverleners’ number will be on your invoice
• Groeipakket (before: kinderbijslag): you can still receive this allowance when you are under 25 and still living with your parents. You have to be enrolled for at least 27 study points. This means that this benefit is not possible for ABT students. Please contact us if you think you can still benefit from this allowance: you will have to send a document to your Kinderbijslagfonds.