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Animal Care Level 1

  • 1

    Level
    Level 1

  • Duration
    1 year

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    Easton College campus

  • Course Code
    A0436

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

This one-year course will give you the chance to build your confidence and skills in animal care. It is a good starting point if you would like to move on to a Level 2 course, an apprenticeship, or work in the animal care sector.

You will learn about:

  • Looking after animals and their needs
  • Developing practical skills in our Animal Management Centre
  • Building your employability skills (getting ready for work)

As part of the course, you will work in both the classroom and in practical lessons, as well as completing 60 hours of work experience in our Animal Management Centre. This will help you practise real-life skills and build your confidence around animals.

Units you will study include:

  • Safe and effective working practices in Land Based Industries.
  • Preparing to work in the Land Based Industries.
  • Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals.
  • Animals in the wild and their main features.
  • Assist with feeding and watering of animals.
  • Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation.

To take part in the practical work, you will need to wear the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). We will give you full details at enrolment. Please remember you will be working outside in all weathers, as well as indoors, so warm, waterproof, and safe clothing is important.

Why Choose Easton College?

Gain hands-on experience

Work with a variety of animals in our Animal Management Centre.

Thriving life sciences industry

The East of England has a thriving life sciences industry with over 3,000 people working in over 200 companies in the industry .

Excellent career opportunities

Courses offer routes into a variety of exciting careers working for a wide range of organisations including international charities, zoological societies, conservation organisations and veterinary practices.

Entry Requirements

  • Achieve three GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English language and maths.
  • Completion of a taster day.

How You Will Be Assessed

To achieve your Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal), you will complete:

  • Two exams (set externally)
  • Assignments across five different units

You will also continue with English and maths until you achieve at least a grade 4 at GCSE.

Course Progression

This qualification is aimed at students wishing to progress onto the Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care or an apprenticeship.

Where Your Course Can Take You

This course could support you into a career working as a Kennel Assistant or Pet Shop Assistant.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.

There may be some costs for PPE, trips, visits or additional qualifications.

Why Choose Easton College?

Gain hands-on experience

Work with a variety of animals in our Animal Management Centre.

Thriving life sciences industry

The East of England has a thriving life sciences industry with over 3,000 people working in over 200 companies in the industry .

Excellent career opportunities

Courses offer routes into a variety of exciting careers working for a wide range of organisations including international charities, zoological societies, conservation organisations and veterinary practices.