Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
This technical qualification has been designed by employers to deliver the most up-to-date and relevant technical skills, which combine both theory and practical knowledge with real life work experience. You will explore key areas such as animal health, behaviour, and nutrition within our modern college facilities. Students will develop their practical skills, including cleaning out accommodation, feeding and watering animals, grooming and exercise.
The Program of Study combines the City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care, with Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths lessons (depending on previous qualifications), work experience and weekend duties.
Students will need to purchase their PPE for the Animal Management Centre. Details with what is required will be provided at enrolment. Students will work in all weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring our animals are provided with the highest welfare standards.
Why Our 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 4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language, science and maths.
- Completion of a taster day
Learning Outcomes
Units include:
- Maintain animal health and welfare
- Animal feeding and accommodation
- Animal behaviour and handling
- Working in the animal care industry
- Health and safety for the land-based industries
- The principles of animal biology
- Caring for zoo animals
- Kennels and Catteries
- Work placement (minimum 150 hours)
Please note, units are subject to review each academic year and may change.
Assessment
To achieve the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care, students need to complete all the following components:
- Animal Care Synoptic assignment
- Animal Care Theory exam
- Health and Safety Theory exam
- Theory and practical assignments
- 150 hours of work experience
Progression
Upon successful completion at Merit and achieving your English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you could progress to Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management. Achieving a Pass, with either English or Maths at a grade 4, you could study the Level 3 Certificate in Animal Management. Alternatively you may wish to gain employment or an apprenticeship.
Career Progression
Animal Care Assistant, Kennel and Cattery worker, Pet Shop Assistant
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
There may be some costs for trips, visits or additional qualifications.
