Focussing upon the major principles and practices of animal care and welfare, from managing a pet shop to caring for exotic animals, you will be able to start or build on a career in the Animal Care Industry. This course will help you develop the skills to be a more senior worker or manager, or to prepare for higher-level training.
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What will I learn?
You will cover a wide variety of topics including animal biology and inheritance, exotic animal care and husbandry and animal nutrition. You'll also gain plenty of practical experience in your choice of skills, from wildlife population & habitat surveys, handling a wide range of wild species, as well as isolating bacteria in the laboratory.
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Example modules
- Animal Feeding and Nutrition
- Animal Behaviour and Communication
- Biological Systems of Animals
- Wildlife and Ecology Conservation
- Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation
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How will I be assessed?
To earn this qualification, you must complete a range of mandatory units. Progress and achievement is recorded throughout the year via exams, practical assessments and written assignments. Learning will be through practical sessions, group discussions, research and assignments. Students are expected to complete assignments at home to improve their overall background knowledge.
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Entry Requirements
Year One: 4 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at grade 4 (C) or above. OR Level 2 Animal Care Diploma at Merit Grade, with a Distinction in the Biology Unit. Plus independent study skills are required to work at this level.
Year Two: All Units must be passed in Year One, including a Merit or above in the Principles of Animal Biology unit, before students are permitted to enrol into Year Two
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Progression & Career Opportunities
You can progress onto University, as this course has UCAS points, or into employment. Achieving this qualification may help you work in roles such as: Animal physiotherapist; Animal technician; Applied animal behaviourist; Animal trainer; Dog handler; Kennel manager; Pet shop manager; Zoo keeper.
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Cost of Study
16-18 year-old students are exempt from tuition and registration fees. (You will need to be 18 or under at the start of each academic year to qualify for funding in that year).
19+ Course fees are £1,508 per academic year. 19-24 year olds may qualify for full or partial course fees funding, depending on eligibility criteria.
On enrolment, ALL students will need to purchase & wear uniform tops. This is not covered by tuition fees.
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Additional Information
Each year is 11 months, running four days a week (three weekdays plus one day at the weekend). Students must pass their first year to progress to the second year.
