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About the course
The Level 2 Study Programme: Animal Care & Science course is a specially designed 16-to-18 study programme aimed at developing the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours necessary for successful future study.
This course will run across two sites – Tiggywinkles in Haddenham for the Animal Care qualification and Employability Skills (along with any Maths & English needed), and Buckinghamshire College Group’s Aylesbury Campus for the Science qualification.
You will gain a Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care, a Level 2 Award in the First Principles of Applied Science and a Level 2 Award in Employability Skills.
English/Maths: 16-18 year old students will be required to take English and Maths classes at the Tiggywinkles site if they do not have 9-4 / A*-C grade GCSEs. This is part of the Animal Care programme of study, and does not require any additional application for these classes although it will require one extra day a week at Tiggywinkles.
Level 3 qualifications
Click the link below to find out more about the Level 3 – Animal Management course and the Level 3 – Practical Skills course.
Course Progression
As part of the Level 2 Study Programme: Animal Care & Science, you will be given support in moving into the industry.
On achieving your Level 2 course, some students may wish to progress to further qualifications in Animal Management & Behaviour to gain an in-depth insight into the techniques and science of animal management. Alternatively, students could take the Level 3 Practical Animal Care Skills qualification to enhance their husbandry skills and animal handling confidence.
Course Start
Course Length
Location
Days & Entry Requirements
One week day plus one weekend day (at Tiggywinkles), AND one week day (at Bucks College Group in Aylesbury) every week for the duration of the course. 16-18 year olds requiring English or Maths classes will additionally need to attend one lesson a week at Tiggywinkles.
Note: Courses run from September to end of July – with two weeks off at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. We do NOT break for half-terms or bank holidays.
4 GCSEs at grade 3 / D-E or above, including English and Maths.
Independent study skills are required to work at this level. All students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, and attend every day of a hands-on practical trial week.
Mandatory units
At Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital:
- Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
- Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
- Maintain Animal Accommodation
- Understand British Wildlife Species, Habitats and Rehabilitation
- Extensive practical husbandry experience
- (Plus Maths & English classes if required)
At Buckinghamshire College:
- Principles of science
- Chemistry of our Earth
- Energy of our Universe
- Biology and our Environment
2026/28 – Fees & Funding Support
On enrolment, ALL students will be required to purchase and wear uniform tops (this is not covered by course fees).
Students aged 16-18 are exempt from tuition and registration fees.
What careers could this lead to?
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers working with animals, such as kennels and catteries, pet shops, pet sitting or dog walking, zoos and wildlife parks and welfare organisations.
This qualification also provides a strong foundation for further study. Many students progress to a Level 3 Practical Animal Care Skills qualification to enhance their husbandry skills and animal handling confidence..
If you’re dreaming of working hands-on in animal care, this course is a great first step.
