24-Hour Emergency Helpline 01844 292292
About the course
This qualification develops practical skills, promotes sound working practices, and provides essential industry knowledge to help learners to progress into higher levels of learning or into sustainable employment in the land-based sector. Learners will complete this qualification with a concrete understanding of how to promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals, including identification of abnormal signs, monitoring, and maintaining accurate records, as well as understanding of diets, animal behaviour and caring for young animals.
Course Progression
Students who achieve grade 4+ in Maths & English, may alternatively wish to progress onto two-year Level 3 Animal Management qualification.
Note: This Certificate course does NOT give you UCAS points, therefore will not lead directly onto University.
Other qualifications available
Find out more about Level 2 – Animal Care, Level 3 – Animal Management and T Level Foundation Programme
Course Start
Course Length
Location
Days & Entry Requirements
Three weekdays, plus one day at the weekend, every week. 16-18 year olds requiring English or Maths classes will additionally need to attend lessons at the Buckinghamshire College Group.
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.
Students must hold a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care at Pass or above AND GCSEs at grade 3 / D-E or above, in English & Maths.
All students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, plus attend every day of a hands-on, practical Assessment Week.
Mandatory Units
Students must complete all mandatory units:
- Unit 1507 Promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals
- Unit 1648 Plan the handling and restraint of animals
- Unit 1565 Implement and evaluate plans for welfare of animals
- Unit 1454 Monitor and evaluate the feeding of animals
- Unit 1469 Establish animals in a new environment
- Unit 1453 Plan diets and feeding regimes for animals
- Unit 1661 Manage the care of young animals
- Unit 0675 Provide information on how to maintain the behaviour
Students will have extensive practical work experience throughout this year and will also cover CV writing, job applications, interview techniques, team working, dealing with the public and employability skills.
2026/27 – Fees & Funding Support
On enrolment, ALL students will need to purchase and wear uniform tops (this is not covered by course fees).
Students aged 16-18 are exempt from tuition and registration fees.
19+ course fees are £1,175 for the course. Payment in instalments may be possible but must be agreed in advance.
Students aged 19-24 may qualify for full or partial course fees funding, depending on eligibility criteria. Please contact Bucks College Group for more info.
What careers could this lead to?
The Level 3 Practical Skills qualification can open the door to a wide range of opportunities in the animal care sector. With this qualification, you’ll receive tailored support to help you take your next steps – whether that’s moving into employment or continuing your education.
Possible career paths include:
- Animal Technician
- Trainee Zoo Keeper
- Progression into more senior roles within your current workplace
This qualification can also provide a stepping stone into further study, such as the Level 3 Animal Management course, helping you expand your knowledge and build towards an exciting career in animal care and welfare.
