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About the course
This course is designed for anyone passionate about animal care and welfare – whether you dream of managing a pet shop, grooming dogs, working with wildlife, or caring for exotic species. It provides the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to start or advance your career in the Animal Care Industry.
It will develop your knowledge in a range of topics such as sustainability, ethics and health and safety. You will develop an understanding of working within the land sector, including professional responsibilities, business management and project management.
Learners will also study Animal Management and Behaviour as the occupational specialism, where you will gain an understanding of the theoretical principles and practices covering animal health and welfare, animal environments and animal behaviour.
Course Progression
Successful completion of this qualification opens the door to higher education, as it carries UCAS points (amount depending on your final grade). You’ll be well-prepared to continue your studies at degree level or to step confidently into senior positions within the animal care sector.
Other qualifications available
Read more about Level 2 – Animal Care, Level 3 – Practical skills and T Level Foundation Programme
Course Start
Course Length
Year Two: 11 months – Both on a full-time basis (four days a week)
Location
Days & Entry Requirements
Four days: Three weekdays PLUS one day at the weekend, every week for the duration of the course.
Note: Courses run from September to July – with two weeks off at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. We do not break for half-terms or bank holidays.
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science/Biology at grade 5 / B or above.
Independent study skills are required to work at this level, plus all students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, plus attend every day of a hands-on practical assessment week.
In the 2nd year, you will need to complete a 45-day external Work Experience placement.
Course Content
Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Common Core
- Health & Safety
- Ethics
- Business
- Equality
- Relationship management
- Finance
Animal Management Core Pathway
- Sustainability
- Biosecurity
- Supply chain
- Learning theories
- Anatomy & physiology
- Animal health
Animal Management and Behaviour Occupational Specialism
- Optimise health and welfare of animals
- Health, safety and the environment
- Animal biology
- Animal welfare
- Husbandry skills
- Optimise animal environments to meet their needs
- Environment design
- Apply techniques to influence positive animal behaviour
- Animal training
- Provide information researched on an animal to promote animal welfare and conservation
- Animal welfare and conservation
- Research
Important Information
- Students will undertake extensive practical work experience throughout both years and will need to find an external work experience placement in year two.
- Students will need to complete practical assessments and give presentations, whilst being filmed, for their qualification.
- Students also cover CV writing, job applications, UCAS applications, interview techniques, team working, dealing with the public and employability skills, across the two years.
2027/29 -Funding Support
On enrolment, ALL students need to purchase uniform tops. This is not covered by your course fees.
16-18 year-old students (age at the start of each academic year) are exempt from tuition and registration fees.
Eligible students may apply for a College bursary to cover travel costs. Please contact Bucks College Group for details.
T-Level is not currently available to students age 19+.
What careers could this lead to?
Achieving this qualification may help you work in roles such as: Kennel and cattery worker/supervisor, Pet store assistant/supervisor, Animal Hospital care assistant, Wildlife assistant, Dog grooming assistant, Animal feed sales rep, Pet Sitter or Dog Walker, Trainee zoo keeper or aquarist or Trainee animal husbandry technician.
This qualification is a fantastic foundation for anyone passionate about working with animals – whether you’re starting your career, looking to gain hands-on experience, or hoping to progress to more specialist roles in the future.
