Skip to main content

It looks like you have JavaScript turned off

Pretty much everything should work. But you may find some components look slightly off as a result. You can find out what JavaScript is here. If you don't have JavaScript turned off, or if something doesn't work that you think should do, please email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Animal Care (Level 2) — Full-time

Course outline

If you enjoy and have some experience in caring for animals, and you would like a career in a related industry such as zoos, animal welfare or the equestrian industry then course is for you.

You’ll learn all about:

  • Animal accommodation
  • Feeding and grooming
  • Animal health
  • Behaviour and handling
  • Animal biology
  • Land-based industries and breeding

You can expect work experience and visits to animal centres such as Stonebridge City Farm and local riding stables. We also organise visits to places such as Southwell Racecourse, Crufts, Twycross Zoo and Yorkshire Wildlife Park. You’ll also develop your literacy and numeracy skills and complete work experience while gaining a qualification to recognise your achievement.

How to apply for this course

Apply online to start in 2024/25.

Want to find out more first?

Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.

Download a guide Browse careers Get in touch
Location Date
664 Nuthall Road
Basford
Nottingham
NG8 6AQ

Start: Monday 2nd September 2024

Course code: C000478 / Q002629

Qualification

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Studies.

Duration

1 year

Level Level 2
Entry requirements

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C).

Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is based on assignments related to college study, work placement experience and field trips. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.

Progression

Choose to follow with further study in animal management or a Diploma in horse care, which could lead to various careers.

Animal nutrition is a growing area with opportunities in animal health, feed development and sales. Local government and animal enforcement organisations employ graduates to protect the welfare of pets, livestock and leisure animals like those used for racing and riding.

There are a vast number of career options in the industry – whether you would like to be an Animal Carer, an Animal Welfare Officer, a Dog Groomer, a Farm Worker, a Horse Riding Instructor, a Kennel Assistant, a Park Ranger, a Veterinary Nurse or a Zoo Keeper – there are many choices available to you.

Additional information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Related courses

Our Animal Science department

Meet our Animal Science students. They explain why they chose their courses, what the courses entail, and what they enjoy. You can see the range of animals we have, that our students get hands-on experience with to get future ready.