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Key details

Course area
Animal Science
Student type
16 - 18 courses
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 1
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C058312 Child course code: Q058313
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Course introduction

This college qualification is for you if you have already completed a Level 1 course and would like to continue developing your skills and knowledge before progressing to Level 2.

The course is designed especially for learners who are still working towards achieving their maths and English qualifications. It provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence, develop employability skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the animal care sector.

You will gain valuable experience in areas such as animal husbandry, safe handling and behaviour, British wildlife, sustainability and conservation, and career development. Alongside this, you will continue to improve your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, all essential skills for future study and employment.

Modules include: 

  • Animal husbandry and daily care routines
  • Handling and behaviour
  • British wildlife and habitats
  • Sustainability and conservation in animal care
  • Career stepping forward
  • Maths and English (studied alongside the course)

You will also participate in enrichment activities designed to develop broader skills vital for success in any industry. These activities focus on problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions, all of which will enhance your CV. Additionally, personal development sessions will cover current and relevant topics such as PREVENT, British Values, and keeping safe, amongst others. You will receive support from a personal development tutor through one-on-one sessions focused on your wellbeing and growth. Furthermore, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will set academic targets to keep you on track towards achieving your goals.

You will be taught by our dedicated team of tutors, who bring a wide range of expertise including animal behaviour and welfare, farming, animal biology, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and exotic and zoo experience. Throughout the course you’ll benefit from friendly support from tutors, learning support assistants (LSAs) and well-being mentors, helping you to achieve your best. Learning will be practical and hands-on with our animals, supported by classroom sessions to build your knowledge, and you’ll take part in project-based activities linked to your own interests and real issues within the animal care industry. There will also be opportunities for trips, visits and guest speakers to broaden your understanding of animal care and conservation. In addition, you’ll receive personalised careers guidance, including CV workshops and mock interviews, to prepare you for your next steps. All of this will take place in a welcoming environment where you can grow in confidence, develop new skills and continue your progress in maths and English.

Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is essential for your success and to reach your full academic potential. We expect you to attend every class and engage fully in all aspects of the Programme of Study.

Course information

1 year

College Certificate

You should have previously completed a Level 1 qualification in any subject. In addition, you will need to have GCSE English and maths at grade 1–3 (or equivalent) or a Functional Skills Level 1 qualification in English and maths. If you have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above, you will continue to study English and maths alongside this course.

Assessment methods on this course include a combination of in-class knowledge checks and practical assessments. You’ll complete a variety of tasks such as posters, leaflets, short reports, presentations and observed practical activities. These have been carefully designed to assess your knowledge, understanding and skills across all units, while also helping you to build confidence in real-world scenarios

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
  • Other Level 2 vocational qualifications in animal-related industries
  • Apprenticeships and employment opportunities in the land-based sector

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.

You will be expected to come prepared ready to study with the necessary stationery requirements. You will be expected to provide your own dark green lab coat and wellington boots.

To handle and restrain the animals you will need to have short clean nails, while wearing no hand/wrist jewellery and have (if necessary) your hair tied back.

There will be additional costs involved to travel to Stonebridge Farm, Wollaton Park and any other external trip that may be arranged during the year.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Animal Care Services Occupations

Potential Earnings

£31,073.04

Average Earnings

£18,533.80

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Agriculture and Animal Care

People in these occupations plant and harvest crops, run farms, carry out fishing and aquaculture operations, and care for livestock and other animals.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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