Animal Care - Level 1 Diploma (BTEC)

This hands-on introduction to the animal care sector will equip you with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to animal care principles and practices, alongside employability units that will prepare you for work in the animal sector. You will also benefit from learning from:

• Practical sessions in our newly refurbished animal centre
• Opportunities supporting the care of our animals every day
• Enrichment activities - trips to the Zoo/ Aquarium/ Farm
• Tutorial support - pastoral care for you individually as as part of a small group.
• Maths and English, if you have not yet achieved grade 4 at GCSE - re-sit opportunites and or Functional Skills alternatives
• Work experience - both online and in person 

Topics covered will include:

• Caring for and Feeding Animals
• Animal Health and Husbandry
• Progression Planning
• Being Organised
• Working as Part of a Taam
• Accommodating and Moving animals
• The Land Based Sector
• Growing Plants
• Aquatic Environments

You will need: Three GCSEs at grade 2 ideally in Maths and English or above or a relevant Entry Level 3 qualification. 

 All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including written assignments, practical demonstrations, worksheets, logbooks, presentations and group projects.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as Animal Care - Level 2 Diploma, or into other Level 2 Diploma courses in similar disciplines, such as Horticulture, Applied Science, Ariculture. 

This course will also help you secure work in areas such as:
Kennels
Catteries
Rescue and Rehabilitation Centres
Wildlife Centres
Pet Shops