Animal Care - Level 1 Diploma

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 part of a small group
• Maths and English, if you have not yet achieved grade 4 at GCSE - re-sit opportunities and or Functional Skills alternatives
• Work experience - both online and in-person

This course is delivered at the Centre for Applied Sciences.

Topics covered can include:

• Caring for and feeding animals
• Animal health and husbandry
• Progression planning
• Being organised
• Working as part of a team
• 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.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

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, and Agriculture. 

This course will also help you secure work in areas such as:

• Kennels
• Catteries
• Rescue and Rehabilitation Centres
• Wildlife Centres
• Pet Shops