Animal Care

Start Date

Level

Course Course: P00759

Area: Animal Care

Campus: Hillsborough Campus

About this Course

Love working with animals? Turn your passion into a career in a range of specifically designed courses to help you gain knowledge and industry standards practice. Depending on the course you choose, you will receive tailored content based around a range of species and skillsets. Each course is it's own specific pathway.

What you can study

Land-Based Studies Level 1

An introduction to working with animals and plants, including basic care, handling, and safety. This course covers a range of land based techniques (not just animal).

Animal Care Level 2

Build your knowledge of animal health, feeding, grooming, and welfare. This is for students who want to start a career in animal care and want to progress directly to employment in animal care such as kennel work, or to an animal apprenticeship. Progression onto Level 3 pathways is offered if a student meet required progression criteria.

Dog Grooming Level 2 (16 - 18-year-olds)

This qualification is aimed for you if you are wanting to start a career in the dog grooming industry. Learn grooming techniques, handling skills, and how to care for dogs professionally. You will be working in a live dog grooming salon, with real clients and professional standards.

Animal Management Level 3

Explore advanced welfare, care, animal science, health, practical animal husbandry and business in the animal care industry. This pathway is split into two separate years, allowing learners to gain a foundational knowledge and then progress into more specific advanced skillsets such as grooming, zoological and research projects. Upon completion, this course is equivalent to three A Levels, allowing progression into a range of animal care industries and higher education pathways.

T Level Animal Management and Behaviour

A technical level 3 qualification in animal care, combining in-depth classroom study with practical experience in the workplace. Learners work to achieve exams and practical assessments to complete professional standards. Upon completion, this course is equivalent to three A Levels, allowing progression into a range of animal care industries and higher education pathways. This is a two year pathway.

Entry Requirements

Land-Based Studies Level 1
4 GCSEs at A*- E/grade 2 or above, including English Language, maths and science.

Animal Care Level 2
(Internal progression to L3 requires a Merit overall, completion of work placement hours and passing maths and English. Progression to Dog Grooming L2 requires a Merit, completion of work placement hours and passing at least one maths or English)
4 GCSEs at A*- D/grade 3 or above, including English Language, maths and science.

Dog Grooming Level 2 (16-18)
(Internal progression to Dog Grooming L3 requires a Merit, completion of work placement hours and passing of maths and English)
4 GCSEs at A*- D/grade 3 or above, including English Language.

Animal Management Level 3
(Internal progression to Y2 requires a minimum of passing Y1, completion of Y1 work placement hours)
5 GCSEs at A*- C/grade 4 or above, including English Language, maths and double science

T Level Animal Management and Behaviour
5 GCSEs at A*- B/grade 5 or above, including English Language, maths and biology

Assessment

Land-Based Studies Level 1
Practical assessments and written assignments in both animal and plant pathways
Animal Care Level 2
Written assignments, practical demonstrations, and externally set exams
Work Experience achievements and industry assessments
Dog Grooming Level 2
Written assignments, practical demonstrations, and externally set exams
Work Experience achievements and industry assessments
Animal Management Level 3
Written assignments, practical demonstrations, a research portfolio, and externally set exams
Work Experience achievements and industry assessments
T Level Animal Management and Behaviour
Written assignments, practical demonstrations, a research portfolio, and exams
80% of the course is classroom-based learning, and 20% is a work-based industry placement

Where does this Lead

After completing your course, you can progress to:

University-level qualifications in animal science, veterinary nursing, zoology or related subjects, higher or degree
Apprenticeships in animal care, environmental work, or veterinary support
Direct employment in the animal care sector

Future Opportunities

With the right training and experience, you could work in roles such as:

Veterinary Nurse
Animal Welfare Officer
Dog Groomer
Zoo or Wildlife Keeper
Pet Behaviour Specialist
Farm or Kennel Worker
Animal Rescue Centre Staff
Animal Technician (labs or research)

Tell Me More

Interview process

For this course, the interview process for the includes an information session followed by a 1:1 chat with a tutor. During the information session, you will receive important details about the course structure and expectations, along with a chance to ask any questions. This is crucial to ensure you understand the course fully and how it aligns with your goals.

Will this course suit me?

This course is ideal for you if you:

Love being around animals and want to understand how to care for them properly
Enjoy hands-on, practical work - indoors and outdoors
Want to work in a career that makes a difference to animal health and welfare
Are interested in science, animal behaviour, or veterinary care

Staff and facilities

At The Sheffield College, you will learn from highly qualified staff with a wealth of experience in both academic and animal care sectors. The college offers excellent facilities to support your learning, including our very own exotic animal room and dog grooming salon, interactive learning environments, and access to industry-standard resources.

Course enrichment

You will have the opportunity to engage in various enrichment activities such as industry visits, guest speaker sessions and workshops.

Extra Costs

It is a mandatory requirement to bring practical equipment to sessions, these will need to be purchased and checked by a member of the team before practical work begins:

Animal Programmes:

Scrub Top/ Overalls
Gloves (gardening type)
Hair Bobbles
Steel Toe Capped Boots/Wellies

Dog Grooming:

Dog Grooming Tunic/Uniform
Flat shoes (e.g trainers)
Dog Grooming Kit (specific - this will be discussed at interview)

On all courses, there are books which aid student learning, for L3 pathways there will be revision guides and workbooks to support with exams.

Please be aware that students will be required to organise their own travel arrangements to and from their placement. Students who are in financial hardship may be eligible to apply for a Student Support Fund to help them with course related expenses.

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