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. Our animal care courses will give you hands-on skills and experience to care for a wide range of animals - from pets to farm animals and exotic species.

Key Units

Land-Based Studies Level 1

An introduction to working with animals, including basic care, handling, and safety.

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 science and want to progress directly to employment in animal science, or to an animal science Apprenticeship.

Dog Grooming Level 2

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.

Animal Management Level 3

Explore advanced care, animal science, health, practical animal husbandry and business in the animal care industry.

T Level Animal Management and Behaviour

A technical qualification in animal care, combining in-depth classroom study with practical experience in the workplace.

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

4 GCSEs at A*- D/grade 3 or above, including English Language, maths and science

Dog Grooming Level 2

4 GCSEs at A*- D/grade 3 or above, including English Language

Animal Management Level 3

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

Animal Care Level 2

Written assignments, practical demonstrations, and online exams

Dog Grooming Level 2

Written assignments, practical demonstrations, and online exams

Animal Management Level 3

Written assignments, practical demonstrations, a research portfolio, and exams

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

You may be required to provide your own overalls (available to purchase through the college for approximately £15) and a pair of wellington/steel toe-capped boots. Students may also purchase a Sheffield College animal care polo-shirt, however this is not a required/mandatory uniform. Students are also advised to provide a USB memory stick so that they can store their work/assignments.

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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