Animal Care and Land-Based Studies

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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.