Course overview
If you’re leaving school, this course is a fantastic introduction to animal
care that you’ll really enjoy.
You will work with a range of species including mammals, exotics, reptiles,
fish, birds and amphibians, all housed within our excellent animal management
unit here at Plumpton College.
You will learn the essential skills required to work within the animal care
industry such as how to feed and water animals, maintaining their accommodation,
handling animals and carrying out animal health checks.
You will also have the opportunity to develop you maths and English skills as
well as your personal development skills, such as time-keeping, team work,
independent study or anything else that you feel you would like to develop.
Modules
Build your confidence caring for animals
This introductory, practical course is designed for learners who want to develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for animals safely and responsibly.
You’ll explore a range of animal species while building confidence through hands-on activities and accessible classroom learning. The course will help you understand animal care routines, develop practical skills and prepare for further study or entry-level employment in the animal care industry.
What you’ll learn
Topics may include:
- Animal health and wellbeing
- Feeding and watering animals
- Safe animal handling
- Cleaning and maintaining animal accommodation
- Recognising normal animal behaviour
- Working safely around animals
- Carrying out everyday animal care routines
- Developing practical employability skills
You’ll learn how to work responsibly around animals and understand the importance of maintaining high standards of care, hygiene, health and safety.
Learn through practical experience
The course has a strong hands-on focus, giving you regular opportunities to practise your skills with support from experienced tutors. Practical activities are complemented by classroom sessions, helping you connect what you learn with real animal care situations.
Your next steps
This course provides a solid foundation for progression to higher-level animal care courses or entry-level opportunities within the animal industry. It’s an ideal starting point if you’re interested in working with animals and want to develop the confidence and skills needed for your next step.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a combination of practical activities, coursework and online examinations. Assessment takes place throughout the course, with a strong focus on learning by doing and building your practical skills and confidence.
Assessment includes:
- Two online examinations, completed under formal examination conditions
- Practical observations, where you’ll demonstrate animal care, handling and husbandry skills
- Written and portfolio-based tasks, providing evidence of your knowledge and understanding
- Practical projects and activities linked to animal care and the land-based sector
- Personal, employability and progression skills, developed and assessed alongside your vocational learning
- You’ll receive support with preparation and revision for the online examinations, while regular practical assessment will help you monitor your progress and develop the skills needed for further study or employment.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Level 1 students may have experienced barriers to learning or a disrupted experience of education at school or beyond. The programme is designed to provide a supportive route back into mainstream education, combining animal care with English and Maths across three days each week.
You will learn alongside other students who share your interest in animals, building your confidence, practical skills and independence throughout the year. For many learners, Level 1 is the first step towards progressing to Level 2 at Plumpton and beginning a longer journey into animal care or land based study.
Industry links
Through practical activities, visits and workplace-focused learning, you’ll discover what’s expected in the animal care industry.
Working in our Animal Education Centre, you’ll develop safe working practices, professional behaviours and confidence caring for a range of animals.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“The Level 1 Animal care course has been great fun and I enjoyed the hands on practical side of working with animals the most. I have learnt so much about animals and I have also been able to overcome some fears.” Sam Roberts, Level 1 Animal Care Student
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 2 and above to include English and Maths OR an Entry level qualification in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 2 or functional skills entry level 3
Progression routes
This course provides a first step into animal care and land based education. Successful learners may progress to a Level 2 Animal Care programme at Plumpton, subject to meeting the progression requirements.
The skills you develop can also support applications for entry-level employment, volunteering or further training in the animal care sector.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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