Course overview
Do you love animals? Are you looking to work with them in a cattery, kennel,
pet shop or rescue centre?
If so, we’ve got a fantastic course for you at Plumpton where you’ll learn
about household pets, exotics and large animals.
You can look forward to loads of practical hands-on experience with our
different animals here on-site, plus learning all the theory you’ll need to be
successful in your future role.
This course is designed to give you some experience of animal care, working
with household pets, exotics, and large animals. You will spend one day a week
on work experience, with three or four days at College divided between practical
and theory sessions.
The course is ideal for those wishing to develop a career in kennels,
catteries, pet shops and rescue centres, or to progress onto the Subsidiary
Diploma or Extended Diploma in Animal Management for those with Distinction
grades.
Modules
This introductory course combines scientific knowledge with practical animal care. You’ll learn how to support animal health and welfare, understand behaviour and handle a range of species safely and confidently.
What you’ll learn
Topics include:
- Animal health – recognising signs of good and poor health and monitoring animals
- Animal welfare – understanding animal needs, welfare legislation and responsible care
- Animal behaviour – exploring normal and abnormal behaviour and animal communication
- Animal handling – developing safe handling and restraint techniques
You’ll combine classroom learning with practical experience, building a strong foundation for progression to Level 2 or Level 3 animal care programmes and future employment in the animal industry.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the programme through a combination of external assessment, written assignments and practical activities.
- Animal Health – an externally set examination
- Animal Welfare – internally assessed assignments
- Animal Behaviour – internally assessed assignments and activities
- Animal Handling – practical activities and observations demonstrating safe, appropriate handling skills
You’ll be assessed through written work, practical tasks and the application of your knowledge. Regular attendance and participation are important so you can demonstrate your understanding and practical skills.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
The course is supportive, practical and confidence-building. You’ll combine classroom activities with hands-on work with animals, giving you plenty of opportunities to practise new skills.
It’s a positive starting point if you’re interested in animals and are still developing your confidence, study skills or understanding of the animal care industry.
Industry links
Learning is brought to life through practical work with animals and exposure to the wider animal care industry. You’ll develop skills in safe handling, welfare and professional working practices and may benefit from visits, guest speakers and engagement with animal care organisations.
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
“I’ve really enjoyed being on the course and being surrounded by such supportive lecturers helped me to achieve the best marks I could; I’m glad I took the course at Plumpton College, I’ve learnt so much in the time I’ve spent here.” Ruby-Anne Reed, Level 2 Animal Management Student
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Progression routes
The First Award provides a foundation for further study in animal care. Depending on achievement, English and maths results, attendance and overall readiness, you may progress to the Level 2 Technical Diploma.
The course also provides useful preparation for apprenticeships, volunteering and entry-level opportunities within the animal 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
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest