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 campus, 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
Gain the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to care for animals and take your first steps towards a rewarding career in the animal care industry.
This engaging programme combines practical experience with classroom learning, giving you the opportunity to work with a range of animal species while developing greater independence and responsibility.
You will learn about:
- Animal health and welfare
- Animal biology
- Feeding and nutrition
- Animal behaviour
- Safe handling and restraint
- Maintaining animal accommodation
- Working safely in an animal care environment
- Practical skills for employment
With a strong focus on practical learning and employability, you will apply your knowledge through hands-on animal care, classroom study and work experience.
The course is an excellent stepping stone towards Level 3 animal programmes, apprenticeships or employment in the animal care sector.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the programme, giving you regular opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge, practical skills and progress. You will be assessed through a combination of external examinations, written assignments, practical observations and vocational activities.
External examinations
Two units are assessed through externally set examinations:
- Animal Health
- Animal Welfare
- Practical and internal assessments
Other units are assessed through a variety of engaging activities, including:
- Written assignments and reports
- Worksheets and case studies
- Observed practical tasks
- Practical animal handling and husbandry
- Maintaining clean, safe and suitable animal accommodation
- Vocational activities based on real animal care situations
You will build confidence by applying what you learn in the classroom to hands-on animal care. Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, so regular attendance, good organisation and meeting deadlines are important to help you succeed.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Busy, practical and varied. You will spend time both in the classroom and working practically with animals, gradually becoming more independent in your animal care skills.
You will be expected to take responsibility for your learning, attendance and work experience, while receiving support to prepare you for progression to Level 3 or employment.
Industry links
This programme gives you valuable, real-world experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to work in the animal care industry.
You will develop practical skills by working directly with animals and completing work experience, helping you build the confidence, professionalism and workplace behaviours employers look for. Industry visits, guest speakers and other opportunities to engage with professionals will bring your learning to life and show you where a career in animal care could take you.
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 and Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Progression routes
On successful completion, you could progress to a range of Level 3 Animal Management programmes at Plumpton, including T Level Animal Science or T Level Animal Behaviour, subject to meeting the relevant entry and progression requirements.
The programme also helps prepare you for apprenticeships and employment across the animal care industry, including roles in:
- Animal care
- Kennels and catteries
- Animal charities
- Pet care
- Other animal-related businesses
Whether you want to continue your studies or move into employment, this course will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to take your next step.
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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