Course overview
Combine your interest for animal health, physiology and animal welfare.
Students will explore essential topics like sustainability and biosecurity while
gaining practical skills in animal care, health management, and project
execution, preparing them for successful careers in the animal care sector.
The T Level is split into three areas of knowledge that is taught
holistically.
The Common Core content provides foundational knowledge and skills for
learners in the Animal Care industries, ensuring they understand various job
roles.
The Core Pathway focuses specifically on the Animal Care sector, equipping
students with essential knowledge and skills for Occupational Specialism.
Overall, students will develop the competencies necessary to enter the industry
and demonstrate their abilities over time with appropriate support and
training.
This T Level includes 9 weeks minimum working with an employer on an industry
placement.
Modules
Topic areas include:
- sustainability, climate change, the principles of biosecurity, principles of customer care and health and safety
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:
- Working within the animal care sectors and the professional responsibilities, attitudes and behaviours required to do so
- Health and safety in the workplace
- Business management required within the sector to provide a product or service with success
- Project management and delivery of a project
The Core Pathway the theoretical knowledge of animal management sectors and various disciplines that are indicative of the industries. You will gain an understanding of what theoretical principles and practices, integral to the industry and sector, are required to work in it. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:
- Fundamental health and safety principles
- Principles of biosecurity
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal health and techniques used to administer medication
- Learning theories and animal health
- Occupational Specialism
You will have the opportunity to plan, perform and evaluate your work, using a range of techniques, methods and resources. You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of and skills in:
- Optimising the health and welfare of animals
- The impact the environment can have on animals and how it can best optimised
- Optimising animal health and welfare
- Applying techniques to influence animal behaviour positively
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place across both years and includes a combination of written examinations, controlled assessments and practical application of skills.
Year 1
Two written examinations covering the Common Core and Core Pathway knowledge.
Employer-Set Project (ESP) – a controlled assessment based on a realistic industry scenario, requiring you to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Year 2
Research Project – a controlled assessment requiring you to investigate an animal-related topic and demonstrate research, analysis and evaluation skills.
Synoptic Assessment – an extended assessment bringing together knowledge and skills from across the programme, including practical animal handling and the development/application of animal training plans.
The assessment approach means you need to demonstrate not only what you know, but also your ability to apply your knowledge in practical and industry-relevant situations.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
As a student on this course, you will explore animal behaviour in depth, developing an understanding of how and why animals behave as they do. You will discover how behaviour connects with welfare, training, management and the human–animal relationship.
Your learning will combine classroom study, practical activities and a substantial industry placement. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience the professional standards and expectations of the workplace.
The course is demanding and requires independence, organisation and commitment. However, it is also practical and career-focused, helping you prepare for higher education and future careers in animal behaviour, welfare, training and related areas.
Industry links
Industry experience is a central part of the T Level. You’ll complete a substantial industry placement of at least 315 hours, developing professional behaviours and applying your knowledge within a real animal-related workplace.
Industry scenarios, employers, visits and guest speakers help you connect your studies in behaviour, welfare, training and animal management with professional practice and future careers.
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
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above to include English, Maths and Science OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Progression routes
Future opportunities and career progression options include:
- Zookeeper
- Animal care worker
- Assistance dog trainer
- Dog handler
- Animal technician
You will be able to progress to our university courses in animal studies, such as FdSc Animal Behaviour and Conservation, FdSc Veterinary Nursing or BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy.
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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