Course overview
Combine your interests in animals and science, with our T Level course. Learn
about key topics like sustainability, climate change, and biosecurity while
developing essential knowledge and skills in agriculture, environmental, and
animal care sectors, focusing on health and safety, business management, and
practical animal science applications.
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
- health and safety
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:
- Working within the agriculture, environmental and 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 will cover the theoretical knowledge of animal science sectors and various disciplines that are indicative of the industries. You’ll 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
- Types and sources of nutrients required by animals
- Animal behaviour
For Occupational Specialism, you will have the opportunity to plan, perform and evaluate your work while using a range of techniques, methods and resources. You will develop your knowledge, understanding of and skills in:
- behaviour, security and breeding practices of animals
- management of good health and welfare of animals
- safe animal handling practices
- scientific investigations in animal science, including practical laboratory skills
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place across both years through a combination of written examinations, controlled assessments and practical application of scientific and animal management skills.
Year 1
Two written examinations covering the Common Core and Core Pathway knowledge.
Employer-Set Project (ESP) – a controlled assessment based on an industry-relevant scenario, requiring you to apply your knowledge, research and problem-solving skills.
Year 2
Research Project – a controlled assessment requiring you to investigate an animal science-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 laboratory skills.
Final Science Knowledge Test – assessing your understanding and application of the specialist scientific knowledge developed throughout the programme.
The assessment approach has a strong scientific and applied focus, requiring learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and the ability to use their knowledge confidently in practical, laboratory and industry-related contexts.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Academic, scientific and career-focused. You will study animal science in considerable depth and apply that knowledge to real situations within the animal industry. Expect a demanding combination of classroom study, practical work, assessments and a substantial industry placement.
You will need to be organised, resilient and comfortable with science, but you will develop the specialist knowledge and professional experience needed for progression into science-based animal careers, higher apprenticeships or university.
Industry links
Industry experience is at the heart of the T Level. You’ll complete a substantial industry placement of at least 315 hours, allowing you to develop professional skills and apply your scientific and animal management knowledge within a real workplace.
Learning is also informed by employers, industry scenarios, guest speakers and visits, helping you understand current practice and the range of careers available across animal science, health, welfare and management.
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 towards becoming:
- 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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