- Duration
1 year - Certificate, 2 years - Diploma
- Attendance
- One day per week
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
This is a varied and interesting course designed to provide you with a broad educaition in the main aspects of animal care.
You will work with a variety of animals including mammals, exotics, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians as a basis for further education courses at college and for moving into relevant employment.
This course will help you develop you practical skills to a professional and competent level as well as increasing your knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
Completion of the Level 1 Animal Care Diploma will allow you to progress on to other courses or gain employment in the animal care industry.
Entry Requirements
School Students
- Applicants must be 14 years of age or older by 31st August of the year of applying.
- A service level agreement must be agreed and signed between the College and participating School before learners can be enrolled.
- The school must be in agreement with the application and agree to pay the fees.
Electively Home Educated
- Students must have been out of education and home schooled for at least 6 months prior to enrolling.
- Applicants must be 14 years of age or older by 31st August of the year of applying.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Luc progressed from the 14 - 16 level 1 course to take the level 2 and then 3 in Animal Care, achieving 'Top Student' on the 14-16 course.
I chose this course as I am able to practise my literacy and numeracy skills whilst learning about caring for animals and about different environments. I enjoy practical tasks and this course gives me lots of hands-on learning. The best part of this course is caring for the animals and the practical handling sessions especially the guinea pigs. In the future I would like to enrol on the Rural Pathways course at Plumpton College with a view to working in agriculture.
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.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
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 depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.
