Level 1
Land-based Studies (Animal Care) Certificate Level 1
This one-year, full-time course will introduce you to the animal care sector. It will help you to develop skills to progress onto a Level 2 course, an apprenticeship or employment. This Level 1 course teaches…
Quick info
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- Awarding Organisation
- OCR
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- Duration
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Course overview
This one-year, full-time course will introduce you to the animal care sector. It will help you to develop skills to progress onto a Level 2 course, an apprenticeship or employment.
This Level 1 course teaches you how to properly handle and care for animals. Students work with small mammals and reptiles, learning about their health, welfare, handling, cleaning and feeding in our Small Animal Centre, as well as lessons in the classroom. You will also develop skills in teamwork, initiative and employability.
The course includes units on wild animals, conservation and biology, as well as practical and written animal care assignments. Students will also participate in work experience activities related to animal care.
Additionally, students will undertake English and Maths qualifications at an appropriate level, with the opportunity for GCSE resits if necessary.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
If you’re a school leaver and interested in animal care, this course is an ideal stepping stone towards achieving your ambition.
You should be interested in working with animals and finding out how to care for them.
What you’ll learn
During the Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies (Animal Care) course, you will learn how to handle and care for small animals correctly, including how to check their health.
You will work with a wide range of animals including small mammals and reptiles. You will also learn how to use your initiative and how to work as part of a team.
During this vocational course, you will:
- Study subjects including animal health, welfare, handling, cleaning and feeding
- Carry out units looking at wild animals, conservation and biology
- Complete a series of practical and written animal care assignments
- Develop your employability skills
- Undertake work experience related activities
You will take an English and Maths Functional Skills qualification at the right level for you. If you have achieved a Grade 3 for GCSE English or Maths at school, you will undertake a resit in your GCSE.
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 3, including Maths, English and preferably Science.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure that we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.
Some Level 1 Technical qualifications may require a slightly higher entry requirement based on the specific content of the course. This may include having English or Maths at Grade 3.
We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure that you can flourish.
Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process; we are here to help take you to the next level.
Future career and study
After completing this course, you could progress to an apprenticeship or higher level qualification in animal care to continue your training. Your next steps will depend on the level of learning and personal development that you reach and the grade of qualification that you have gained.
You could progress onto a Level 2 course or an apprenticeship, or you could go directly into employment in a range of animal-related occupations, for example, kennel or cattery staff, animal care assistant or pet shop assistant.
Additional costs
To ensure that you work to professional standards, you will be required to wear a uniform in the Animal Centre. The cost is approximately £36 and other protective workwear is approximately £50 (only payable if you do not already have suitable boots and gloves).
There is a fee for trips and educational activities which is approximately £35.
If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.