Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies (Animal Care)

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.

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. 

You will need at least two GCSEs at Grade 3 which must include English and Maths. Alternatively, you may be able to progress from the E3 level course if you achieve a high enough grade alongside excellent attendance in all elements of your programme of study. 

This is a one-year, full-time course. You will be expected to attend college for three or four days a week. Your programme of study will include the opportunity to continue to improve your English and Maths skills and attending these lessons is compulsory. 

You will learn from our experienced and supportive teachers and be assessed through a mix of practical activities, projects and presentations. Most of your practical learning will take place in our Animal Centre, where we house our small animals and reptiles, but you will also get the opportunity to complete work placements or work-related activities. 

During this course, you will be assessed in a variety of different ways to give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your skills throughout the year. English and Maths will be assessed by written tests or exams, and you will carry out a number of work-based assignments for your personal and social development. 

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. 

To ensure that you work to professional standards, you will be required to wear a uniform in the Animal Care Centre – the cost is approximately £30. You will also be required to contribute to educational activities – approximately £90 for the year. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.