Course overview

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care City of Bristol College

This one-year, full-time course is designed to be a starting point for working in animal care. 

You will gain skills and experience in looking after small animals, and also work to improve your English and Maths.

It is assessed through a variety of written and practical assessments.  

Units include:

Health and Welfare, Feeding & Accommodation, Behaviour & Handling and Animal Biology.  

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care SBSA and Construction Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LMF1307C01-1
Dates
05/09/2023 - 21/06/2024
Duration
1 years
Days
Groups (mixed days)
Hours per week
9.75
Start Time
09:15
Location
SBSA and Construction Centre
Fee
This course costs £632. If you are aged 16-18 and looking to study full time; you will not pay any tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over, you may also be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Apply
Level 2 Extended Certificate in Animal Care SBSA and Construction Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LMF1307C01-1
Dates
03/09/2024 - 20/06/2025
Duration
1 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
9.75
Start Time
09:15
Location
SBSA and Construction Centre
Fee
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LMF1307C01-1 05/09/2023 - 21/06/2024 1 years Groups (mixed days) 9.75 09:15 SBSA and Construction Centre
This course costs £632. If you are aged 16-18 and looking to study full time; you will not pay any tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over, you may also be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Apply
LMF1307C01-1 03/09/2024 - 20/06/2025 1 years Date/Day(s) Being Finalised 9.75 09:15 SBSA and Construction Centre
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This course is for young people aged 16-18 who are interested in a career caring for animals.

What you'll learn

You will learn the theory of animal care supported by practical learning to develop your skills and demonstrate the professional standards required in the animal care industry.

You will study a variety of topics covering working safely with animals in different situations.

You will learn about:

  • Animal Health and Welfare 
  • Animal Feeding 
  • Cleaning and Maintenance of Animal Accomodation 
  • Animal Biology
  • Zoo Animals 
  • Wildlife and Rehabilitation

You will also have the opportunity to study English and Maths to improve your grades so that you can progress to further learning or into employment.

Course entry requirements

To join this course, you either need four GCSEs Grade 4 or above to include English, Maths and Science, or to have completed the Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies (Animal Care) with a Merit or higher and be working towards Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. 

How is the course delivered and assessed?

You will learn through a mix of classroom and practical activities in our Animal Care Centre at South Bristol Skills Academy, where you will work with small mammals and reptiles.

You will also undertake a work experience placement in an animal care setting which you need to apply for. 

Your work will be assessed throughout the year by exams, assignments and practical tasks. Maths and English will be assessed by exams.

Future career and study opportunities

After completing this course, you could progress to an apprenticeship or higher level qualification in animal care to continue your training, or you could go directly into employment in a range of animal-related occupations, for example pre-veterinary nurse training, kennel or cattery staff, animal technician 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 Care Centre – the cost is approximately £30. You will also be required to contribute to educational activities – approximately £150 for the year.

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

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