Study With Us

If you’re serious about a career working with animals, this is the study programme for you.

You’ll be learning by handling the animals in the College’s collection of small mammals and exotic species, undertaking work experience placements and going on visits such as to The Deep, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Swithens Farm.

Future Career and Earning Potentials
Veterinary Nurse £20K-£28K
Countryside Ranger 16K-£30K
Zookeeper £16K-£25K
(Source: National Careers Service)

Please Note: Work placement opportunities will be available at all levels.

This study programme will cover a range of the topics and units at each level, some of which are listed below:

BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Land-based Studies - Animal Care
• Practical experience of handling, feeding and caring for a range of animals.
•  Skills needed to work in the animal care industry including: being organised, researching, teamwork, independence and being intuitive when working with animals, estate skills and wildlife surveying.
• You will also investigate working in the Land-Based Sector and develop a Personal Progression Plan to help with your next steps in the industry.

Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care
• Practical Animal Health
• Introduction to Animal Biology & Health
• Animal Care Work Placement
• Animal Welfare
• Animal Behaviour Assessment and Safe Handling
• Feeding, Accommodating & Moving Animals

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management
  
Year 1
• Animal Biology 
• Animal Welfare & Ethics
• Practical Animal Husbandry
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Health and Diseases
• Work Experience in the Animal Sector
• Zoological Animal Health & Husbandry

Year 2
• Animal Breeding & Genetics
• Investigative Research Project
• Advanced Animal Nutrition
• Human & Animal Interaction
• Principles of Animal Nursing
• Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Management
Either
• Practical Skills in Animal Science
• Animal Metabolism
Or
• Animal Management in a Retail Environment
Exotic Animal Husbandry

You will gain a wide variety of  skills and techniques by working in a realistic animal care environment that includes a range of small mammals and exotic animals.

You will work on your own as well as in a group, developing your independent study skills. Class based lessons will give you a full understanding of the theory of working with animals and expand your knowledge for assessments. During the course of the academic year, you will be involved in relevant visits, locally and nationally. For Level 1 there will also be an opportunity to gain hands on experience either as an individual, independent work placement or supported group placement.

Level 2 and Level 3 – a one day per week work placement is an integral part of the course as well as other opportunities to work with employers either on site or as guest speakers.

Level 1 All units will have observed and written assessments. These could be in the form of posters, leaflets, completing assignment tasks or answering questions.

Level 2 There are exam elements for Animal Biology and Animal Welfare. Remaining units have graded assignments to complete.

Level 3 there are exam elements for Animal Biology, Animal Welfare & Ethics and Animal Breeding & Genetics. Remaining units have graded assignments to complete.

Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Land-based Studies - Animal Care
Progression from an Entry Level in a relevant subject with English and Maths at Entry Level 3