Animal Care
(Level 2 Diploma)

About This Course

Why Choose this course?

This is a one year, full-time, course run at our Huntingdon centre. Awarded by City & Guilds, it is an ideal introductory course for those wishing to begin a career working with animals and looking for a good, solid foundation to reflect this. Many of our past students have subsequently gained employment in kennels and catteries, veterinary practices, zoos and other similar establishments.

This further education course is supported by Huntingdonshire Regional College.

“

I have had such a great time, not just learning about animal care but also really improving my ICT skills which were decidedly 20th century. The other students have been great too, really welcoming and friendly, not what I thought returning to education as a 40 year old would be. Best of all for me is the work placements, you really get an insight into where you would like to be in the future. So it's been a good year so far learning lots, making friends and spending lots of time with animals, a real pleasure all round.

”
Anthony Shortall
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Caree

Course Content

This course is taught in an applied manner, such that you will spend a considerable amount of time undertaking practical experience at a variety of work placements, with the remaining time spent studying the principles and practices of animal care and management in the classroom. Course units are subject to change but examples include:

  • Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
  • Undertake Practical Feeding
  • Maintain Animal Accommodation
  • Undertake Work Related Experience in the Land-Based Industries
  • Understand the Basic Principles and Practices of Animal Behaviour and Handling
  • Introduction to Grooming Dogs
  • Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology

Functional Skills

Students will have the opportunity to study Functional English and Functional Maths as part of their programme of study.

Assessment

Students will be assessed by written and practical assignments.

Useful Reading

Recommended reading for this programme will be provided at induction.

Progression/Career Opportunities

Previous students have gone on to find employment in various types of animal establishments from veterinary practices to zoos. Alternatively you could go on to study for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management course provided by the College or other animal related qualifications which, in turn, could lead to Higher Education i.e. University.

“

The Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care offers you a variety of knowledge about the care for animals by undertaking practical lessons as well as fun packed theory lessons. The tutors are friendly and treat every individual equally. You can feel confident talking to them about any problems you may have

”
Hannah Whitlock & Rosie Boyle
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care

At A Glance

Diploma (Level 2)

Course Type

Full Time

(About)

Attendance

Monday-Friday
9.30am-4pm.

(About)

Location

Huntingdon

Course Length

One Year

Start Date

September

Entry Requirements

Students must have achieved a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C-F or equivalent. Mature students with relevant experience will be considered on a non academic basis.

All students must have a sound level of numeracy and literacy skills which will be assessed at interview and must have completed at least one week of animal-related work experience prior to commencing the course.

(About)

Course Fee

Students aged 16 to 18 are currently exempt from paying course fees.
Students aged 19 years or over may be able to get some funding support subject to meeting funding eligibility requirements, please contact us for details.
All students are required to pay a £50 non refundable deposit to confirm their place after interview.

Course Fees

We offer two different payment options; payment in full, or our ‘Pay as you Learn’ monthly payment scheme – details of these payment options can be found here.

Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page.

If you have any questions regarding the payment of course fees please contact our administration team.
Age at start of course Annual Fee Scheme (?) Pay as You Learn scheme (?) City & Guilds Fees**
16-18 No fees payable No fees payable No fees payable
19-23* £850 £85 per month £119
24+ £850 £85 per month £119
19+ Non Employed and in receipt of benefits No fees payable No fees payable No fees payable
Overseas Not available Not available Not available

* 19-23 – you may be eligible to receive additional government funding support, please contact us for details.

** These are current figures and may be subject to change.

Before making any change in your financial undertakings it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be the result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location etc., and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.

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