Animal Care - Level 2

Learn to understand the behaviours and enhance the welfare of a wide range of animals, from common domestic pets to exotic reptiles and birds.
Course overview
This programme is designed to give you a good understanding of how to care for animals. Learning will be through a combination of classroom-based and practical workshops using the campus’s fully-equipped animal care unit.
There will be opportunities to visit animal care organisations, including wildlife parks, zoos and small businesses. You will also have the opportunity to meet a variety of employers, and take part in activities such as Wolf Watch UK, beach cleans, an annual dog show and other events. Learners will have the opportunity to gain a recognised First Aid qualification along with other experiences designed to improve employability skills.
Key facts:
Qualification: City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care
Duration: One year
Course content
A selection of unit titles is shown below:
- Maintain Animal Health & Welfare
- Animal Feeding and Accommodation
- Working in the Animal Care Industry
- The Principles of Animal Biology
- Animal Behaviour and Handling
- Kennels and Catteries
- Animal Breeds and Grooming
Assessment
Assessment is continuous, with end of module exams, a synoptic assessment and a range of practical and written assignments. This course includes 150 hours of work experience gained from working one day a week in our animal care unit and along with a placement within an industry setting. All full-time students are required to study maths and English to at least GCSE level.
Maths and English
All students following a full-time programme of study at HLC will study English and maths as part of their studies, please refer to the Study Programmes page of this website.
Entry requirements
- Four GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) or above (to include maths, science and English) or successful completion of a suitable and relevant Level 1 qualification at Distinction grade
- Successful interview and initial assessment in literacy and numeracy
- Applicants will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the chosen subject area
Progression
Progression routes shown below are dependent on successful completion of qualifications and meeting entry criteria.
Study options may include:
- Animal Management - Level 3
- Apprenticeship in Animal Care
Employment options may include:
- Kennels or Catteries
- Animal Sanctuaries
- Pet Shops
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Course costs
Aged 16 - 18 years: There are no tuition or exam fees
Aged 19 years or over (at the start of the course): Tuition Fee £995 | Registration/Exam Fee £165
Additional Course Costs: £185
Personal Equipment: You will also be expected to buy your own equipment costing approximately £35.
Please Note: Costs are subject to change, please call Enquiries on 0800 032 1986 to check.
See Also: Fees Guidance - Full Time and Fee Reductions for Adults
Apprenticeships
We also offer the following Apprenticeships as an alternative to full-time study:
- Animal Care & Welfare Assistant, Level 2
Course content
As an employed apprentice you will gain practical skills along with knowledge and behaviours relevant to your chosen course, including:
- Cleaning & Maintaining Animal Accommodation
- Providing Feed & Water to Animals
- Promoting & Maintaining the Wellbeing of Animals
- Grooming animals
- Handling & Restraining Animals
- Training Animals
Duration and attendance
You will spend most of your time in the workplace employed as an apprentice. There will be knowledge workshops planned within your course. You will be expected to attend functional skills classes unless you already have prior achievement. Duration is 12−24 months depending on the level of study.
Contact
Telephone: 0800 032 1986
Email: admissions@hlcollege.ac.uk