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Free BTEC Level 2 Animal Care Course in Islington

CostFREE
Duration37 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 2 Animal Care Course in Islington. Classes run at Capital City College Angel Campus, full-time during the day. This level 2 BTEC animal care qualification runs for 37 weeks and combines practical and theory lessons, including hands-on work with over 50 species housed at the Angel Campus. You'll also complete 75 hours of work experience in a relevant animal care setting, plus visits to farms and zoos. You'll need three GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science, and all applicants have an interview and assessment before starting.

Who this course is for

This Animal Care course can open doors to further study or a relevant apprenticeship in working within the animal care sector. Animal carers that this course may lead to include inspection of animal welfare and their environmental conditions, or to ensure that pets are passed on or sold to loving and caring owners, also working towards helping owners keep their animals healthy and happy. This qualification can also support students becoming self-employed, working as dog walkers or trainers or starting their journey as a dog groomer.In the course, you will learn about the animal care industry. This will be delivered through a mixture of practical and theory lessons, whilst working with a range of animals housed in our Angel centre. The course is structured with 3 practically assessed units and 2 externally examined units. One of the 3 practical units involves 75 hours of mandatory work experience in a relevant business. Our animal department has recently undergone a redevelopment in excess of £200,000 and houses over 50 different animal species across all the taxonomic groups. Animals we care for include Degu's, Ground Squirrels, Rabbits, Tree frogs, Chameleons and an Iguana. Plus many more.You will visit farms, zoos and other animal collections during the programme, to further explore and learn from industry standards across the sector. This information will form part of the assessments for both Animal Behaviour and Animal Health.This course is delivered at the Centre for Applied Sciences.

Entry requirements

You will need:Three GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language, Maths and ScienceAll applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to care for a range of animals across different species and taxonomic groups.
  • You'll study animal welfare standards and how to assess environmental conditions.
  • You'll develop practical skills through hands-on work with animals at the campus.
  • You'll complete 75 hours of work experience in an animal care business.
  • You'll prepare for two externally examined units covering animal care theory.
  • You'll explore routes into self-employment, including dog walking, training, and grooming.
  • You'll visit farms, zoos, and other animal collections as part of your studies.

How you will learn

The course is delivered through a mixture of practical and theory lessons in the classroom and on-site with animals. Assessment includes three practically assessed units and two externally examined units. One practical unit requires 75 hours of mandatory work experience in a relevant animal care business. You'll also take part in visits to farms, zoos, and other animal collections.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Capital City College Angel Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant, supporting daily care of animals in shelters or kennels
  • Dog walker or dog trainer, working independently or for a business
  • Dog groomer, providing grooming services for pet owners
  • Kennel or cattery assistant, looking after animals in boarding facilities
  • Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for animals in store
  • Zoo or farm animal keeper assistant, supporting animal husbandry teams
  • RSPCA or animal welfare inspector trainee, inspecting animal welfare conditions

What you could study next

A Level 3 BTEC in Animal Management is a natural next step and opens doors to higher study or more specialist roles. You could also apply for an Animal Care or Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship, which combines paid work with further training. For those interested in veterinary nursing, a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is the route toward becoming a registered veterinary nurse.

Apply on capitalccg.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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