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Free Level 1 BTEC Land-based Studies Course in Islington

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma in Land-based Studies course in Islington. Classes run at Capital City College Angel Campus, full-time during the day. This hands-on introduction to the animal care sector covers animal health and husbandry, plant growing, aquatic environments, and employability skills. You'll get practical sessions in the campus animal centre, supporting animals daily, and enrichment trips to zoos, farms, and aquariums. Maths and English support is available alongside the course. The course runs for 36 weeks. You'll need three GCSEs at grade 2 or above, or a relevant Entry Level 3 qualification, plus an interview and assessment.

Who this course is for

This hands-on introduction to the animal care sector will equip you with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to animal care principles and practices, alongside employability units that will prepare you for work in the animal sector. You will also benefit from learning from:Practical sessions in our newly refurbished animal centreOpportunities supporting the care of our animals every dayEnrichment activities - trips to the Zoo/ Aquarium/ FarmTutorial support - pastoral care for you individually as part of a small groupMaths and English, if you have not yet achieved grade 4 at GCSE - re-sit opportunities and or Functional Skills alternativesWork experience - both online and in-person This course is delivered at the Centre for Applied Sciences.

Entry requirements

You will need:Three GCSEs at grade 2 ideally in Maths and English or above or a relevant Entry Level 3 qualification All 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, feed, and handle animals safely.
  • You'll study animal health, husbandry, and how to accommodate and move animals.
  • You'll explore the land-based sector, including growing plants and aquatic environments.
  • You'll develop employability skills such as working as part of a team and being organised.
  • You'll practise progression planning to help you decide your next steps.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience supporting the daily care of animals in the campus centre.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical sessions in the campus animal centre, with daily hands-on involvement in animal care. Classroom teaching covers the underpinning knowledge for each topic. Assessment is through coursework. All applicants have an interview and assessment before starting to confirm the course is the right fit. Tutorial support is available individually as part of a small group throughout the year.

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 the daily care of animals in kennels, catteries, or rescue centres.
  • Veterinary receptionist: front-of-house role in a veterinary practice.
  • Zoo or aquarium keeper assistant: entry-level animal care in visitor attractions.
  • Farm worker: animal husbandry and land-based tasks on working farms.
  • Pet shop assistant: animal welfare and customer service in retail.
  • Grooming assistant: supporting qualified groomers in a salon or mobile setting.

What you could study next

The level 1 btec introductory diploma in land-based studies qualification is a stepping stone to further study in animal care. You could progress to a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care or a Level 2 BTEC in Animal Management, which open doors to veterinary nursing training and more specialist animal care roles. If you're aiming for veterinary nursing, you'd go on to a Level 3 qualification and then a degree-level programme registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Apply on capitalccg.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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