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Level 2 Animal Care Course in Nottingham

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

Free if you're on certain benefits. Fees apply if you're not eligible. Contact Nottingham College for more info.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Basford, full-time during the day over one year. Students aged 16 to 18 years old do not pay tuition fees. If you are 19 or over, you may still be eligible for funding.

The course covers animal accommodation, handling, feeding, grooming, and health and welfare. You will also study animal behaviour, biology, zoo animals, and British wildlife species and habitats. Entry requires four GCSEs at grades A* to D, including English Language and Maths, with at least one at grade A* to C. Functional Skills qualifications are accepted as equivalents.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Animal Care.

Who this course is for

If you enjoy and have some experience in caring for animals, and you would like a career in a related industry such as zoos, animal welfare or the equestrian industry then course is for you.

Entry requirements

You'll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D), including English Language and Maths - one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9-4 (A*-C).

Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to house and maintain accommodation for a range of animals.
  • You'll develop safe handling and restraint techniques for different species.
  • You'll understand animal behaviour and how to respond to it.
  • You'll learn the principles of animal health, safety, and welfare.
  • You'll study the basics of animal biology.
  • You'll learn about caring for zoo animals and exotic species.
  • You'll explore British wildlife, their habitats, and rehabilitation practices.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and practical, hands-on work with animals. Assessment includes practical tasks, written assignments, and ongoing observation of your skills. You will be actively involved in feeding, handling, and grooming animals as part of your day-to-day learning.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Basford will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant, supports the daily care of animals in a shelter or rescue centre.
  • Kennel or cattery assistant, looks after dogs and cats in a boarding facility.
  • Pet shop assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in a retail setting.
  • Zoo keeper assistant, helps care for animals in a zoo or wildlife park.
  • Animal welfare officer, works with organisations to protect animal welfare.
  • Wildlife rehabilitation assistant, supports the care of injured or orphaned wild animals.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, a deeper study of animal science and management for those wanting to specialise further.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, a route toward working in a veterinary practice.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Animal Behaviour, for those interested in understanding and working with animal behaviour professionally.
Apply on nottinghamcollege.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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