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Level 2 Animal Care Course in Croydon

Cost£1,130.00
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course in Croydon. Classes run at John Ruskin College, full-time over 34 weeks. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 9 to 3 (A* to D), including English and Maths, or a City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma at Merit plus GCSEs in English and Maths. Note that students on this course are required to have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination before starting. You'll work hands-on with small mammals, reptiles, and exotic animals, covering feeding, accommodation, behaviour, and basic biology. Work experience placements at settings such as animal rescue centres or zoos are built into the course.

Who this course is for

16 or 16+

Entry requirements

5 GCSE grade 9-3 (A*-D) including English and Maths; or City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma (Merit) and GCSE grade 9-3 (A*-D) in English and Maths.

A strong interest in animal care.

NOTE:

Students studying Animal Management will be required to have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination. This is common in all environments where individuals are working closely with a range of species. This can be confirmed through your GP; you can find details on vaccination schedules on the NHS website.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to feed and water animals correctly and safely.
  • You'll maintain animal accommodation to the required standards.
  • You'll handle and restrain a range of species, including exotic animals.
  • You'll assess animal behaviour and understand what it means.
  • You'll study the basic principles of animal biology.
  • You'll gain work experience in a real animal care setting.
  • You'll develop time management, teamwork, and independent study skills.
  • You'll practise and improve your Maths and English alongside your animal care studies.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical sessions at the college's animal management unit, working directly with a variety of species. External work placements, arranged with support from your tutor, form a core part of the course. Assessment is through the units covering animal health and welfare, feeding, accommodation, biology, behaviour, handling, and exotic animal care.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. John Ruskin College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You must also have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination before the course begins. Your GP can confirm your vaccination status, and details of vaccination schedules are available on the NHS website.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant: day-to-day care of animals in a shelter or kennel
  • Kennel or cattery assistant: feeding, cleaning, and handling pets in boarding
  • Zoo keeper assistant: supporting animal care in a zoo or wildlife park
  • Animal rescue worker: helping rehome and care for animals at a rescue centre
  • Pet shop assistant: advising customers and caring for animals in retail
  • Veterinary receptionist: front-of-house role in a veterinary practice

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management: the next step if you want to take on more responsibility or move into supervisory roles in animal care.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management: a broader qualification that can support progression to higher education in animal science or veterinary nursing.
  • Level 3 Veterinary Nursing (pre-degree): some learners use this level as a foundation before applying to a degree-level veterinary nursing programme.
Apply on johnruskin.ac.uk →
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