Level 2 Animal Care Course in Northampton

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course in Northampton. Classes run at Moulton College, full-time during the day. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances, though reductions or full fee waivers may be available for eligible learners.

The course covers animal husbandry, health and welfare, and the handling of a wide range of domestic and exotic species. You'll spend time at the college's Animal Welfare Centre, which houses over 130 species including mammals, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates. The course typically takes one year to complete.

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

Who this course is for

Four GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above (to include English and Science) or a Level 1 Diploma with a Merit grade in a related subject.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above (to include English and Science) or a Level 1 Diploma with a Merit grade in a related subject.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to handle and care for a range of domestic and exotic animals safely.
  • You'll study animal health, recognising signs of illness and when to seek veterinary support.
  • You'll develop skills in feeding, housing, and maintaining the welfare of animals in your care.
  • You'll learn about animal behaviour and how to meet the behavioural needs of different species.
  • You'll gain practical experience working with mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
  • You'll understand the legislation and regulations that govern animal care and welfare.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and hands-on practical work at Moulton College's Animal Welfare Centre. Assessment is through assignments, practical observations, and written tasks that test your knowledge and skills across the course units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Moulton College 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 a shelter or centre.
  • Kennel or cattery assistant, looking after dogs and cats in a boarding facility.
  • Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant, working with a range of species on site.
  • Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for animals in a retail setting.
  • RSPCA or rescue centre worker, supporting animal welfare and rehoming.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, the natural next step for those wanting to deepen their knowledge and move into supervisory or specialist roles.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, a broader qualification suited to those considering higher education in animal science or veterinary nursing.
  • Apprenticeship in Animal Care and Management, combining work-based learning with a recognised qualification.

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