Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care

Course Code

Animal Care

Course Type

Course Duration

1 year

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025
Animal care lecturer passing insect to student

Are you passionate about working with animals and looking to turn that interest into a career? Our Level 2 Animal Care course is designed for school leavers who want to gain hands-on experience and develop the knowledge needed to work in the animal care industry. This qualification covers a wide range of topics and is assessed through written assignments, practical observations, and the successful completion of a work placement. You’ll work towards achieving a Pass, Merit, or Distinction grade.

We’re proud of our exciting Animal Care room – a modern, interactive learning space home to a variety of animals including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes, royal pythons, white tree frogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and many more! These fantastic new facilities provide you with the opportunity to get up close and gain valuable experience in caring for different species.

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to seek employment in the animal care sector or progress onto a Level 3 qualification.

There are no formal entry requirements but due to the level of the course. Maths and English at grade 3 would be an advantage.

This is a one-year full-time course which is made up of assignment work and practical observations. Units include:
• Maintain animal health and welfare (6 assignments and 2 practical assessments)
• Undertake practical animal feeding (2 assignments and 1 practical assessment)
• Maintain animal accommodation (1 assignment and 2 practical assessments)
• Undertake work related experience (4 assignments)
• Introduction to principles of animal behaviour and handling (1 assignment and 1 practical assessment)
• Introduction to animal breeds and grooming (4 assignments and 1 practical assessment)
• Introduction to caring for farm livestock (3 assignments and 3 practical assessments)

Each assignment can be achieved to a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

 

Students on our Animal Care courses benefit from a wide range of trips, visits and experiences:

  • Minimum of half a day working in the college’s onsite animal room weekly for the duration of the course.
  • One full day of Work placement every other week at Forge Mill Farm (for the duration of the course)
  • One full day working in the college’s onsite dog grooming salons
  • Chester Zoo trip
  • Cotswold’s Wildlife Park trip
  • Crufts trip

Written assignments practical observations and completion of work experience.

Students will be supported throughout the course with a personal tutor and assessor.

Course Details

Qualification

Exam Board

Study Mode

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Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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