Animal Care Level 1

This is 1 year full time course

About the course

The course is taught by experienced tutors who have relevant industrial experience, including work with the RSPCA, veterinary nursing and environmental conservation.

You will learn about domestic, exotic and farm animals. The subjects covered include: checking that animals are healthy, helping to catch and restrain animals, helping to care for and groom animals, prepare animal feed and housing. We will also cover personal and social development units such as working safely, working in a team and preparing for an interview.

The course gives you a chance to improve and broaden your knowledge and help develop your confidence. The course is taught through theory and practically based sessions.

Throughout the year, there will be several key dates when exotic and large animal handling will take place. You will be expected to attend all of these sessions. The large animal handling sessions take place at a farm, approximately 5 miles from Sheffield city centre. Your tutors will also arrange sessions when you will be able to bring your own pets into college in order to practice handling techniques, health checks, bandaging techniques and bathing and grooming. Again, you are expected to attend all of these sessions.

Other visits will be arranged during the year to various places, such as zoos and animal establishments. You are expected to attend the visits. For some of the visits you will be asked to contribute towards the cost of the entrance fee and travel, which you will be able to pay in instalments throughout the year. You may need to purchase some overalls. You will also need a pair of wellington or steel toe-capped boots. You are advised to obtain a USB memory stick (minimum 1Gb). Those in financial hardship can apply for help from the college's Learner Support Fund.

You are expected to study GCSE English and Maths where necessary.

Will this course suit me?

An ideal student for this course is one who is motivated with a desire to learn and who has a keen ambition to work with animals.

Qualification Title

BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Animal Care.

All units are assessed and graded through some written work and practical activities. There are no traditional exams, but this does mean that students need to have good time management skills and be able to work to targets and deadlines.

Students successful at Level 1 can progress onto the Level 2 Animal Care Technical Diploma.