Animal Care Certificate

Course information

If you ask anyone why they want to study animals, the chances are that it is because they love them and want to work with them! If this is you, then this course could be the ideal first step into your career in the animal care industry.

Our specially designed animal husbandry school is set in the beautiful grounds of Bicton, boasting an impressive collection of animals, with over 150 different species.

This course gives you experience and confidence with working with a range of domestic and exotic species, you will get to study and work alongside an array of animals from lemurs and coatis, to llamas and snakes.

Health checking, nutrition, preparing accommodation and even dissections are just some of the essential skills you will learn as you progress through this one year course.

As a level 2 Course, it is ideal should your GCSE results not be what you expected, or if you prefer a course with a mixture of assignments, practical and exam based assessments. This is also the best option for progressing onto the level 3 course. You will be learning from our experienced lecturers and technical staff, who have worked in the industry before and can pass on the skills to help you pursue your career in the animal care industry.

Caring for animals is an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career. From working in kennels and catteries, pet shops or rescue centres, there are a wide range of careers available on completion of this course.



As part of your course, you will be required to carry out work experience in an animal care establishment of your choice, giving you ‘real life’ experience of what it takes to work in the industry, as well as being able to enjoy visits to local zoos and wildlife parks.

What You Will Learn

This one-year course will provide you with the essential knowledge and experience of working with and caring for a range of animals, including looking at the health and husbandry for a range of species, health checking, control and restraint of animals, feeding requirements, and putting these into practice during synoptic assessments.

You will study units including biology, where you will explore the animal kingdoms and the internal structure of animals.

Breeds and grooming explores the canine and feline breed groups, and care exotics provides you with the essentials in looking after exotic species such as bearded dragons.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths OR English, and a grade 3 in the other, plus 3 additional GCSE’s at Grade 3 or above.

Work Experience

As part of your course, you will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of work experience made out of internal and external relevant animal-based placement. A minimum of 1-week of external work experience (30 hours) is required for completion of the qualification.

Assessment

You will be assessed through synoptic assignment and exam alongside coursework.

Progression

Those who are passionate about continuing their study of animal care can progress onto our level 3 programme to continue their studies, which can even lead onto gaining a degree.

You could also look to gain an apprenticeship in this sector which we can help you with upon completion

It can also help you gain a career once you have completed compulsory full time education in many animal related careers, such as an animal care assistant, pet shop assistant or even a zookeeper.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25

Bicton College

Practical Workshop – VetSkill Observed Structured Clinical Examination

• 13 Feb 25
• 8 May 25