Course Overview
This two-year programme has been developed to provide you with the technical knowledge and specific skills required to work within the animal care sector.
The programme consists of three compulsory elements:
- Core theory, concepts, and skills for an industry area
- Specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
- An industry placement with an employer.
Within the core content, you will gain an understanding of the contexts, concepts, theories and principles relevant to working within the animal care sector.
Topics may include:
- Sustainability
- Business
- Finance
- Equality and communication
- Working in the animal care sector
- Health and safety.
You will take part in an employer set project, providing an opportunity to combine core knowledge and skills to develop a substantial piece of coursework for an employer-based brief. The specialist content will ensure that you develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve a level of competence needed to enter full-time employment.
This section of the programme is divided into Performance Outcomes, covering a variety of subject areas which may include:
- Animal biology
- Animal welfare
- Animal behaviour and communication
- Animal welfare and conservation
- Environmental design (enclosures).
Assessment Methods
This programme is a combination of classroom learning, development of practical skills, and an industry placement. It will support your progression into skilled employment, an Apprenticeship, or into further study at degree-level.
Assessment consists of externally set and marked exams covering the core subjects and an employer set project. A synoptic assignment will cover practical skills and applied knowledge.
You may be required to compile a portfolio of evidence to present at the end of the course for assessment purposes.
During the two-year programme, you will be required to complete 350 hours (50 days) on an industry placement.
Progression Options
On successful completion of the programme, you could progress to a university-level course at University Centre Somerset, or pursue a Higher Apprenticeship.
Popular degree courses to progress on to include Animal Management, Ecology and Conservation, delivered by University Centre Somerset.
Alternatively, you could find employment at supervisory level in animal sanctuaries, pet stores, zookeeping, veterinary nursing, animal care technician, or a kennel/cattery technician.
Increasing numbers of students are interested in setting up their own businesses, such as dog walking or grooming. This programme will give you the essential knowledge to support setting up a small business.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, including maths, English, and science. Alternatively, you need a Level 2 qualification with GCSE maths and English at grade 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.