Animal Care Courses at DCG
Turn Your Passion for Animals into a Career
If you’re passionate about animal care, animal science, or working with animals – from house pets to farm livestock, zoo animals to wildlife conservation – you’ve come to the right place. At Derby College Group (DCG), we provide the in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the animal industry.
Whether you dream of working in an animal rescue centre, kennels, cattery, veterinary surgery, or zoo, or aspire to specialise in animal behaviour, dog training, or become an RSPCA inspector, our courses will help turn your ambitions into reality.
Broomfield Hall is no ordinary classroom. You’ll study in a unique environment surrounded by farm animals, exotic species, rare breeds, and wildlife – from donkeys, pigs, meerkats, and wallabies to snakes, spiders, and porcupines. No two days are ever the same in our Animal Centre, where you’ll gain real-world experience in animal care, rehabilitation, handling, feeding, housing, and training.
Our Courses Include
- Animal Care Diplomas
- Part-time qualifications like Canine First Aid
- Animal Care Apprenticeships
- Foundation and BSc (Hons) Animal Management Degrees, accredited by the University of Derby
Whether your passion lies with domestic pets, wildlife, or zoo management, we have a course tailored for you.
Why Choose DCG?
- Practical, career-focused teaching from teachers with industry backgrounds.
- Real-world experience through work placements and volunteering.
- Guest speakers and industry insights to guide your career.
- Dual enrolment with Derby College and University of Derby for Higher education courses.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
For the Higher education courses, you may apply via UCAS or through the Derby College application process.
For all other courses, apply through the Derby College application process.
Animal Care – Course Listings
Adult and Community (4)
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: Flexible
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 08/02/2027
Course Type: Adult and Community
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 09/02/2027
Apprenticeships (3)
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Apprenticeships
Location: Broomfield Hall
Higher Education (12)
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 13/09/2027
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 24/01/2028
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 20/09/2027
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 20/09/2027
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 20/09/2027
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 24/01/2028
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Start Date: 13/09/2027
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical (3)
Course Type: School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Location: Broomfield Hall
Course Type: School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Location: Broomfield Hall
Higher Education Full time
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Higher Education Part time
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Higher Education Modules
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Course Type: Higher Education
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
There are no upcoming events for this category
Key Information
Our Teachers
Our expert and dedicated teaching team boasts experience across the animal management industries, including zoo keeping, veterinary nursing, animal psychology and farming. They will give you invaluable insights into animal biology, habitats, health and welfare, nutrition, behaviour, breeding and training.
We work closely with a wide range of organisations within the industry, such as the RSPCA, Cats Protection and Castlefield Kennels, to offer you opportunities for work experience, fact-finding visits, employer-led projects and guest lectures. Our students have been on placement with organisations like zoos, kennels and wildlife centres. They have also enjoyed fieldtrips to Twycross Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Crufts dog show and even a South African game reserve.
Our facilities and location
Discover our campuses and facilities here. Each campus page contains:
- 360-degree images of our facilities
- A location map
- A list of courses that are run at the campus
- Student Success Stories
Find out more
To find out more about our Animal Care courses attend our next course and career events or contact us on 0800 028 0289
How to Apply
Press the Apply Now button, that can be found at the top and bottom of every course information page and follow the instructions for the InTouch applications portal.
If you are unable to apply online, contact Student Services who will help you complete your application form and will be able to help and guide you to make a decision on the course of study to meet your needs and ambitions.
Animal Care – Success Stories
