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Level 2 Diploma in Animal CareApply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This is an ideal course for anyone who would like to work in the animal care industry. Combining theory and practical work, it includes a period of industry experience. You will get to build your practical skills and theory knowledge through working with a wide variety of animals on our animal unit and also through work experience placements in the animal care industry.
You will have the chance to take part in extra enrichment activities such as guest lectures, trips and assisting on open days.
Entry requirements
You need one of the following:
- Introductory Diploma in a related subject
OR
- Three GCSEs at grade D (3) or above in English, Science and one other subject
You should also have a standard of English and maths equivalent to Functional Skills Level 1.
If you are a mature learner, we may be able to take into consideration your previous experience in your chosen subject.
You will be interviewed and will undertake an initial assessment in English and maths.
You must have a minimum of a Merit grade to progress to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- Health and welfare
- Practical animal feeding
- Animal accommodation
- Work-related experience
- Basic principles of animal biology
- Animal behaviour and handling
- British wildlife species, habitats and rehabilitation
In addition to these units, you will study GCSE English and/or Maths if you do not have these at a grade C or the equivalent.
How will I be assessed?
To be assessed, you will build a portfolio of assignments and undertake class tests and practical assessments throughout the year. Each assessment will be internally marked and your completed portfolio will be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction Star grade.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
You will be required to supply your own:
- Safety boots or steel toe-cap wellingtons
- Derby College Group bottle green laboratory coat for practicals (which will be available to purchase at enrolment)
- Derby College Group polo and sweatshirt (information will be provided at enrolment on where to buy these from)
- Writing materials, to include a lever arch file and dividers
- Entrance fees to various establishments
Long hair is to be tied back and no nail varnish, false nails, ripped clothing, fake eyelashes or jewellery should be worn on the animal unit.
What can I do after this course?
If you achieve well on this course, you could progress to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management or go into employment or an apprenticeship.
Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Animal Care as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
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Lauren Cooper
One of Lauren’s best ever decisions
Going to Derby College to study animal management is, says higher education student Lauren Cooper, one of the best decisions she has ever made. Lauren, who took her level three qualifications with the College, is now on a higher education animal management course. She hopes to work in a zoo or in canine rehabilitation in the future. Although she has always loved animals, Lauren hadn't realised such learning opportunities were available to her when she first left school with GCSEs. That all changed though after she went along to an open day at Broomfield Hall with her sister Natasha – a Derby College floristry student. As a then 24 year old with a young child, Lauren discovered that she qualified for free tuition on the level 3 animal care course, bursary help with her travel expenses and a free on-site nursery place for son Zander. Lauren, who has two lurchers and a lizard named Scott at home, particularly relishes the hands-on elements of her HNC course – especially handling more unusual species such as porcupines and skunks. Supportive tutors and family fun days which 'tractor mad' Zander loves, are also among other great aspects of studying at Broomfield Hall.
She said: "Taking the decision to come to Broomfield Hall was a no brainer.
"I loved everything about the level 3 course and I'm really enjoying the higher education course I'm on now. I hope my experience will be an inspiration to other people who have a passion for learning how to look after animals."
