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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 by a member of animal care staff to make sure this course is right for you.
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 4 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.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Sabrina Tracey
BSc Animal Management student hopes to work with assistance dogs
Animal lover Sabrina Tracey would like to use her degree to work with dogs that assist blind and disabled people.
Sabrina, from Denby, is currently in the final year of a BSc course in Animal Management at Broomfield Hall.
After taking levels 1 and 2 in Animal Care at Derby College when she first left school, she worked in an unrelated sector, but never gave up on her original career goal.
Encouraged by a friend, Sabrina went to an open day at Broomfield Hall, where she enquired about the BSc course and successfully applied for a place.
She said: “I like the way are lecturers push us to do our best but in other ways they aren’t too strict with us and are understanding. I’m not very academic and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to go on the BSc course because I didn’t have maths. It was OK though as one of our lecturers, Stacey, arranged for me and another girl to go to the Roundhouse once a week to do maths so we’d have the qualifications we needed.”
Sabrina, who has a lurcher, a Jack Russel and a pony, Benjy, definitely wants to work with dogs after she’s graduated.
She added: “I love horses but they’re my hobby so I don’t want them to be my job. What I’d like most is to work with dogs that assist people with disabilities. I’ve always wanted to do a job that involves helping people and I’ve recently done some volunteering with a guide dog charity in Nottingham.”
I like the way are lecturers push us to do our best but in other ways they aren’t too strict with us and are understanding. I’m not very academic and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to go on the BSc course because I didn’t have maths. It was OK though as one of our lecturers, Stacey, arranged for me and another girl to go to the Roundhouse once a week to do maths so we’d have the qualifications we needed.
