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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 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.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Annie Dowell
Kennel owner Annie loved every minute of Animal Care course
For former Derby College student Annie Dowell getting a job working with animals was inevitable.And, thanks in part to the practical work experience and the qualifications she gained on her Animal Care level 3 course; she now runs a boarding kennels.Annie first got to know Coppice Kennels and Cattery in Melbourne while at Derby College and later took a Saturday job there as a dog walker.After leaving College with a triple distinction she went on to take a dog grooming course at Broomfield and then worked at dog re-homing centres in Wales and Spain.In 2012 she took over the running of Coppice Kennels and is now responsible, with fiancé Matt for looking after 40 dogs, 15 cats as well as up to five foster dogs.Annie loved her time at College – especially the caring for wildlife part and gaining work experience at Twycross Zoo.
She said: "I loved absolutely every minute of my course and wish I could do it all again. I'm always recommending Broomfield to our dog walkers, who are young and keen to get into animal care."
