T Level in Animal Care and Management

This course is a two-year technical study programme aimed at 16-19 year olds that offers an attractive alternative to A-levels and apprenticeships. It has been designed with employers to provide you with in-depth knowledge, skills and industry experience to help you gain employment within the animal management industry or to progress to higher education. 

The T Level in Animal Management combines classroom theory, practical learning and a minimum 45-day industry placement with an employer to make sure you have real experience of the workplace. The purpose of this specialism is to enable you to gain knowledge of – and undertake – designing and development processes within animal care and management.

You need to be highly motivated and to demonstrate a keen interest in the animal management industry. A place on the course is subject to interview and you will have to evidence:

• A minimum of three GCSEs at grade 5 or above which must include English, Maths and Science; and a further two or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Please take into consideration that this course requires an element of physical activity: you will work hands-on with a range of animal species (small and large) and you will need to complete a minimum of 45 days of industry placement as part of your course.

On completion of the Animal Management Core Pathway, learners will understand:

1. Health and safety
2. Sustainability
3. Biosecurity
4. Supply chain
5. Learning theories
6. Anatomy and physiology
7. Animal health

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of – and skills in –

• Health and welfare of animals
• The impact the environment can have on animals and how it can best be optimised
• Applying techniques to influence animal behaviour positively
• Providing information researched on an animal to promote animal welfare and conservation

Completion of the Animal Management Core Pathway will give learners the opportunity to develop their maths, English and digital skills. You will be expected to continue with English and maths qualifications if you are yet to achieve a GCSE grade 4 in both subjects. 

This course is continually assessed throughout the year. Assessments include:

• An externally set exam
• An employer set project
• A practical assignment
• A research project

You will be required to supply your own:

• Steel toe-capped boots
• Derby College Group bottle green laboratory coat for practicals (which will be available to purchase at enrolment)
• Derby College Group polo and/or sweatshirt (information will be provided at enrolment on where to buy these from)
• Writing materials, to include a lever arch file, dividers and a memory stick
• Entrance fees to various establishments: as part of the course, you will visit animal collections over the year, so allow around £50 for entrance fees

Depending on meeting eligibility criteria, you might be able to apply for a student bursary to help with these costs.

This course is continually assessed throughout the year. The various assessment methods include written assignments, practicals and written exams.

This course can put you on the path to career roles such as veterinary nurse or zoo keeper, as well as supervisory roles in rescue centres, pet stores, kennels, catteries and dog grooming salons.

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.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk