- Duration
1 year
- Attendance
- 3 days per week
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
If you’re leaving school, this course is a fantastic introduction to animal care that you’ll really enjoy.
You will work with a range of species including mammals, exotics, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians, all housed within our excellent animal management unit here at Plumpton College.
You will learn the essential skills required to work within the animal care industry such as how to feed and water animals, maintaining their accommodation, handling animals and carrying out animal health checks.
You will also have the opportunity to develop you maths and English skills as well as your personal development skills, such as time-keeping, team work, independent study or anything else that you feel you would like to develop.
Work Experience
Work experience is a great way to improve your practical skills and give you some real industry experience.
You will carry out work experience in college as part of your practical sessions as well as in an external setting such as an animal rescue centre or a zoo, this is arranged by your tutor.
Careers Hub
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Entry Requirements
You need to have ONE of the following
- You’ll need to have achieved 1 or more GCSEs between grade 2-1 (previous grades G-E) or another related Entry Level 3 qualification
- Completion of the Rural Pathways programme and a strong interest in animal care
- Successful completion of a Level 1 course in another area
Mature students without the above requirements will be considered
What is it like to be a student on this course?
The Level 1 Animal care course has been great fun and I enjoyed the hands on practical side of working with animals the most. I have learnt so much about animals and I have also been able to overcome some fears.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course.
