Equine and Animal Care

(Nov Start) BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Land Based Studies

Duration: 28 weeks
Attendance: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Plumpton College

Course Overview

Dive into practical horse and animal handling techniques and develop valuable skills with this Level 1 qualification. You'll enhance transferable skills like resilience, personal organisation, and self-development, setting a strong foundation for your future.

Designed with your needs in mind and for those comfortable around horses, this course introduces you to the dynamic equine and animal sectors while offering a supportive environment with smaller group sizes. With just two days in college, it's perfect for those looking to smoothly transition into a mainstream setting.

You will learn to:

Handle horses and other animals
Assess the health of horses and other animals e.g. TPR, body condition scoring, tending to basic cuts and wounds
Learn how to care for horses and other animals e.g. mucking out, exercising, feeding, grooming
Personal organisation and planning
Creating a personal development programme and setting goals

Assessment

You will be assessed through practical assessments, theory knowledge and written assignments.

As part of your course, you will undertake a minimum of 75 hours of work experience which provides a fantastic opportunity to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting and build connections in the industry.

Entry Requirements

If Maths and/or English has not been achieved at GCSE level, you will need to retake these alongside your study programme.

To ensure your safety and comfort, please come prepared with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): yard boots, a riding hat for horse handling, gloves, jodhpurs, and overalls for working with animals. This essential gear will help you fully engage in practical activities.

Please note; you must have turned 16 on or before 1September 2024 to apply and be 16-18 years of age.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Future Opportunities & Career Progression

Successful completion of this course will enable progression to:

Level 1 Diploma in Land Based Studies (Horse Care)

Or (depending on GCSE entry requirements)

Level 2 Diploma in Equine Management
Level 2 First Award in Animal Care

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.

Bursaries & financial support

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.

Course fees and funding

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.

Equipment & PPE

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.