L2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care - Full L2

Mode of study

Full Time

Start date

08/09/2025

Entry requirements

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-3 to include English, Maths and Science. Either Maths or English have to be a grade 4 or a Level 1 in Animal care with an overall grade of a Merit.

Teaching staff

The course teaching team have worked in a range of environments within the animal industry e.g. veterinary surgeries, animal welfare charities, kennels, wildlife parks, zoos and farms. They hold a variety of qualifications, including Degrees in Wildlife Conservation, Animal Science, Zoo Keeping and Veterinary Nursing, and are all qualified teachers.

Course Code

CT2ANA1F/1

Duration

1-Year

Location

St Albans Campus

Awarding body

City & Guilds of London Institute

Assessment

The course is assessed by a mixture of practical task assessments, written assignments and presentations. Individual tasks can be completed at Pass, Merit or Distinction level and these will be combined to give an overall Unit grade. The this is averaged to calculate an overall qualification grade. You will sit an external exam and a synoptic assessment as part of the qualification. Work will be required of you at home as well as at college. During your Work Experience unit you will also be closely assessed by an animal care professional.

About the course

This qualification covers the skills you will need to progress to further learning and training, or to enter the world of work in the animal care industries. You will study the following mandatory content: 'Maintain animal health and welfare 'Animal feeding and accommodation 'Animal behaviour and handling 'Working in the animal care industry 'Health and safety for the land-based industries 'Animal nursing 'The principles of animal biology 'Care of exotic animals There is also a requirement to complete 150 hours of work experience.

Career options

Successful completion may lead to progression to: A job in the animal care industry - at a variety of establishments. Progression to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management - dependant on qualifications and references or further education and training in related subjects.

For those of you wanting to go into employment, the aim of our course(s) are to produce competent carers working with animals, with the potential to take up management positions after further experience.

Potential careers:

Animal Technician
Applied Animal Behaviourist
Assistance Dog Trainer
Dog Groomer
Dog Trainer
Farm Worker (Livestock)
Kennel Worker
RSPCA/ SSPCA Inspector
Veterinary Nurse
Zoo Keeper

Course Content - What will I learn?

You will learn a range of practical skills that you will need when working with animals. You will also have theory sessions to back up your understanding in a range of areas. For example: handling a range of animals safely, health checking a range of animals, giving oral medication, feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining accommodation, understanding some of the diseases and disorders that animals suffer from, knowing some basic behavioural signs to watch out for, having basic knowledge of legislation in the animal care industry and a practical understanding of how this affects you.

Candidates will also complete GCSE in both English and Maths if you do not have a grade 4 in English and or Maths alongside your level 2 qualification.

Please contact us to find out if you require any specific equipment for this particular course.

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