The animal and pet industry in the United Kingdom is large and varied. Employers are looking for commitment and skills and aptitude in dealing with animals and our programmes are designed to meet those needs and to provide the best
career opportunity.
BCA has extensive experience in the provision of quality education and training for animal related subjects. Our Animal Centre has been custom designed and equipped to a high standard and provides a range of teaching areas and animal handling facilities.
In addition to the College Animal Centre other excellent resources include:
• Exotics building
• Extended outdoor aviaries
• Farm livestock paddocks
• Kennels and dog training facilities
• Science laboratories
Click here to view the facilities and find out more.
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal Care)
Level 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma & Extended Diploma in Animal Management
Higher Education Courses (Level 4)
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal Care) (1 year)
The aim of this course is to provide a sound knowledge and the skills base which will allow progression to further learning or qualifications, or into employment opportunities.
Programme Content
This programme is made up of units including:
- Check that a small animal is healthy
- Assist with catching and restraining a small mammal
- Groom small animals
- Care of farm animals
- Maintain the safety of self and others in the workplace
- Working in a team
- Farm animal health
- Assist with the feedstuffs for small animals
- Maintain the health of horses
- Self-management skills
- Assist with animal accommodation
- Preparing for an interview
Other topic areas will include:
- Functional skills
- Tutorials
- Group seminars
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade E or above to include English, Maths and Science, or an Entry Certificate equivalent.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment Method
All assignments are made up of a series of tasks, which are assessed as pass or fail only. Tasks can vary in format; some may be performance based and others will focus on the underpinning knowledge of the unit.
Equipment needed
BCA polo shirt, wellingtons and boiler suit.
Progression
Successful candidates will be eligible to progress to the BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care (subject to individual performance and attendance). This programme also provides underpinning knowledge for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and therefore supports entry to employment.
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme, you will be able to perform a range of work activities, some complex and non routine. You may seek employment in boarding and breeding kennels and catteries, pet shops, grooming parlours, zoos, animal collections, theme parks, bird parks, animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association or other animal related occupations.
BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care (1 year)
This one-year programme will provide you with the opportunity to develop a practical understanding of how to care for a wide variety of animals through both theory and practical sessions and assessments. You will gain vital work experience, which will provide ideal preparation for the world of work or progression to higher-level qualifications.
Programme content
This course covers the care of a range of animals including dogs, reptiles, small mammals and selected larger animals.
Modules include:
- Animal feeding
- Animal health and welfare
- Animal accommodation
- Work related experience
- Functional skills
Plus a range of specialist units.
There is a 4 week block of work experience built into this programme.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade D or above, to include; English, Maths, Science, or BTEC Level 1 in Animal Care (based upon individual learner performance and attendance).
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
This course is assignment-based. To pass an assignment, a learner must demonstrate a reasonable level of practical skill as detailed in the qualification but may need to seek clarification. Merit and Distinction represent an increasing ability to work alone, solve problems and be creative.
Equipment needed
BCA polo shirt, wellingtons and boiler suit.
Progression
You may progress on to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, subject to achieving an overall Distinction (to include a Distinction in Biology).
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme you will be able to perform a range of practical and routine work activities within an animal related organisation.
NPTC Level 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma & Extended Diploma in Animal Management (2 years)
These courses are designed to provide opportunities for you to demonstrate the skills and understanding of animal management. The first year of the programme covers the basic scientific and animal husbandry principles necessary for a thorough understanding of the subject. In the second year, you will study more advanced aspects of animal husbandry, care and behaviour and apply the skills learnt in the first year. Optional units will enable you to specialise in your chosen field.
Programme content
This course covers animal health, accommodation, anatomy and physiology, biology, behaviour and communication, welfare and breed development, exotic pet health and husbandry, breeding and genetics, principles of zoo animal health and husbandry, animal nutrition, wildlife rehabilitation, the principles of feeding, animal handling, safe working and functional skills.
Optional units include farm livestock husbandry and management, principles of aquatics husbandry and management, biochemistry and microbiology, animal training, kennel and cattery management, and animal nursing.
Work related experience and an investigative project are also required.
Entry requirements
You should possess one or more of the following:
Four passes at GCSE Grade C or above (to include Maths,
Science and English), or BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care
(subject to achieving an overall Distinction to include a
Distinction in Biology).
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through assignments, graded as
Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Equipment needed
BCA polo shirt, wellingtons and boiler suit.
Progression
This programme is equivalent to three A-Levels and provides
entry into certain Higher Education programmes, including
the Foundation Degree in Animal Welfare and Behaviour
offered at BCA.
Employment opportunities
On completion of the programme you will be able to perform
a range of work activities, some complex and non routine,
often while supervising or guiding others.
Click here for details of our Higher Education Courses.
