The animal and pet industry in the United Kingdom is large and varied. It provides many job opportunities ranging from breeding and boarding kennels, catteries, pet shops and grooming parlours, to welfare organisations, local authorities, stables, farms and veterinary surgeries. 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. Click here to view the facilities and find out more.
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1 BTEC in Land and Environment (Animal and Equine option)
Level 2 BTEC in in Animal Care
Level 3 BTEC in Animal Management
Higher Education Courses (Level 4)
Level 1 BTEC in Land and Environment
(Animal and Equine option) (1 year)
This course is specially designed for students who have a general interest in working with animals.
Programme Content
This programme is made up of eight units including:
Starting Work in the Land Based Industries
Working Safely in the Land Based Industries
Skill Development
Personal Effectiveness
Social Responsibility
Animal Husbandry
Horse Husbandry
Caring for Small Animals
Other topic areas will include:
Information Technology
Basic Skills (Literacy and Numeracy)
Tutorials
Group Seminars
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade E or above or an Entry Certificate equivalent.
Progression
Successful candidates will be eligible to progress to the BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care (subject to achieving a merit). This programme also provides underpinning knowledge for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) and therefore supports entry to employment.
Level 2 BTEC in Animal Care (1 year)
This one-year programme has a high proportion of practical work and is therefore ideal preparation for the world of work or progression to higher-level qualifications.
Programme Content
The subject areas cover the care of a range of animals including dogs, reptiles, small mammals and selected larger animals.
Modules include:
Animal Feeding
Animal Health and Welfare
Work related experience
Animal Accomodation
Plus a range of specialist units
There is a 3 week block of work experience built into this programme.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade D or above, or BTEC Level 1 in Animal Care at Merit level.
Progression
You may progress on to the BTEC Level 3 in Animal Management (subject to grades).
Employment Opportunities
On completion of the programme you should be able to perform a range of practical and routine work activities. You may seek employment in boarding kennels and catteries, breeding kennels and catteries, pet shops, grooming parlours, zoos, animal collections, local authorities, theme parks, bird parks, animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association or other animal related occupations.
Level 3 BTEC in Animal Management
(2 years)
A two year course which covers more of the theoretical aspects of animal care, whilst retaining the high practical standards required by this industry.
Programme Content
The first year of the programme covers the basic scientific and animal husbandry principles necessary for a thorough understanding of the subject. The health and welfare of animals is a high priority. In the second year you study more advanced aspects of animal husbandry, care and behaviour and apply the skills learnt in the first year. This includes supervisory studies and optional units, which enable you to specialise.
Animal Health
Animal Biology
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Practical Animal Handling and Husbandry
Investigative Project in the Animal Management Sector
Work Related Experience
Specialist Units:
Animal Nutrition
Animal Welfare and Breed Development
Animal Behaviour
Animal Breeding and Genetics
Exotic Animal Management
Principles of Ecology
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Animal Collection Management
Pet Store Management
Kennel and Cattery Management
Farm Livestock Management
Animal Nursing
Aquatics Management
Landbased Estate Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills
Microbiology and Biochemistry
Industry experience is an important part of the programme. A minimum of 8 weeks of the two year programme are spent in industry. You also take part in routine duties involving weekends in the College's animal unit. As you progress into the second year you will take on increasing responsibility, for example, organising and supervising other duty students.
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)
BTEC Level 2 in Animal Care (at merit level) or First Diploma in Animal Care
These conditions may be modified for mature candidates or for those with previous practical experience
and training.
Progression
This programme is equivalent to three A-levels and provides entry into certain Higher Education programmes, including the Foundation Degree.
Employment Opportunities
On completion of the programme you should be able to perform a range of work activities, some complex and non routine, often while supervising or guiding others. You may seek employment in boarding kennels and catteries, 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.
Click here for details of our Higher Education Courses.
