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Level 2 Diploma Animal Care & T Level Foundation Year

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2

Course Overview

This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to access the animal industry and/or progress through to the L3 T-Level.

Students are able to develop practical skills in animal husbandry and gain underpinning knowledge of animal-related topics. Students will work with a range of animals inclusive of small mammals, farm livestock, exotic and zoo species housed in our extensive animal collection which is managed by our highly experienced and knowledgeable Animal Technicians.

The course also provides an opportunity for students to develop personal, social and employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners.

As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths or English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment or progression to the L3 T-Level.

Course Code

FF2CANM1B0

End Date

Fri, 04 Jul 2025

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and science or maths at a grade 4 or above

Course information

Units studied include: Practical Animal Health, Animal Biology and Health, Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour Assessment and Safe Handling, Feeding, Accommodation and Moving Animals, Industry Placement. GCSE maths or English

1 year

This course is delivered through a range of theory and practical lessons.

Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, coursework, homework and successful completion of industry placement.

Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care. GCSE maths and English (where applicable) plus creditation for completion of the T-level Transition Programme

You will complete industry placement every week on our Animal Education Centre as part of your professional development and a set number of hours of industry placement externally (approximately 2 weeks).

This course is specifcially designed to lead onto a L3 T-level and for those who want to achieve a L3 qualification but may not quite be ready at the direct point of leaving school. It can also lead to employment within: Retail e.g. pet stores, Kennels & catteries, Farm parks & farms, Pet sitting/dog walking services, Dog grooming, Veterinary nursing, Animal welfare.

Level 2

Working in the animal industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication.

You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, be physically fit and be able to carry out routine husbandry tasks e.g. checking livestock out on our 400-acre estate, dog walking, cleaning out enclosures, preparing a range of animal feeds and working with ALL of our animals to provide the highest possible standard of care.

We have a strict dress code for working in our Animal Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our animals.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability or additional educational need, please let us know when you apply so that we can fully assess for any support you may require. You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events.

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