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Animal Care Level 1 (College Course, Level 1)

  • Aberystwyth Campus
1 Year

Working with animals can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who have a passion for animals and their welfare. There are various job opportunities available in this field, ranging from hands-on animal care to research, charity work and conservation.

This qualification is offered as a full time level one course and acts as an introduction or stepping stone on the ladder towards the animal care industries.

This course is aimed at anybody with a passion for animals and that would like to learn more about their husbandry and care requirements. The course has a large practical element that allows students to be outside working with a range of different animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, goats and horses to name only a few.  The course also teaches theory lessons and will help students develop their theoretical knowledge within the classroom. 

Course details

Study modes:
  • Full time
Course length:
1 Year

What you will learn

Students will gain experience working in a practical setting learning how to care for a variety of animals at two different practical establishments including Borth Wild Animal Kingdom and the University Lluest Equine yard. Students will also have the opportunity to have a variety of educational visits while on the course. Local employers will also make visits to the college to give educational talks along with a diverse team of lecturers that will deliver theory lessons that compliment and support the practical elements learnt.   

  • Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
  • Preparing to work in the land-based industries
  • Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals
  • Animals in the wild and their main features
  • Assist with feeding and watering animals
  • Assist with preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
  • Assist with handling and restraint of animals
  • Progression & Employment

The course is a basic introduction for anyone intending to make a career in the Animal Care industries. Successful candidates may progress to employment or to the level two diploma in animal care. Employment opportunities include animal care assistants in pet shops, boarding and rescue kennels and catteries.

Students will be assessed by practical assessments, written assessments and external on-line tests.

Three GCSE grades at A*-G in English or Welsh (first language) and a successful interview.

All learners will follow a Skills Pathway in which they will develop their literacy and numeracy skills for employment. Students who do not yet have the necessary GCSE grades at C or above will have additional teaching and support to study for either GCSE or Essential Skills qualifications depending on prior GCSE grades.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery, and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits

Students will be required to have adequate equipment for working outside in all weathers. Students will also be required to have the usual equipment for working in a classroom environment.