Skip page header and navigation

Animal Care Level 1 (College Course)

  • Pibwrlwyd Campus
1 Year

This animal care qualification is offered as a full time level one course and is an ideal introduction to the animal care industry.

Practical experience with a wide range of animals, including dogs, guinea pigs, reptiles, amphibians, birds, cattle and horses.

The course offers a sound knowledge and skills-base to allow progression to a level two qualification such as animal care or into employment opportunities.

Course details

Study modes:
  • Full time
Course length:
1 Year

What you will learn

  • Practical experience with a wide range of animals, including dogs, guinea pigs, reptiles, amphibians, birds, cattle and horses
  • Visits and practical investigations widen the learning experience
  • Range of different assessments (practicals, multiple choice tests, written assignments)
  • The course also includes basic skills, literacy and numeracy and the opportunity to resit GCSE maths and English
  • Work experience (60 hours) can improve employment prospects
  • Health and safety is an important part of the course being assessed both practically and a short online multi-choice test
  • Safe and effective working practices in landbased industries
  • Preparing to work in the landbased 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 the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
  • Assist with the handling and restraint of animals

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

Assessment is by practical assessments, written assignments and two online multi-choice tests.

This qualification is available to be assessed through the medium of Welsh and English.

Three GCSE grades at A*-G  or equivalent, good references and a successful interview. Those without formal qualifications will be considered following an interview, references and entry test.

Learners are expected to provide their own wellington boots and waterproofs for practical sessions.

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

Learners will need to provide their own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges extra curricular activities such as educational visits.

More Animal Science & Equine courses

Search courses