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Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care (Animal Care & Welfare)

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2
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Two students petting a porcupine

Course Overview

This course is ideal for school leavers seeking employment within the animal industry upon completion of their studies, providing an opportunity to explore this diverse industry, develop practical skills in animal husbandry and gain underpinning knowledge of animal-related topics and build on any existing knowledge. Students will work with a range of animals inclusive of small mammals, farm livestock and exotic species housed in our extensive animal collection.

This course also provides an opportunity for students to develop practical employability skills through the completion of industry placement on our Animal Education Centre and through external industry placement.

As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and 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.

This course is not designed to allow progression to L3 T-Levels; it is anticipated that on completion all students will go direclty into industry.

Course Code

FF2BANM1B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English, science and maths.

Course Code

FF2BANM1B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English, science and maths.

Course information

A combination of units are studied covering all elements of animal husbandry and care

2 Years

The course is delivered through a range of theory and practical sessions; it is essential that students are able to work productively in both settings

Assessment takes place through the completion of work/logbooks, courswork and practical assessment.

L2 Diploma in Work-Based Animal Care (Animal Care & Welfare). GCSE maths and English

You will complete industry placement every week at our Animal Education Centre as well as external industry placement (hours to be confirmed).

This course can lead to employment within retail e.g. pet stores, kennels and catteries, farm parks & farms, pet sitting/dog walking services, animal welfare officer, animal technician

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.

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.