Land-based Studies (Animal Care): Level 1

GCSE English and Maths at grade 2, or Functional Skills English and Maths at Entry Level 3.

Students will also be asked to complete a simple assessment activity during their interview.

*The College reserves the right to ask for a school reference if required

This course will prepare you for further study and training, or enable you to take your first steps into an animal care-related career. Former students have gone on to work in pet shops, kennels and city farms.

Potential career routes in the Animal Studies industry:

• Catteries
• City farms
• Conservation
• Dog groomer
• Kennels
• Pet shops
• Quarantine work
• Rescue centres
• Stables
• Teaching
• Uniformed services
• Veterinary nurse
• Zoos

Please note:

• Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not charged for course fees
• For more information about financial support, please click here.

Additional costs include: Personal protective equipment (such as steel toe-capped boots, coveralls etc) and trips/guest speakers. Full information will be available at enrolment.

This course forms part of a programme study which will be tailored individually to boost your employability and which will include Maths and English as well as a range of land-based and animal-related topics. Functional Skills in Maths and English are included in the full-time programme along with both group and one-to-one tutorials and enrichment activities.

How will I be assessed?

Your practical skills will be assessed as they develop throughout the course and your tutors will watch what you do, ask you questions and set written work to make sure that your knowledge is growing as well as your practical skills. You will also be expected to develop a collection of coursework and assessment sheets, known as a portfolio.

How much practical work is there?

This course involves an average of six hours of practical work on the animal care unit per week. You will also be expected to participate in classroom-based sessions throughout the week.

The course is practically based and students must be willing to work outdoors on the Animal Care Unit daily, carrying out all animal care tasks set. This will include feeding, watering, cleaning out, grooming, health checking, moving animals and general basic maintenance and tidying tasks; for example, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and storing items. Students must be able to work safely, which includes following instructions and rules, and wear correct PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

Modules/Units include:

• 201 - Safe and effective working practices in the land-based industry
• 217 – Assist with the care of animals
• 218 – Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
• 228 - Assist with the handling and restraint of animals
• 405 – Career planning and making applications
• 407 – Interview skills
• 414 – Preparing for work

Work Experience is a part of this course, the hours and dates will be determined by the course tutor. Work experience can be up to a maximum of two weeks on an external placement, you are encouraged to source your own placement with support from the WEX Team and your course tutor. Where external placements are not possible you will be expected to take part in simulated work experience organised by the college.

Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Students are required to purchase steel toe-capped boots, overalls and waterproof clothing. These can be purchased through our recommended supplier, details of which are available at enrolment.

Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 11/10/2023