Level 3 T Level Animal Care and Management

Course Overview

T Level programmes are industry leaders and have been created in collaboration with employers to provide progression routes into skilled and technical employment, higher or degree apprenticeships, or university.

They will offer students a mixture of classroom learning, practical learning on our extensive Animal Care Unit and ‘on-the-job’ experience during a 45-day industry placement. That will give students practical insights into the sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. With a large emphasis on an individual approach to improve on the knowledge and skills needed for their future career goals.

Entry Requirements

New Students

A minimum of 5 GCSE at Grade 5 or above to include English, Maths and Science.

Progressing Students

Progression to the two-year Animal T Level requires that the individual has achieved a Distinction overall in their Level 2 Technical study programme and English and maths at a Grade 4. Unfortunately It is not possible for a learner to attend GCSE resit classes within the timetable at Level Three. All students will also need to have a satisfactory reference from their current Course Lead in relation to attitude to their studies, timely completion of coursework, good standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

What the course covers

This new and industry leading T-Level programme in Animal Care and Management is designed to ensure students have a wide range of the knowledge and skills needed to progress into skilled employment or university-level courses in the Animal Sector. Whilst also providing key knowledge to prepare them for work in the industry. Offering the skills most important to employers in the industry.

There is a large emphasis on Animal Behaviour and Animal Training on the course equipping the students with all of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in animal training. Other key topics include: Animal Health and Biosecurity, Anatomy and Physiology, Project Management, Animal Medicines, Conservation, Nutrition, Accommodation, Teamwork, Communication among others.

It is a Level 3 course split over 2 years (A-Level equivalent) and includes a technical qualification, split into 2 component parts:

1. The Core Component, which teaches the knowledge and underpinning concepts, theories and principles in Animal Care and Management as well as core skills for the animal sector.
   
2. The occupational specialism of Animal Behaviour and Training, which provides students with knowledge and skills required to enter employment or further study in this area of the industry.You will develop a general understanding of:

• Animal Health and Biosecurity
• Animal Welfare
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Animal Training
• Accommodation
• Sustainability and Climate Change
• Ethics in Animal Management
• Learning and Animal Behaviour
• Animal Handling and Transport
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Conservation

You will also learn about topics specific to Animal services, including:

• Health and Safety in the Animal Sector
• Project Management Techniques
• The Animal Industry
• Teamwork in the Animal Industry
• Risk and Data Management in the Animal Industry
• Research in the Animal Sector

T Level programmes are industry leaders and have been created in collaboration with employers to provide progression routes into skilled and technical employment, higher or degree apprenticeships, or university.

They will offer students a mixture of classroom learning, practical learning on our extensive Animal Care Unit. Students will also partake in 315 hours of external industry placement where they will gain practical skills and reflect on a close target set based partnership with their employer. This will give students practical insights into the sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. With a large emphasis on an individual approach to improve on the knowledge and skills needed for their future career goals.

Students will also have the opportunity to take part in an additional six-week short course, aligned with the Raptor Awards standards and delivered in partnership with Willows Bird of Prey Centre. This course is not widely offered at colleges and universities.

This specialist course introduces students to the unique field of bird of prey management, with modules covering raptor husbandry, safe handling techniques, flying birds of prey, relevant legislation, and other key aspects of falconry and raptor care.

The course provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into this specialist sector of animal management, helping students broaden their practical skills and knowledge. Please note that this short course includes an additional course cost.

In addition, students will complete a short Small Animal First Aid course, delivered by a fully trained member of college staff. On successful completion, students will receive a college certificate. This course is included as part of the programme and is available at no additional cost.

Fees and funding

Please note:

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