Course: Animal Care Level 2
Study Level
Level 2
Location
Great Yarmouth Campus
Lowestoft Campus
Duration
1 Year
FT / PT
Full-time
"At UmPhafa, the students are exposed to life on a game reserve from various perspectives by actually working alongside those that work here on a daily basis. Over the course of the trip, the students are exposed to many different game reserve areas to give them an idea of conservation through an educational experience. We were delighted to have East Coast College join us as it gave us the chance to educate and show the students interested in the field of conservation the practicalities of running a game reserve."
UmPhafa Nature Reserve
Amanda Warren, Reserve Manager
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the animal care sector. You will gain theoretical and practical hands-on experience, and this will be accompanied by a greater understanding on key themes such as animal health and welfare, feeding and accommodation, exotics, science and British habitats.
You will help the animal care team in the daily care and maintenance of our own on-site animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, a leopard gecko, bearded dragon and snakes. You will be taught by experts in the animal care industry, including a veterinary nurse, experts in exotics, animal behaviour and ecology.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a work placement in a local animal care setting. Many of our students have undertaken placements at Africa Alive, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, dog rescue centres, local vet practices, charities, conservation trusts and animal sanctuaries.
Modules you will study include:
- Animal behaviour
- Animal health
- Wildlife
- Practical handling and restraint
- Veterinary nursing
- Animal welfare
Why study with us:
- We offer a curriculum designed in partnership with industry professionals including trips to zoos and nature reserves both in the UK and abroad. These experiences will assist you to achieve your qualification and future career connections.
- We have excellent collaboration and placement opportunities across Norfolk and Suffolk, including Africa Alive, Colchester Zoo, RSPB Minsmere, Sea Life Great Yarmouth and the UmPhafa Nature Reserve in South Africa.
- You will benefit from experience looking after our on-site animals where you will be responsible for health checking, monitoring behaviour and general feeding and care.
Requirements
This course is for students who have a passion for animals, are keen on understanding the development of the animals and the essentials for the care needs of the animals. You will need five GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including English, maths and a science or have completed the Animal Care Level 1 course
It is also aimed at students who have not achieved Grade 4 or above in English/maths and so will be taking these functional skills qualifications alongside the main animal science course.
The course is science based and so an interest in science is also required.
Assessment
You will be assessed through assignments which are graded. GCSE qualifications will be assessed through coursework and formal examinations. You will also complete 150 hours of work placement within the animal care sector throughout the year.
Progression
Animal Care is an excellent course if you want to go on to study a degree in subjects such as veterinary nursing, animal rehabilitation, ecology, conservation or animal welfare. You can progress to study FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management (Wildlife and Zoo) through the University of Suffolk at East Coast College or other universities.
You can progress to the Animal Management Level 3 course, an apprenticeship or employment.
Related Study Programmes
Introduction to Animal Care Level 1
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Animal Management Level 3
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Level 3
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FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management (Wildlife and Zoo)
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